Training Opportunities

The SJU Are Not Alone Gatekeeper training program teaches participants to effectively recognize and respond to emotionally distressed individuals who may be at risk for suicide. In an interactive format attendees will learn:

• How to identify warning signs of severe emotional distress and suicide
• The myths about suicide that can impede an effective response
• How to skillfully engage a distressed person and ask about suicide
• How to persuade a person to seek help and refer to appropriate resources

Gatekeeper trainings typically run for 75 minutes. Interested participants can register for a scheduled training. Student groups that request a training will be contacted to set up a mutually convenient time & date. Trainers include SJU professional staff from Counseling and Psychological Services, Student Outreach and Support and Student Disability Services.

Request a Training

CAPS has an active pre-doctoral training program on both the Hawk Hill and University City campuses.

CAPS Hawk Hill fills up to three pre-doctoral trainee positions annually and does not participate in the PENDELDOT uniform timeline. Applications open annually around December 15th and decisions about candidacy are made prior to the commencement of the PENDELDOT timeline (mid to late January).

CAPS University City also fills up to three pre-doctoral trainee positions annually, but participates in the PENDELDOT timeline. Please visit the PENDELDOT website for information on applications. 

In the 2023-24 academic year, these two training programs may be combined into a single experience. Please visit this page for more information. 

Practicum students receive an hour of weekly supervision from full-time licensed psychologist staff. Practicum students commit to a minimum of two full days at CAPS and are in the primary role of providing individual psychotherapy (manage a caseload of 7-10 clients) to undergraduate and graduate students. Practicum students may cover an hour of our drop-in/urgent concerns triage appointments. Practicum students also participate in weekly professional development with full-time staff and are responsible for presenting a case and/or a didactic seminar once a semester.

Please address any inquiries or email materials required for application (cover letter and resume or CV) to Dr. Ernie Hermosisima, Assistant Director (ehermosi@sju.edu) in Hawk Hill, and Dr. Benjamin Barnes, Assistant Director (bbarnes@sju.edu) for University City.