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

Competency 1-Intern will achieve competence in the area of Research

Demonstrates the substantially independent ability to critically evaluate and disseminate research or other scholarly activities (e.g., case conference, presentation, publications) at the local (including the host institution), regional, or national level.

Demonstrates the ability to independently seek out and apply research knowledge to inform their practice.

Competency 2-Intern will achieve competence in the area of Ethical and Legal Standards

Demonstrates knowledgeable of and act in accordance with each of the following:

The current version of the APA Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct;

• Relevant laws, regulations, rules, and policies governing health service psychology at the organizational, local, state, regional, and federal levels; and
• Relevant professional standards and guidelines.
• Recognizes ethical dilemmas as they arise, and apply ethical decision-making processes in order to resolve the dilemmas.
• Conducts self in an ethical manner in all professional activities.

Competency 3-Intern will achieve competence in the area of Individual and Cultural Diversity

Demonstrates an understanding of how their own personal/cultural history, attitudes, and biases may affect how they understand and interact with people different from themselves.

Demonstrates knowledge of the current theoretical and empirical knowledge base as it relates to addressing diversity in all professional activities including research, training, supervision/consultation, and service.

Integrates awareness and knowledge of individual and cultural differences in the conduct of professional roles.

Demonstrates the ability to independently apply their knowledge and approach in working effectively with the range of diverse individuals and groups encountered during internship.

Competency 4-Intern will achieve competence in the area of: Professional Values and Attitudes

Behaves in ways that reflect the values and attitudes of psychology, including integrity, deportment, professional identity, accountability, lifelong learning, and concern for the welfare of others

Engages in self-reflection regarding one’s personal and professional functioning; engages in activities to maintain and improve performance, well-being, and professional effectiveness.

Actively seeks and demonstrates openness and responsiveness to feedback and supervision.

Responds professionally in increasingly complex situations with a greater degree of independence as they progress across levels of training.

Competency 5- Intern will achieve competence in the area of: Communication and Interpersonal Skills

Develops and maintain effective relationships with a wide range of individuals, including colleagues, communities, organizations, supervisors, supervisees, and those receiving professional services.

Produces and comprehend oral, nonverbal, and written communications.

Demonstrates effective interpersonal skills and the ability to manage difficult communication well.

Competency 6-Intern will achieve competence in the area of : Assessment

Demonstrates current knowledge of diagnostic classification systems, functional and dysfunctional behaviors, including consideration of client strengths and psychopathology.

Demonstrates understanding of human behavior within its context.

Demonstrates the ability to apply the knowledge of functional and dysfunctional behaviors including context to the assessment and/or diagnostic process.

Selects and applies assessment methods that draw from the best available empirical literature and that reflect the science of measurement and psychometrics; collect relevant data using multiple sources and methods appropriate to the identified goals and questions of the assessment as well as relevant diversity characteristics of the service recipient.

Interprets assessment results, following current research and professional standards and guidelines, to inform case conceptualization, classification, and recommendations.

Communicates orally and in written documents the findings and implications of the assessment in an accurate and effective.

Competency 7-Intern will achieve competence in the area of: Intervention

Establishes and maintains effective relationships with the recipients of psychological services.

Develops evidence-based intervention plans specific to the service delivery goals.

Implements interventions informed by the current scientific literature, assessment findings, diversity characteristics, and contextual variables.

Demonstrates the ability to apply the relevant research literature to clinical decision making.

Modifies and adapts evidence-based approaches effectively when a clear evidence-base is lacking.

Evaluates intervention effectiveness, and adapt intervention goals and methods consistent with ongoing evaluation.

Competency 8-Intern will achieve competence in the area of: Supervision

Applies knowledge of supervision in direct or simulated practice with psychology trainees, or other health professionals

Identifies barriers to effective supervision and ways to address those barriers

Competency 9-Intern will achieve competence in the area of: Consultation and Interprofessional/Interdisciplinary Skills

Demonstrates knowledge and respect for the roles and perspectives of other professions.

Applies knowledge about consultation in direct or simulated consultations

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.