Our training program is based on a "practitioner-scholar" approach and train interns to be a generalist in their practice of psychology that is informed by research in the field. Within the context of this generalist approach, the intern, in consultation with the Director of Clinical Training, is encouraged to develop additional skills in training areas that s/her feels is needed, as an acknowledgement of the need to develop both breadth and depth in training and practice.  The training program takes a developmental focus, beginning with a baseline assessment of the intern's competencies to the eventual mastery of these competencies at or beyond the entry level of practice. Emphasis is placed on experiential learning (i.e., service delivery in direct contact with service recipients) under close supervision.

Training Goals and Objectives

Goal 1:   The intern will develop a set of clinical skills based on a broad general knowledge of psychological principles in preparation for entry level practice.

• Objective 1.1:  Interns are expected to participate in a broad range of clinical experiences involving either multiple partners within the consortium or multiple agency levels within an individual agency.
• Objective 1.2:  Interns are expected to participate actively in reading and discussing literature, as assigned during the didactic components of the training.
• Objective 1.3:  Interns are expected to actively participate in all didactic training experiences, totaling approximately 100-120 hours during the internship training year.
• Objective 1.4:  Interns are expected to present a minimum of one formal case presentation during the year in the group supervision format. The presentation must reflect evidence of empirically-informed assessment, conceptualization, and intervention choices.

Goal 2:  The intern will acquire professional knowledge related to clinical practice and a solid foundation of ethical standards.

• Objective 2.1:  Interns are expected to actively participate in didactic training experiences which will involve discussions of professional practice preparation and ethical standards.
• Objective 2.2:  Interns are expected to be familiar with and abide by the ethical standards set forth by the American Psychological Association.

Goal 3:  Encourage the development of cultural sensitivity, particularly as it applies to underserved populations.

• Objective 3.1:  Interns are expected to actively participate in didactic training experiences which involve discussions and case presentations pertinent to cultural issues.
• Objective 3.2:  Interns will be expected to spend a portion of their time at their primary site actively engaged in delivering services to those in underserved populations.
• Objective 3.3:  Interns will be expected to discuss the cultural impacts on their clients during case presentations and general group supervision.

Goal 4:  The intern will develop an understanding of what it means to be part of an interdisciplinary professional community.

• Objective 4.1:  Interns are expected to participate either in multiple training sites or multiple types of experiences within one consortium member agency.
• Objective 4.2:  Interns are expected to participate in group supervision weekly and to engage one another in scholarly discussion.
• Objective 4.3:  Interns are expected to develop the ability to communicate effectively with other professionals in disciplines which also serve those with behavioral health needs.

The internship recognizes the complex and multi-faceted role of the contemporary clinical psychologist and this reality is reflected in the training endeavors.  To achieve these goals, we offer interns training in several assessment and treatment modalities from diverse theoretical perspectives with a broad patient population. The program challenges interns to realistically assess their own strengths and weaknesses and to recognize the need to maintain and increase their knowledge and skills throughout their career. Within certain limits, the internship program is tailored to the interests and training needs of the intern. An emphasis is given to the development of assessment, therapy, and intervention skills.