INSTITUTE, W.Va. — West Virginia State University (WVSU) psychology students are getting the opportunity to take part in a revolutionary new treatment for chemical dependency through an experiential learning opportunity with Thomas Memorial Health Systems.
Through the psychology practicum program, WVSU students have been taking part in an ongoing project conducting a pilot study of a new treatment for chemical dependency using the N-2 stimulator.
The N-2 stimulator targets areas of the brain involved in addiction and preliminary results have demonstrated this treatment method dramatically reduces cravings for drugs and alcohol. Along with brain stimulation, individual, educational and group therapies are provided for patients in the program.
WVSU psychology students placed in the practicum program participate in intake interviews, group therapies, conduct educational groups on the importance of hobbies as coping strategies and assist in aftercare placements.
“It was a very good experience,” said junior psychology major Yassmine Alsaadi, who participated in the practicum program in spring 2019. “I learned a lot of new things.”
Senior psychology major Karen Giron said the practicum experience gave her valuable new insight from observing patients in the program, while also giving her practical experience in assisting in group therapy sessions and other treatments.
Junior psychology major Shirley Elmore said participating in the practicum program reinforced her desire to go to graduate school and become a counselor after graduating from WVSU.
“I loved it,” Elmore said. “It was such a valuable experience and I would highly recommend it for other psychology students.”
This experiential learning opportunity at Thomas Memorial Health Systems is one of 40 sites available to qualifying WVSU students.
Since its inception, the psychology practicum program has placed 150 WVSU students in experiential learning environments, which results in students acquiring valuable experience making them more competitive in the job market and in application to graduate programs.
For more information about the program and the application process, contact Dr. Paula K. McCoy at or (304) 766-3180.
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