Pitt HomeFind PeopleContact Us
Pitt student Pitt students Pitt friends Pitt students Pitt student Pitt student

 

Pre-Doctoral Internships

Letter from the Training Director The Setting The Training Program

Stipends & Benefits To Apply Staff Profiles

The Setting

The University of Pittsburgh is located in the heart of one of the nation's top 25 largest metropolitan areas. Many people have an image of Pittsburgh as a smoky steel town, but the "new" Pittsburgh is home to 31 colleges and universities, 50 hospitals, and over 700 advanced technology companies. Eighty-five percent of the work force is employed in non-manufacturing. Pittsburgh, a city of ethnic diversity, offers something for everyone. Cultural attractions include professional symphony, ballet, and opera companies, the Carnegie Museum of Natural History, the Carnegie Science Center, the Sarah Scaife Museum of Fine Art, the Andy Warhol Museum and the Pittsburgh Regional History Center. The city holds annual festivals such as the International Folk Festival, the Three Rivers Arts Festival, and the Three Rivers Regatta. From local theater groups, to outstanding college performances, to the Broadway Series at the Benedum; Pittsburgh has theater for every price range.

Sports fans can cheer for the Steelers, Pirates, and Penguins, or for friends participating in the Great Race and Pittsburgh Marathon. Pittsburgh's three rivers, hilly terrain, and abundant trees offer a picturesque landscape. The city and its surrounding areas also offer a wealth of recreational activities including hiking, cross-country skiing, golfing, tennis, swimming, and fishing. Downhill skiing, white water rafting, and sailing are less than a two-hour drive away. Pittsburgh also offers the benefits of living in a big city without the usual high cost.

Take a virtual tour of the city »

Top

The University of Pittsburgh

Since its establishment in 1787, the University of Pittsburgh has grown from a single-room log cabin into a major academic institution encompassing more than 132 acres and enrolling nearly 34,000 students. Approximately two-thirds of these are undergraduates and one-third are graduate students enrolled in the 18 colleges and schools housed within the University. Pitt also incorporates a leading medical complex which includes seven teaching hospitals. Among these, Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic houses the largest collection of psychiatric and psychological literature in the nation. The student body is racially and ethnically diverse with some 3,935 minority students and about 1,736 international students. The University is located in the urban neighborhood of Oakland, which is situated only a few miles from downtown Pittsburgh.

Visit the University's Web site for more information about Pitt »

Top

The Center

The Counseling Center is the primary mental health and personal counseling resource for students at the University. In cooperation with academic and other divisions of the University, the Counseling Center works to enhance the learning-living environment by helping students accomplish developmental tasks, and to overcome or manage psychological barriers to their academic, professional, and personal achievement. Preventive and remedial needs of students are met through individual, group, and couples counseling; consultation; and outreach programming. The Counseling Center is located in the heart of campus in the William Pitt Union Building. This building is on the National Historical Building Register as the old Schenley Hotel. Facilities at the Center include private, fully furnished offices for staff and interns, conference and group counseling rooms, and a small resource library. Interns receive a university computer account. All intern offices are furnished with personal computers, printers and videotaping capabilities.

The Counseling Center has a multicultural commitment and works toward creating an affirmative environment in which all students can work and be served. All buildings at the University are accessible to persons with disabilities.

Top

The Clientele

The clientele served by the Counseling Center are primarily undergraduate and graduate students of the University. However, referral and consultation services are provided for faculty and staff. The mean age of students seeking Counseling Center services last year was 23 years. Clients come from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds; of the students seen at the Center in the last few years, 15-20% were racial or cultural minorities. Students coming to the Center bring with them a wide range of concerns including depression, self-esteem, sexual identity, sexual abuse, eating disorders, phobias, stress, anxiety disorders, and relationship problems. The Center serves students through brief psychotherapy, group therapy, structured groups, workshops, consultation and crisis intervention.

Top

The Staff

The professional staff at the Center includes licensed psychologists, those preparing for licensure, licensed professional counselors, licensed clinical social workers, certified addictions counselors, a sexual assault coordinator, and a psychiatrist. The theoretical orientation of the staff is diverse and interns have the opportunity to work with staff who use a wide range of approaches. Most clinicians are theoretically integrative in their work and supervision. The Center's supportive atmosphere allows interns to consult easily with all members of the professional staff on cases and professional issues.

Where We Chose to Live

Most of the staff members live in the following areas: Shadyside, Squirrel Hill, Highland Park, Point Breeze, Regent Square, South Side, North Shore, and Greenfield. Oakland, where many undergraduate students live, is an easy walk to campus. The other areas are either close to the bus lines or about a two to four mile walk/bike ride. These neighborhoods are highly desired because of their quaint business districts, easy commutes, and closeness to the university and three major metro parks.  Bus passes cost $90 per month and provide unlimited rides in Pittsburgh and nearby areas, including the airport. Apartment costs in these areas are reasonable considering their convenience.  Often, the higher the rent, the more convenience it provides.  You can find even cheaper housing outside of these areas but expect that the cost savings will be lost in terms of travel time, expense for gas and parking and convenience. 

Useful Websites

Where Staff Eats for Lunch

It is fun to decide what to have for lunch. Oakland is full of diverse eateries with some real lunch bargains.  You’ll never eat alone unless it is what you want.  Our staff members enjoy going out with each other for different ethnic dishes during the lunch hour including Korean, Japanese, Chinese, Indian, Mexican, Thai, and much more. These restaurants are within a short walking distance from the Counseling Center. Also, there are several truck venders offering diverse and inexpensive lunch menus ($3-$7) on 5th and Bigelow. In the Fall, Spring, and Summer, you can cross the street to the Schenley Plaza to listen to a free lunchtime concert while eating your lunch or just relaxing.  If you need additional information on Pittsburgh restaurants, go to Cool Pittsburgh. This site also offers useful information about shopping in Pittsburgh.

Some of the Things We Do For Fun

Pittsburgh is a place where you can have green ketchup (if you want to). So imagine what you can do here with us. The following are a few of the favorite activities of our staff.

Entertainment Venues

  • Pitt Arts offers the Cheap Seats program which offers bargain ticket prices for you and up to three guests at many of the events held in the downtown area’s Cultural District.  Want to see Ballet?  Bach Choir?  Community Theater? Opera?  Dance?  Broadway shows? Check out this coming season’s events and Cheap Seat ticket prices.
  • Gateway Clipper Fleet is Pitt’s only floating nightclub. Jump on the Clipper for  live entertainment cruises, DJ dance cruises, dinner/lunch theater and much more. Some fun stuff for children as well (e.g., Haunted Clipper Event).
  • Heinz Hall is an elegantly restored concert hall which is home to the Pittsburgh Symphony.
  • The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust presents diverse performing and visual arts programs in the downtown cultural district.
  • The Bach Choir has an exciting musical schedule this season.  Kathy has been a featured soloist in this choir.

Family Fun

  • Andy Warhol Museum: You probably know him for his famous Campbells Soup Can drawings.  Now you can visit the museum of this famous Pittsburgh Artist. This museum is a personal favorite of Kevin!
  • Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Garden:  A short walk will take you to beautiful outdoor and indoor gardens.  Phipps boasts many seasonal shows like: Butterflies!, Trains! and its huge collections of orchids.
  • Carnegie Science Center/Sports Works:  The Carnegie Science Center offers tours through a real submarine, hands on activities and an Omnimax Theater!
  • Idlewild & Soakzone:  Excellent deals for Pittsburgh residents.  Unlimited visits to this waterpark for one very low price!
  • Kennywood Park:  A Pittsburgh amusement park with traditional rides and lots of fun.  Try visiting during Halloween weekend!
  • Kruger Street Toy & Train Museum:  We have a train enthusiast on our staff.  Guess Who! He also is our favorite baker!
  • The parents on our staff can tell you that Pittsburgh is a great place to entertain their curious young ones.   Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium, Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh, and the carousel on Schenley Plaza across from UPitt Union are some of the most frequently visited hot spots for their families.
  • Duquesne and Monongahela Inclines: Pittsburgh is famous for its two remaining inclines.  Ride these historic inclines to the top and get a spectacular Mount Washington view of the Pittsburgh area and both sports stadiums. This is one of those places you will take your friends and family when they visit.
  • National Aviary: Across the street from our home in the William Pitt Union, on top of the Cathedral of Learning is the nest site of a very famous peregrine falcon pair.   You can check out the webcam (like Joellen does every day from March-June) and watch Dorothy and E2 hatch and raise their yearly brood.   You can also visit the National Aviary to visit penguins and other live birds!

Festivals & Events:

For Bikers, Paddlers, Hikers, Skiers and General Outdoor Enthusiasts
Recommendations From Our Staff

  • If you love water activities, a city with three rivers and nearby lakes has a lot to offer.  Kayak Pittsburgh offers rentals and the Three Rivers Rowing Association offers rowing, kayaking, and dragon boating to individuals, welcoming both experienced and novice rowers and paddlers.
  • Allegheny County Parks Department highlights the State Parks and Recreation in the Pittsburgh area.  McConnells Mills offers excellent white water kayaking and some good natural rock climbing sites.
  • Venture Outdoors offers many different activities from hiking for singles to camping, to water and biking opportunities. 
  • Bikes are popular in Pittsburgh and the city has many bike friendly routes and rail trails.  Bike Pittsburgh! has downloadable maps to city bike routes and information about biking in the area.  The Great Allegheny Passage is a 150-mile system of biking and hiking trails connecting Pittsburgh, PA and Cumberland, MD. The connection to the C & O Canal Towpath in Cumberland, MD was completed in 2006, creating a continuous non-motorized corridor, 318 miles long, from near Pittsburgh to Washington, DC. Seven trails are organized under the Allegheny Trail Alliance and includes the Montour Trail for a 52 mile branch to the Pittsburgh International Airport. The Youghiogheny River Trail is part of this route and goes through Ohiopyle which also offers whitewater rafting for those who like to feel their heart beat through their chest and get adrenaline rushes.
  • The skiing at Seven Springs may not come close to skiing out west or in the north, but it does offer some challenging trails and great XC skiing.  In the summer there are many other recreational activities to choose from. 
  • UPitt also has many fine sports teams and we are faithful followers and supporters of these athletes!  Go Panthers! We’ve also got some diehard Steeler, Penguin, and Pirate fans on staff so be careful if your favorite team doesn’t sport black & gold when you are anywhere around the front desk or speaking to James!  Our staff makes a yearly summer appearance at a Pirate’s baseball game.

Diversity in Pittsburgh

  • Pittsburgh has a diverse population of ethnic and cultural groups contributing to the unique cultural atmosphere.  Here are just a few, representing some of the organizations that members of our staff have interest.
  • The Pittsburgh African-American community is continuously evolving. The August Wilson Center for African American Culture is a museum that showcases the history, culture, and art of African Americans from Western Pennsylvania.
  • Pittsburgh's Hispanic community consists of various people from many parts of Latin America and Spain. They bring many cultural resources. The Latin American Cultural Union is a great resource for listings of organizations, social events, employment, and religious communities for the Pittsburgh Hispanic culture.
  • Pittsburgh embraces its diverse Asian community. Asian culture can be found throughout the Pittsburgh community with its many offerings of authentic cuisine, grocery stores, and organizations oriented to increase Asian contribution to the community. For example, the Pittsburgh Indian Community Guide provides a complete view on Indian life in Pittsburgh. There are also a variety of services and businesses focused toward the Chinese Culture as well.
  • The Korean United Presbyterian Church of Pittsburgh has a very active community providing both spiritual and social events for the large Korean population in Pittsburgh.
  • Pittsburgh has a thriving queer community. Many of the city's GLBTQ organizations encourage networking, support, and advocacy. The Gay & Lesbian Community Center of Pittsburgh serves gay and lesbian residents within the Pittsburgh area. The site also provides a great networking forum. The Out Publication offers information on events, news, plays, legal issues, and many other issues relevant to the gay and lesbian community.
  • Also, Front Runners is a GLBTQ running club.  A subgroup of this group calls themselves the Back Walkers. Past staff and interns have been active in this group.
  • The 2002 Pittsburgh Jewish Community Study found that 48% of the Jewish community of Pittsburgh is under the age of 40, and of those ages 22-39, 40% have moved to Pittsburgh in the past 10 years. The Squirrel Hill section of Pittsburgh, which is within walking distance of the University of Pittsburgh, is home to 47% of the Jewish population of Pittsburgh.  Squirrel Hill is a tightly knit third generation community. The online Pittsburgh Jewish Community Directory will help you find whatever you're looking for in Jewish Pittsburgh as well as the Jewish Community Calendar. SHALOM PITTSBURGH would be a way for you to connect with other Jewish young adults (22-45) in the Pittsburgh area.  SHALOM PITTSBURGH offers volunteer projects, happy hours and other social gatherings.  For further information, you can talk to several members of our staff, such as Natalie and Harriet, or call 412-992-5222.

Top

Top

You are using an older browser that does not support current Web standards. Although this site is viewable in all browsers, it will look much better in a browser that supports Web standards.