Our training philosophy is a practitioner-scholar model. We train our interns to provide direct clinical service in a high intensity, clinically rich environment. It is through this experience, as well as through supervision and clinical didactics that we prepare our interns for entry-level practice in professional psychology.
The following outlines our goals and objectives:
Expected Competencies
- Competence in Research: Scholarly Inquiry and Application of Current Scientific Knowledge to Practice
Aims: Interns will demonstrate knowledge of and respect for scientific bases of behavior. They will demonstrate the independent ability to formulate research or other scholarly activities that are sufficient quality and rigor to have the potential to contribute to the scientific, psychological, or professional knowledge base. Interns will conduct research or other scholarly activities and critically evaluate and disseminate research or other scholarly activities (e.g., case conference, presentation, publications) at the local (including host institution), regional or national level. Interns will demonstrate appropriate knowledge, skills, and attitudes to produce and disseminate scientific research and to make appropriate use of scientific methods and findings in all professional roles. They will display the necessary self-direction in gathering clinical and research information to practice independently and competently. They will seek out current scientific knowledge as needed to enhance knowledge about clinical practice and other relevant areas. Interns will demonstrate competence in evidence-based treatment modalities and an ability to incorporate knowledge of empirical basis into practice. Interns will demonstrate competence in program evaluation methods.
Outcomes Expected: Interns will be dedicated to expanding knowledge and skills, independently seeking out information to enhance clinical practice, utilizing available databases, professional literature, seminars and training sessions, and other resources. Interns will be able to independently incorporate knowledge of the research literature into clinical practice. They will have an advanced understanding of the theoretical basis for the treatment modality, and particular treatment approach. Interns will independently incorporate knowledge of empirical basis into treatment. They will demonstrate knowledge of program evaluation theory, including the rationale for selection of an appropriate evaluation approach (experimental or quasi-experimental, goal oriented, user/decision focused, process oriented, participatory), and be able to apply this knowledge to various programs by independently developing evaluation questions.
- Competence in Ethical and Legal Standards:
Aims: Interns will be 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. Interns will recognize ethical dilemmas as they arise, and apply ethical decision-making processes in order to resolve the dilemmas. Interns will conduct themselves in an ethical manner in all professional activities. Interns will demonstrate good knowledge of ethical principles and legal issues that impact patients and consistently apply them appropriately.
Outcomes Expected: Interns will spontaneously and consistently identify ethical and legal issues and address them proactively, while reliably judging when to seek consultation. Interns will seek to prevent problems and unprofessional conduct and seek supervision as appropriate. Interns will discuss ethical dilemmas intersection of personal and professional ethical/moral issues, and decision making in supervision, team meetings, and case presentations. Interns will integrate ethical and legal standards with all other competencies.
- Competence in Individual and Cultural Diversity:
Aims: Interns will have an understanding of how their own personal/cultural history, attitudes, and biases may affect how they understand and interact with people different from themselves. Interns will have 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. Interns will have the ability to integrate awareness and knowledge of individual and cultural differences in the conduct of professional roles (e.g., research, services, and other professional activities). This includes the ability to apply a framework for working effectively with areas of individuals and cultural diversity not previously encountered over the course of their careers. Also included is the ability to work effectively with individuals whose group membership, demographic characteristics, or worldviews create conflict with their own. They will be sensitive to the cultural and individual diversity of patients, and commit to providing culturally sensitive services. Additionally interns will be aware of their own cultural identity issues and its relation to clinical work.
Outcomes Expected: Interns will independently monitor and apply knowledge of self as a cultural being and diversity in others as cultural beings in assessment, treatment, and consultation. Interns will demonstrate awareness of effects of oppression and privilege on self and others. Interns will apply knowledge, skills, and attitudes regarding dimensions of diversity to professional work. They will discuss individual differences with patients and staff when appropriate, and acknowledge and respect differences that exist between themselves and clients in terms of race, ethnicity, cultural, and other individual difference variables. They will be able to recognize when more information is needed regarding patient differences and seek out more information autonomously, always aware of their own limits to expertise. Interns will be able to accurately self-monitor their responses to differences, and differentiate that from patient responses; they will exhibit thoughtfulness about their own cultural identity, as well as awareness of personal impact on client different from themselves.
- Competence in Professional Values, Attitudes, and Behaviors:
Aims: Interns will behave 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. Interns will engage in self-reflection regarding one’s personal and professional functioning; engage in activities to maintain and improve performance, well-being, and professional effectiveness. Interns will have professional and appropriate interactions with treatment teams, peers and supervisors. Interns will seek consultation and supervision from peers and supervisors as needed and use it productively. They will actively seek and demonstrate openness and responsiveness to feedback. Interns will respond professionally in increasingly complex situations with a greater degree of independence as they progress across levels of training. They will exhibit efficient and effective time management, keep scheduled appointments and meetings, inform supervisors of their whereabouts as needed, and minimize unplanned leave whenever possible.
Outcomes Expected: Interns will adhere to program procedures. Interns will address situations that challenge professional values using verbal and nonverbal communications that are appropriate to the professional context. They will be efficient in accomplishing tasks without prompting, deadlines or reminders, and exhibit excellent time management skills regarding appointments, meetings and leave. Interns will independently act to safeguard the welfare of their patients. They will actively seek consultation when treating complex cases and without with unfamiliar symptoms. Interns will have timely attendance and appropriately prepare for supervision. Interns will display communications and actions that convey sensitivity to individual experience and needs while retaining professional demeanor and deportment. Interns will demonstrate compassion for others who are dissimilar from oneself, who express negative affect (e.g., hostility), and/or who seek care for proscribed behavior, such as violence, predation, or dangerousness. Interns will display consolidation of professional identity as a psychologist and demonstrate knowledge about issues central to the field. Interns will flexibly shift demeanor to effectively meet requirements of professional situations and be able to tolerate ambiguity and to consider other points of view. Interns will demonstrate awareness of own competence and limitations and seek supervision appropriately.
- Competence in Communication and Interpersonal Skills:
Aims: Interns will demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively, interact appropriately, and to develop meaningful and helpful relationships with a wide range of individuals, including colleagues, communities, organizations, supervisors, supervisees, and those receiving professional services. Interns will produce and comprehend oral, nonverbal, and written communications that are informative and well-integrated. They will demonstrate a thorough grasp of professional languages and concepts understood by a wide range of individuals. Interns will demonstrate effective interpersonal skills and the ability to manage difficult communication well.
Outcomes Expected: Interns will maintain satisfactory interpersonal relationships with patients, peers, supervisors, and other staff. They will form effective working alliances and communicate clearly with patients. When receiving feedback from supervisors and others, interns will nondefensively accept, evaluate, and implement feedback into their work. Interns will make appropriate disclosures regarding problematic interpersonal situations and acknowledge their own role in difficult interactions. Interns will demonstrate descriptive, understandable command of language, both written and verbal; concise yet sophisticated and comprehensive chartwork; and clearly and appropriately detailed presentations.
- Competence in Theories and Methods of Psychological Diagnosis and Assessment:
Aims: Interns will demonstrate a thorough working knowledge of psychiatric diagnostic nomenclature and DSM multiaxial classification, utilizing historical, interview and psychometric data to diagnose accurately. Interns will promptly and proficiently administer commonly used tests in their area of practice, and appropriately choose the tests to be administered, taking into account cultural and language barriers. They will demonstrate competence in administering cognitive, neuropsychological, personality, and projective measures. Interns will write a well-organized psychological report, answer the referral question clearly, and provide the referral source with specific recommendations. They will use findings to generate informed case conceptualizations.
Outcomes Expected: Interns will demonstrate a thorough knowledge of psychiatric classification, including multiaxial diagnoses and relevant diagnostic criteria, so as to autonomously develop accurate diagnostic formulations. Interns will choose appropriate tests to answer referral questions, and proficiently administer and complete all testing efficiently. They will skillfully and efficiently interpret tests, making accurate independent diagnostic formulations on a variety of illnesses, and accurately interpret and integrate the results prior to supervision session. Interns will write reports that are clear and thorough, following a coherent outline and serving as an effective summary of major relevant issues. Interns will incorporate relevant test results into the report as supportive evidence and base feedback and/or recommendations on referral questions.
- Competence in Theories and Methods of Effective Psychotherapeutic Intervention:
Aims: Interns will consistently achieve a good rapport with patients. They will formulate a useful case conceptualization that draws on theoretical and research knowledge. Interns will collaborate with patients to form appropriate treatment goals, and enact interventions that are well-timed, effective, and consistent with empirically supported treatments; respectful of clients’ values/preferences; and relevant expert guidance. They will understand and use their own emotional reactions to the patient productively in treatment. Interns will exhibit knowledge of psychotherapeutic group dynamics and work as effective co-leaders.
Outcomes Expected: Interns will establish quality relationships with patients. Interns will independently produce good case conceptualizations within their own preferred theoretical orientation, and will be able to also draw some insights into cases from other orientations. They will consistently set realistic goals with patients, enacting interventions and formulating interpretations that facilitate patient acceptance and change. Interns will demonstrate motivation to increase knowledge and expand range of interventions through reading and consultation as needed. During session, interns will use countertransference to formulate hypotheses about patient’s current and historical inter and intra personal interactions, and present appropriate interpretations and interventions. Interns will be able to incorporate group techniques into a method of working that is consistent with their own personality, creating a distinctive style of working. Interns will work as co-leaders and monitor and teach each other, mutually anticipating and adapting to each other’s interventions within treatment sessions. Interns will be able to formulate strategies and methods succinctly and be able to help others develop as group leaders.
- Competence in Effective Supervision:
Aims: Interns will demonstrate appropriate supervisor and supervisee knowledge, skills, and attitudes regarding instruction and oversight process of trainees and other health professionals. Interns will engage in direct or simulated practices of supervision including, but are not limited to, role-played supervision with others and peer supervision with other trainees.
Outcomes Expected: Interns will collaborate with supervisor regarding supervisory and supervisee process. Interns will seek necessary supervision to improve performance, present work for feedback, and integrate feedback into performance. Interns will also provide feedback to supervisors regarding supervisory process in the context of individual supervision or evaluation forms. During session, interns will reliably identify potentially challenging patients and seek supervision. Interns will be able to identify their own issues that impact the therapeutic process with patients and have ideas for coping with them, and seek supervision as needed for complex cases. Interns will also effectively function as peer supervisors, and see consultation when needed. Interns will provide feedback to peers regarding peers’ clinical work in the context of case conference or group supervision. Interns will identify core skills on which to provide feedback to peers, less advanced students, or other service providers.
- Competence in Consultation and Interprofessional/Interdisciplinary Skills: Effectively Communicating Psychological Knowledge:
Aims: Interns will demonstrate knowledge and respect for the roles and perspectives of other professions. Interns will apply this knowledge in direct or simulated consultation with individuals and their families, other health care professionals, interprofessional groups, or systems related to health and behavior. Direct or simulated practice examples of consultation and interprofessional/interdisciplinary skills include but are not limited to: role-play consultation with others; peer consultation with trainees; and consultation within a direct care team or setting. After conducting psychological assessment, interns will serve as a consultant to the patient and treatment team by planning and providing feedback, meeting with both the patient and the treatment team/referring clinician. They will explain test results in terms the patient and team/clinician can understand, integrate the questions asked by the team and patient into feedback, provide suitable recommendations, and respond to issues raised by the patient and team. Interns will be active participants in morning rounds and team meetings, providing feedback regarding patients’ progress from a psychological perspective. Interns will serve as a consultant by gathering psychological knowledge from the milieu, providing feedback regarding patients’ progress in psychotherapy, and by providing feedback about patients’ progress in psychology-specific treatment groups. They will be able to effectively evaluate, manage, and document patient risk by assessing immediate concerns such as suicidality, homicidality, and any other safety issues. Interns will also collaborate with patients in crisis to make appropriate short-term safety plans, and intensify treatment as needed. They will discuss all applicable confidentiality issues openly with patients, and collaborate with treatment team in an effective manner.
Outcomes Expected: Interns will be able to plan and implement the feedback session appropriately. They will foresee areas of difficulty in the session and respond empathetically to patient or caregiver concerns, adjusting personal style and complexity of language and feedback details to accommodate patient needs. Interns will be an active participant and member of the unit’s interdisciplinary team, attending morning rounds and team meetings regularly, and when appropriate, providing an opinion on clinical issues from a psychological perspective. Interns will bring up clinical issues to the team for consultation and provide clinical input to the team based on their interactions with patients in numerous psychology-specific interventions. With minimal encouragement from their supervisor, interns are able to assert their opinion during team meetings, and are able to make appropriate recommendations based on psychological assessment of patient progress. Interns will adjust personal style and complexity of language and feedback details to best integrate themselves into the treatment team and be heard as an authority on psychological matters. Interns will assess and document all risk situations fully prior to leaving the worksite for the day; take appropriate action to manage patient risk situations immediately, then consult and confirm with the supervisor. Interns will established appropriate short-term crisis plans with patients, and recognize issues that need to be communicated immediately with the treatment team (i.e., threats of assault, suicide, etc.) and act upon them. They will communicate on a regular basis with the team about patients on their caseload including teams off of their regular assignment.
- Competence in Assessment and Intervention within an Integrated (primary care/behavioral health) Setting:
Aims: Interns will develop specialized knowledge of the interplay between medical and psychological conditions. Interns will be able to assess for differential diagnosis when there are co-morbid conditions and provide appropriate and helpful consultation to the patient and treatment team. Interns will become competent in developing appropriate treatment plans and implementing therapeutic interventions within the integrated care setting.
Outcomes Expected: Interns will independently present a case formulation demonstrating the knowledge of medical and psychiatric issues occurring for the patient. Interns will understand the possible differential diagnoses and how to attempt to resolve them. Interns will have a strong knowledge of integrated care systems and are able to provide effective feedback to treatment providers. Interns will develop treatment plans and provide appropriate therapeutic interventions that are designed for the specific medical and psychiatric co-morbidities in order to facilitate patient change.
For Child and Adolescent Psychology Track Only:
- Competence in Child-Systems Based-Consultation:
Aims: Interns will develop an understanding of child systems and the role of the psychologist in interfacing between the hospital and the community. The intern will be competent in making verbal and/or written recommendations for appropriate level of care. Interns will develop competence in liaising with systems working with children in crisis situations.
Outcomes Expected: Interns will be able to describe with fluency all available community-based, hospital-based, and residential-based child systems available for treatment of children with severe emotional disturbances. Interns will be competent in all forms of communication, including in-person consultation and written reports expressing appropriate recommendations and comprehensively describe symptoms and treatments that match with an appropriate child system. Interns will have a nearly independent and active role in working with colleagues from the community such as school personnel or caseworkers from the Administration for Children’s Services.