An integral and scholarly part of all Master's Programs offered at Adler is the acquisition of practical clinical skills gained in field placements. Ongoing involvement in clinical and scholarly activities at professional training sites, including the School's Psychological Services Center, gives students the closely supervised opportunity to apply and further develop the knowledge, skills, values, and competencies they gain in course work. Practicum training requirements begin with a first year Community Service Practicum that focuses on developing skills related to community-based interventions, advocacy, social justice, and systemic interventions that benefit human welfare and well being. Clinical training provided in students' second clinical practicum focuses on developing the competencies needed to prepare students for entry-level practice at graduation. Because the focus is on integrating Master's level education at Adler with Master's-level supervised clinical training, no transfer credit is granted for practica credits earned elsewhere. Students must successfully complete course pre-requisites prior to being approved to begin their second practicum.

First year students will spend 8-10 hours per week over the course of six months at an approved Community Service Practicum site and must concurrently enroll in required coursework. A minimum of 200-250 clock hours of Community Service Practicum is required. During the second year, students should expect to spend at least two days per week over the course of at least nine months at an approved clinical practicum site and must concurrently enroll in two semesters of Practicum Seminars during their field training. A minimum of 700 total clock hours of clinical practica are required, which should include at least 200 hours of direct clinical service, of which one-third or more should be in conjoint therapy with couples or families.

The Director of Training and Community Service works in collaboration with students in identifying clinical experiences that meet the standards and requirements of the program. Students should refer to the Practicum Handbook, available on Scholar 360, for detailed information.