Doctoral Psychology Internship

Organization Type: 
Government
Program Type: 
Curriculum/Track
Education Level: 
Graduate
Educational Elements: 
Lecture/Didactic
Independent Study
Self Reflection Activities
Experiential including clinical contact with patients
Program Description: 

The Central Texas Veterans Health Care System offers psychology doctoral internship training rotations (4-6 months) in primary care mental health integration at each of its primary training sites (Austin, Temple, Waco).  These rotations emphasize development of fast paced skills needed in triage, assessment, and intervention in a primary care setting in direct collaboration with primary care physicians. Major components of these rotations include evaluation and treatment of problems including poor adherence, PTSD, depression, anxiety and other medical ailments causing psychological maladjustment. Interns have the opportunity to collaborate with interdisciplinary teams and a wide variety of medical and physical health providers. Psychological assessment opportunities include dementia and other cognitive screening. Interns also conduct brief, solution focused individual therapy and group psychotherapy with patients targeted at specific health conditions, behavioral change, and other forms of mild to moderate mental health issues.

Other opportunities include participation with a Patient Aligned Care Team model through a system of multidisciplinary, primary care teamlets, pain psychology, and involvement in the MOVE! weight management program. Most importantly, interns learn how to interact with professionals of other medical disciplines and share in the holistic treatment of patients with a wide array of psychological and physical ailments. The assessment and treatment orientation for these rotations is primarily cognitive-behavioral, incorporating approaches such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and solution-focused therapy. Interns will be expected to complete an agreed number of assessments, incorporating behavioral medicine and general psychological testing, and carry a treatment caseload. Required readings are provided for specific patient populations and assessment/treatment approaches. Individual supervision is provided in each of the treatment sites.

Evaluated: 
Yes
Program Results: 

This internship program is accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA) and is a member of the Association of Psychology Predoctoral and Internship Centers.

Questions related to the program’s accredited status should be directed to the Commission on Accreditation: Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation, American Psychological Association, 750 1st Street, NE, Washington, DC 20002, Phone: (202) 336-5979 / E-mail: apaaccred@apa.org, Web: www.apa.org/ed/accreditation.

 
Targeted Professions
Psychology: 
Clinical
Counseling
Clinical Health
Self-Reported Competencies
PCPCC’s Education and Training Task Force identified 16 interprofessional training competencies critical for preparing health professionals for practicing in team-based, coordinated care models such as patient-centered medical homes. Listed below are the self-reported competencies that this program has achieved, which have been organized by the five core features of a medical home as defined by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality
Patient-Centered Care Competencies: 
Advocacy for patient-centered integrated care
Cultural sensitivity and competence in culturally appropriate practice
Development of effective, caring relationships with patients
Patient-centered care planning, including collaborative decision-making and patient self-management
Comprehensive Care Competencies: 
Assessment of biopsychosocial needs across the lifespan
Coordinated Care Competencies: 
Health information technology, including e-communications with patients & other providers
Interprofessionalism & interdisciplinary team collaboration
Quality Care & Safety Competencies: 
Assessment of patient outcomes
Evidence-based practice
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