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Introduction to clinical practice through a university-based psychology clinic has been argued to be an essential component of the training of clinical psychologists. It has also been argued, however, that a university-based clinic does not provide trainee therapists with realistic exposure to the world of clinical practice. The records maintained by the University of New South Wales School of Psychology Clinic over a 7-year period were examined in order to evaluate the actual and potential role of such university-based clinics, both in training and in provision of psychological services to the wider community. The range of people who received services through the psychology clinic, the nature and range of their difficulties, and the volume and consistency of services provided all indicate that this clinic has provided valuable, and relevant, training and service delivery functions.

Introduction to clinical practice through a university-based psychology clinic has been argued to be an essential component of the training of clinical psychologists. It has also been argued, however, that a university-based clinic does not provide trainee therapists with realistic exposure to the world of clinical practice. The records maintained by the University of New South Wales School of Psychology Clinic over a 7-year period were examined in order to evaluate the actual and potential role of such university-based clinics, both in training and in provision of psychological services to the wider community. The range of people who received services through the psychology clinic, the nature and range of their difficulties, and the volume and consistency of services provided all indicate that this clinic has provided valuable, and relevant, training and service delivery functions.