PSYCHOLOGY DOCTORAL RESIDENT INTERN

POSITION DESCRIPTION

POSITION SUMMARY 

The overarching goal of the CCHS Primary Care Psychology Internship program is to produce psychologists with competency to practice as a general psychologist and competencies in primary care psychology. Graduates of the program will be competent to a) independently provide direct clinical services that are informed by science and best clinical practice in a medical setting; b) work with diverse healthcare professionals along the continuum of collaboration from consultation to team-based models of care; c) develop and evaluate programs in order to enhance patient care and outcomes; and d) participate in the training of future primary care psychologists and other healthcare professionals. 

The Interns will provide psychological consultation and psychotherapeutic intervention for patients and families in their assigned primary care clinic and CCHS outpatient contexts. The successful candidate will provide evidence-based brief interventions (ex. CBT, ACT, DBT, MBSR, etc.) with demographically diverse patients and family members presenting with an array of psychological concerns from opiate and alcohol abuse, polysubstance concerns, homelessness, adjustment issues, to depression and anxiety, as well as serious mental illness and PTSD. The fellow will work in collaboration with, and provide consultation to, a multidisciplinary medical team. It is also expected that the fellow will participate in daily operations of various clinics and mental health team; collaboratively work to maximize disposition efficiency for patients with psychological diagnosis; ensure intradepartmental mental health care is practiced in accordance with best medical practice for mental health challenges and emergencies; collaboratively work to institute appropriate changes to improve patient/employee/third party satisfaction.  

Interns will supervise master’s trainees and/or doctoral practicum students as well as lead/participate in program development/evaluation opportunities.  

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Utilize brief psychological screening tools and clinical interviewing skills to provide a comprehensive assessment, diagnosis, and treatment plan for patients referred for Behavioral Health services.
2. Evaluate patients in crisis situations (such as those experiencing suicidal and homicidal ideation) to determine appropriate course of intervention and execute referrals as necessary.
3. Employ empirically-supported, focused interventions to treat commonly occurring mental health conditions and chronic medical conditions with psychosocial components and to assist patients in successfully achieving their goals. 
4. Facilitate/create group-based cognitive-behavioral and psychoeducational interventions.

1. Administers, evaluates and interprets required psychological testing when appropriate to aid in differential diagnosis and treatment planning.
2. Make appropriate referrals to Psychiatry services, Spiritual Health, and community-based referral partners as necessary.
3. Provide timely patient care and prompt feedback to referring primary care providers, spiritual health advisors, and other allied health personnel (such as dentists and nutritionists) in order to facilitate holistic and comprehensive healthcare within an integrated primary care setting.
4. Provide education to physicians and other medical staff regarding behavioral health standards of care for mental health conditions and the management of psychosocial aspects of chronic medical conditions, ethical practice, and psychopharmacology where appropriate.
5. Actively participate in meetings and trainings that support CCHS’s integrated health care model to provide comprehensive care for clients.
6. Monitor the clinic’s behavioral health program, identifying problems related to patient services and making recommendations for improvement.
7. Provide clinical supervision to graduate practicum students and interns
8. Performs other duties as required.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

Education:   Enrolled in Good Standing in a regionally accredited or accredited equivalent doctoral program in clinical/counseling psychology. PhD or PsyD in Clinical or Counseling Psychology having completed all but dissertation and residency. Will require APPIC/NMS Match Application with Certificate of Good Standing from University DCT  

Experience:   1) a minimum of 350 hours of clinical practicum and 100 hours of assessment practicum 2) preferred experience working with an urban, underserved population, 3) experience providing empirically-supported psychological interventions for both mental health and medical conditions, 4) experience utilizing electronic medical records for documentation and communication within an interdisciplinary medical team .

Mission Commitment:   Christ Community Health is faith-based community working to provide high quality healthcare to the underserved in the name of Christ. Fellow should be comfortable affirming CCHS Mission statement and working in a faith integrative environment, and open to incorporating ethical, culturally appropriate integration of faith related concerns in intervention and outreach. 

Licenses or Certifications:  N/A   

Working Conditions

  Involves exposure to patients of all ages or family members who may have mental illness, infectious disease, or contagious illness 

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

Doctoral interns will follow the guidelines of the Graduate Medical Education Committee, the Behavioral Health Training Committee and the Behavioral Health Training Manual. Interns will have a minimum of 3 hours of clinical supervision with a licensed psychologist weekly, and an hour of group supervision.