Our practitioner-scholar training model is based on the belief that professional competence is developed through direct service contact with clients and through in-depth supervision and analysis of that contact. In addition, didactic seminars emphasize scholarly inquiry and the acquisition of theoretical and practical knowledge. To provide this support and supervision, all client sessions performed by trainees are videotaped and/or, in some instances, observed in vivo. Trainees (predoctoral psychology interns, psychology externs, social work interns, and mental health counseling and psychology practicum students) not only have the advantage of supervision on videotapes of their therapy work but they also have the opportunity to observe experienced clinicians at work, using the CAPS's state-of-the-art video and live observation facilities.

The unique training offered by CAPS is focused on the treatment of the deaf and hard-of-hearing population and on the multi-faceted emphasis required to meet both the communication and cultural needs of these clients. The training program in CAPS is designed to facilitate the professional growth of mental health trainees who will become practicing mental health service providers.