The UW–Madison Counseling Psychology Training Clinic (CPTC) opened in 2007. It aims to offer high-quality, cost-efficient, and culturally responsive psychological and mental health services to students and residents of Madison and the surrounding areas. As the name implies, the center is a training facility that is staffed by licensed psychologists who supervise master’s and doctoral students in the Department of Counseling Psychology.
The CPTC is directed by Dr. Pa Her, a licensed psychologist and clinical professor in the Department of Counseling Psychology.
Services We Offer
The CPTC offers individual counseling and mental health services to UW–Madison students and community members aged 18 and older. Currently, we are not providing couples or family counseling. We do not offer psychological or diagnostic assessments at this time.
Presenting Concerns
CPTC services are provided by doctoral and master’s students in the UW–Madison Counseling Psychology program. Our student clinicians are trained as generalists, meaning they are equipped to support clients with a wide range of concerns, including:
Emotional & Mental Health
- Anxiety and stress management
- Depression and mood concerns
- Trauma and post-traumatic stress
- Grief and loss
- Anger management
Identity & Personal Growth
- Gender identity and gender-affirming care (including letters of support)
- Sexual orientation and sexuality
- Cultural and ethnic identity
- Self-exploration and self-understanding
Relationships & Social Concerns
- Relationship and family issues
- Social connection and belonging
Academic & Career Support
- Academic stress and performance
- Career decision-making
- Poor concentration and focus
Life Transitions & Coping
- Adjustment to college or life changes
- Connecting with disability resources and community supports
- Coping with eating concerns
Fees and Payment
We strive to ensure that no one is turned away due to inability to pay for services. The CPTC provides free mental health services to UW-Madison and community members. All services at CPTC are currently offered at no cost to UW–Madison students and community members. No insurance is required.
Scheduling an Appointment
Getting connected with CPTC is simple:
- Call (608) 265-8779 or email the clinic at cptc@education.wisc.edu for the clinic schedule and opening
- Schedule a triage appointment to discuss your needs
- If appropriate, an intake appointment will be scheduled
- Begin ongoing weekly or biweekly sessions
Our clinic staff are happy to answer any questions and help guide you through the process.
Location
UW-Madison Counseling Psychology Training Clinic
Educational Sciences Building, Room 312
1025 West Johnson Street
Madison, WI 53706
What to expect for your Appointment
We make sure clients get the personalized attention and the care they need to heal. The first appointment is called a general intake session, during which you’ll fill out paperwork and discuss your general concerns with your counselor. After this, counseling is completely guided by you.
1-on-1 support
We will try to match you with the counselor with whom you feel most comfortable. During your sessions, your counselor will talk with you 1-on-1 to gain a better understanding of your wellbeing or health concerns. Counseling sessions last approximately 50 minutes. You have the right to choose what you do and do not discuss with your counselor, as well as how often you’d like to attend sessions.
Training model
The clinic’s training model includes live supervision and observation of counseling sessions designed to equip clinic trainees with the skills and support necessary to provide ethical and professional psychological services to best meet the needs of each client. Additionally, all counseling sessions are recorded for training purposes.
Confidentiality
The clinic provides confidential services. The clinic is fully committed to the ethical standards of the American Psychological Association (APA), the American Counseling Association (ACA), and to all applicable legal standards.
Limits of Services
The clinic reserves the right to determine the appropriateness and availability of services for all clients based on available resources and other professional and ethical considerations. The clinic will provide appropriate referrals when necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Where should I park when visiting the clinic?
There is no designated parking for CPTC, but several options are available nearby:
- Metered street parking and parking garages are available in the area.
- Lot 56, located behind the Zoology Research Building at 1117 West Johnson Street (corner of North Charter Street), offers free parking after 4:30 p.m.
- Some 2-hour free street parking spots may also be available.
We recommend arriving early to allow time for parking.
How long is each session?
Most sessions last 45–50 minutes. Please arrive a few minutes early to complete a brief pre-session survey. After each session, you’ll also be invited to complete a short post-session survey to help us improve your care. Session frequency is typically weekly or biweekly, depending on your needs.
What is the training model?
All clinicians at the CPTC are currently students in UW-Madison’s Department of Counseling Psychology. Student clinicians are under the direct supervision of a licensed psychologist. The CPTC’s training model emphasizes live supervision. Live supervision means that a clinician’s supervisor may watch therapy sessions live through the CPTC’s observation room and one-way windows or via live recordings of sessions. This allows the supervisor to offer specific feedback to clinicians or offer support as needed. Other CPTC clinicians are encouraged to observe sessions when they are not seeing clients in order to learn from and offer feedback to other clinicians. Only CPTC and Department of Counseling Psychology staff are permitted in the observation room.
Will my therapy sessions be recorded?
Yes, all therapy sessions are recorded at the CPTC as part of the training model through a HIPAA compliant clinical training platform called Lyssn. Recordings are stored in Lyssn and deleted following the end the clinician’s training year at the CPTC. Only your clinician and their supervisor have access to recordings.
Can I switch counselors?
Yes. We understand that finding the right therapeutic fit is important. While we do our best to match you with a clinician based on your preferences, you are welcome to request a change if needed. We encourage you to first discuss any concerns with your current counselor. If things don’t improve, please contact our clinic staff. We’ll work with you to explore options and ensure you feel supported throughout your care.
Is therapy confidential?
Yes. All services are confidential, and your information is protected under professional ethical standards. Exceptions apply in cases involving safety concerns, such as risk of harm to self or others, or if you share about a vulnerable person who is currently in an unsafe situation.
How long can I receive services?
The duration of therapy varies based on your individual needs and goals. Your counselor will collaborate with you to determine a plan that supports your well-being.
What if I’m in crisis or need immediate help?
CPTC is not a crisis center and does not offer 24-hour support. If you are in immediate danger or need urgent help:
- UW–Madison students: Call University Health Services’ 24-hour crisis line at (608) 265-5600 (option 9).
- Community members: Call the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
We can also help connect you to appropriate crisis resources during regular clinic hours.