The program is designed to provide training for psychologists in the provision of services in a large and complex health care system. The program is designed to address competencies related to the practice of health service psychologists, and integration with the services provided by other health care providers is emphasized such as bariatric surgery, cardiology, oncology, neuropsychology, physical medicine and rehabilitation, consultation/liaison services, and primary care medicine. Interns also provide clinical behavioral health services to low-income, primarily urban populations in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Interventions include cognitive-behavioral therapy, motivational enhancement, and behavioral activation. The interns also receive training in trauma-informed care, as well as the Recovery model of mental illness and substance abuse. The program places an emphasis on evidenced-based therapies, and training is provided in trauma-focused therapy, exposure therapy, and interpersonal therapy as well.
The goal of the training program is to provide education and training to develop the competencies and skills needed to provide psychological services within the health care setting. Psychologists will become increasingly important in the future as the health care system evolves into a prevention oriented model in addition to providing interventions for acute illness. The management of chronic health conditions will also be emphasized to prevent acute episodes of increased symptoms.
The program utilizes a mentoring model, in which the interns initially observe the practice of health psychologists, then assume increasing responsibility for assessment and treatment while under the observation of the psychologists. This model allows for close contact with the health psychology supervisors during the provision of clinical care. The interns are also able to learn the unique role played by psychologists and the contribution of psychological science to the health care team. This whole person approach is considered to be invaluable to the health and well being of the people we serve.
The interns are provided with multiple opportunities for feedback during each quarter of the training year. Formative evaluations occur part-way through the rotation, with direct observation of an assessment session and a second direct observation of an intervention with a patient. The observing supervisor provides immediate verbal feedback to the intern, and completes a written evaluation of both the assessment and the intervention. Quarterly written summative evaluations are provided at the end of each quarter. These assess the competencies og Individual and Cultural Diversity, Professional Vaules, Attitudes and Behaviors, Ethical and Legal Standards, Assessment Skills, Intervention Skills, Supervision, Consultation Skills, Clinical Research, Education, and Scholarly Inquiry, Program Evaluation, and Communication and Interpersonal Skills.
Policies and procedures for the training program are formulated by the Internship Steering Committee. The interns are members of this committee and participate in formulations of new or enhanced rotation experiences. The interns also evaluate their supervisors on a quarterly basis, as well as providing a written evaluation of the rotation experience overall.
Didactic experiences in the program include training in evidenced-based psychotherapy, as well as addressing chronic medical conditions in addition to mental health conditions. The didactic series also includes presentations regarding ethics, supervision, treatment of trauma, and the role of psychologists in various medical services such as primary care, behavioral cardiology, oncology, and physical medicine and rehabilitation.
