Postdoctoral Training Program in Professional Psychology
Specialty Areas
Adult Clinical Psychology
The Adult Clinical Psychology track provides advanced training in clinical research and care for Mood Disorders in Adults, also emphasizing co-morbidities and health services research. Our many clinics and experts serve the medical center, region, and state, specializing in Mood and Anxiety Disorders, Behavioral Health, and Women's Health with an emphasis in Perinatal Depression. Clinical training for Fellows emphasizes empirically supported psychotherapeutic interventions for depression, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT), often in conjunction with pharmacological treatments.
Clinical training occurs in a multidisciplinary setting that emphasizes the relationship of biological, psychological, and behavioral factors in the development, maintenance and/or treatment of adult psychopathology. Opportunities are available to participate in ongoing programmatic research and/or to develop small research projects. Specialized research is available in the areas of perinatal mood disorders, stress and anxiety disorders, and health services research involving a number of mental health disorders occurring in the context of general medical and community settings. In keeping with goals of the broader training program, the Adult Clinical Program specialization seeks to develop professionals with the advanced training necessary to accurately diagnose, effectively assess, and successfully treat individuals with a wide range of psychological difficulties, with an emphasis on integration and translation of assessment and treatment within the context of general medical care settings. The program also prepares Fellows to direct clinical programs, educate mental health professionals, and initiate and carry out programmatic research.
Clinical Child Psychology
The Clinical Child Psychology specialty area provides advanced training in (a) the delivery of mental health services to children and families, (b) the integration of science and practice, and (c) the conduct of programmatic research. Clinical training emphasizes the developmental social and contexts of child psychopathology, and the use of empirically validated evaluation instruments and interventions. Fellows gain the expertise necessary to diagnose, assess, and treat children with a wide range of psychological difficulties. In addition, fellows participate in clinical research and develop the skills needed to function as independent, programmatic researchers.
The primary training setting is the Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Hospital. This is a major multidisciplinary center for the delivery of mental health services to children, adolescents, and their families. It is also a research facility for the study of child psychopathology, psychosocial and psychopharmacologic treatments, and mental health service outcomes. The hospital includes a 15-bed child and adolescent inpatient unit, a large general outpatient clinic, a specialty clinic for the evaluation and treatment of developmental disorders, and a consultation-liaison service for the medical system. Each year approximately 400 youth are hospitalized on the child and adolescent psychiatric inpatient unit. In addition, the outpatient clinics are responsible for approximately 1200 new child and family evaluations and 11,000 return visits each year. A broad range of child, adolescent, and family psychopathology is evaluated and treated.
Clinical training experiences include psychological testing and evaluation, intake diagnostic evaluations with case formulations and treatment planning, individual, family, and group psychotherapy, and consultation to other health professionals, educators, and social service providers. Advanced training in the provision of interpersonal, cognitive-behavioral, and family therapy is emphasized. Fellow also obtains experience in suicide risk assessment and crisis intervention. They are exposed to children of all ages, from infancy through late adolescence, and to the entire range of child and adolescent psychopathology -- from acute to chronic, and from mild to severe conditions.
Opportunities to participate in faculty members' programmatic research and further develop research skills, independent satellite projects, and a programmatic focus are available in the areas of youth depression and suicide risk (Cheryl King, Ph.D.), child and parent trauma (Michelle Kees), and the evaluation of prevention/ intervention programs (Cheryl King, Ph.D., Michelle Kees, Ph.D.).
Clinical Neuropsychology (Child, Adult and Geriatric Neuropsychology)
The Clinical Neuropsychology specialization within the Postdoctoral Training Program in Professional Psychology provides advanced training in the application of knowledge of brain-behavior relationships and of Clinical Psychology for the benefit of patients suffering from disorder, disease, or injury to the central nervous systems (CNS). It will develop postdoctoral fellows' specialty expertise in Clinical Neuropsychology and prepare them for eventual board certification in Clinical Neuropsychology through the American Board of Clinical Neuropsychology (ABCN) in conjunction with the American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP). This specialty area complies with the training guidelines of Division 40 of the American Psychological Association and is a member of the Association of Postdoctoral Programs in Clinical Neuropsychology (APPCN).
Clinical training occurs in a general multidisciplinary setting with research emphasis for each fellow within a specialized track. Opportunities to participate in faculty members' programmatic research and further develop research skills and a programmatic focus are available in the areas of Adult Outpatient Assessment, Geriatric Neuropsychology, Developmental aspects of Neuropsychology, and Adult Inpatient Psychiatric Disorders. In addition, specialty emphasis in other areas of neuropsychological research may be offered, as additional grant funding becomes available; at present, a specialty focus in Alcohol research, with an emphasis on neuroimaging, is offered. In keeping with goals of the broader training program, the Clinical Neuropsychology specialization will develop professionals with the advanced training necessary to accurately diagnose, effectively assess, and offer effective intervention to a broad age range of individuals with CNS impairment. It will also prepare them to direct clinical programs, educate professional Clinical Neuropsychologists, and initiate and carry out programmatic research.
NOTE: As a member of APPCN, please note that application to this specialty track requires participation in the national match. In addition to our application, please fill out the attached form, Association of Postdoctoral Programs in Clinical Neuropsychology, Resident Matching Program, Request for Applicant Agreement Package and return to National Matching Service or call them at: 416-977-3431.