For students considering graduate education in the clinical area, obtaining some exposure to clinical work as an undergraduate is worth pursuing. Unfortunately, however, obtaining such experience can be difficult. For over 20 years, Duke students have taken advantage of an excellent volunteer opportunity that is available at John Umstead State Hospital, a psychiatric hospital located approximately 20 minutes from Duke. At the beginning of each semester, a message is sent to the psychology majors mailing list with details about this opportunity. Many students volunteer at John Umstead as part of a class, but the opportunity is available to any interested student. Questions about the volunteer program at John Umstead can be directed to Dr. David Rabiner.

You should also be aware that clinically relevant experience can also be acquired through research practicum and independent study opportunities with several faculty members. Reviewing the research interest descriptions of individual faculty will help you identify those who are working in clinically related areas that you may wish to contact.