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Site Name: Erie VA Medical Center

Department: Behavioral Health

Department : Behavioral Health

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Member Site Information
APPIC Member Number: 2466
Program Type: Internship
Membership Type: Full Membership
Site: Erie VA Medical Center
Department: Behavioral Health
Address: 135 East 38th Street Boulevard
Erie, Pennsylvania 16504
Country: United States
Metro Area: Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Distance from Major City: 93 miles west of Buffalo, NY; 100 miles east of Cleveland, OH
Phone: 814-860-2318x
Fax:
Email: kelly.gerhardstein@va.gov
Web Address: https://www.va.gov/erie-health-care/work-with-us/internships-and-fellowships/
Brochure Website's Address: http://file:///C:/Users/VHAERI~3/AppData/Local/Temp/1/MicrosoftEdgeDownloads/673caadf-238a-4c59-93b0-4e99619fd523/Erie-VAMC-Psychology-Internship-Program_2022.pdf
Primary Agency Type: Veterans Affairs Medical Center
Additional Agency Types:
  • Veterans Affairs Medical Center
Member of APPIC since:
Accreditation
APA Accreditation Accredited
CPA Accreditation Not Accredited
Internship Staff/Faculty Information
Training Director: Kelly Gerhardstein
Chief Psychologist: Traci Shade
Number of Full-Time Licensed Doctoral Psychologists on Staff/Faculty 8
Number of Part-Time Licensed Doctoral Psychologists on Staff/Faculty 0
Position Information
Start Date: 08/11/2024
Funded
Number of Full Time Slots Expected Next Class: 2
Number of Part Time Slots Expected Next Class:
Stipend
Full Time Annual Stipend for Next Class: 33469
Part Time Annual Stipend for Next Class: 0
Fringe Benefits: Health Insurance, Sick Leave, Vacation
Other Fringe Benefits (not indicated above): Health Professions Trainees (HPTs) who are appointed with a Not to Exceed one year appointment are eligible for Federal Employee Healthcare Benefits, as well as leave accrual (based on Title 5 SCD, unless a specified leave plan for Physicians & Dentists has been approved), Child Care Subsidy, Transit Benefit Subsidy, Federal Tort Claims Protection, USERRA benefits for Temporary Employees, Conversion to a follow-up appointment to facilitate training completion, Title I FMLA (leave without pay with no FMLA paperwork required), and the Voluntary Leave Donation Program HPTs are NOT eligible for benefits such as federal employee group life insurance (FEGLI), Vision, Dental, Title II FMLA-paid parental leave, or retirement benefits (FERS & TSP).
Brief description of the typical work day for an intern at this training site Interns will begin their day at 0800 and work until 1630. A typical workday will include clinical work and training experiences (i.e., supervision, didactic seminar, journal club etc.). Clinical work consists of intakes (i.e., diagnostic interviews), assessments, individual and group therapy. Experiential training is typically offered in an outpatient setting. Opportunities for training in a residential and medical inpatient setting are typically available.
Does this site have practicum psychology students on site? No
Is this program fully affiliated with one or more doctoral programs? No
Is this program partially affiliated with one or more doctoral programs? No
Internship Application Process
Accepting Applicants: No
Application Due Date: 12/01/2023 11:59 PM EST
Interviews at this site are: Not Offered
A Virtual Interview is: Required
Interview notification date: 12/15/2023
Tentative interview date: 01/09/2024
Interview process description:

In an effort to reduce barriers in accessing our program and encourage diversity in applicants, the Erie VAMC offers tele-video to qualified applicants. An interview is required of all applicants who make the final selection round.

Virtual interview days are typically offered the second or third week in January and include an overview and introduction of the program to a group of applicants as well as interviews with individual applicants and 2-3 faculty members.
How to obtain application info: Visit Website
Preferred method of contacting the program: Email the Program
We have matched with interns from these programs: John F. Kennedy University Carlos Albizu University--San Juan Chatham University William Paterson University New Mexico State University Cleveland State University Marywood University Carlos Albizu University-Miami University of Massachusetts-Boston Nova Southeastern University Marshall University University of Indianapolis
Internship Applicant Requirements
US Citizenship Required: Yes
If NOT a U.S. Citizen, Authorization to Work or to Engage in Practical Training (CPT or OPT) in the US is Required: No
Canadian Citizenship Required: No
If NOT a Canadian Citizen, Authorization to Work in Canada or to Engage in Practical Training (CPT or OPT) in Canada is Required: No
Masters Degree Required: Yes, by application deadline
Comprehensive Exams Passed: Yes, by application deadline
Dissertation Proposal Approved: Yes, by ranking deadline
Dissertation Defended: No
Minimum Number of AAPI Intervention Hours (if applicable): 300
Minimum Number of AAPI Assessment Hours (if applicable): 50
Minimum Number of Combined Intervention and Assessment Hours (if applicable):
Minimum Number of Years of Grad Training Required (if applicable): 3
Accepted / Not-Accepted Program Types
Clinical Psychology Accepted
Counseling Psychology Accepted
School Psychology Not Accepted
APA-Accredited Accepted
CPA-Accredited Accepted
PCSAS-Accredited Accepted
Non-Accredited Not Accepted
Ph.D Degree Accepted
Psy.D. Degree Accepted
Ed.D. Degree Not Accepted
This institution, department, internship, or postdoctoral program requires trainees to sign a statement about personal behavior and/or religious beliefs as a condition of admission and/or retention in the program: No
How to obtain text of statement:
Other Requirements: The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) adheres to all Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action policies. Psychology interns are considered Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Health Professions Trainee (HPT), who will receive a Federal appointment. Prior to receiving an appointment, HPTs must meet all federal eligibility requirements found here: https://www.va.gov/OAA/docs/2021HPTInstructionsv4.pdf
Program Description

The Erie VA Medical Center is seeking applications for our Health Service Psychology Doctoral Internship.  Two positions will be available for the 2024-2025 training year.

 The mission of the Erie VAMC psychology internship is to offer broad, general doctoral internship training aimed at developing intermediate to advanced competencies in Professional Psychology that will prepare psychology interns for post-doctoral or entry-level Health Service Psychologist (HSP) positions. Training for the clinical psychology interns  occurs across several specialized interprofessional and interdisciplinary treatment settings and is based in the delivery of established, efficacious treatment that is grounded in the theoretical and empirical literature.

The intern will participate in at least two 6-month major rotations. Interns spend the equivalent of at least 3 days a week in their major rotations. Interns may also choose a minor rotation from the offerings listed below. Interns will typically spend the equivalent of 1 day a week in their minor rotation, which will last 6 to 12 months. Possible training experiences with the Erie VAMC include:

  • Behavioral Health Clinic
  • Community Living Center/Geropsychology
  • Home Based Primary Care (HBPC)
  • PTSD Clinical Program
  • Substance Use Disorders Treatment Program
  • Health Behavior (Inpatient Rehab, Specialty Evaluations)
  • Assessment (CLC, Specialty Evaluations, HBPC)

Each of these settings provides trainees the opportunity to develop their clinical skills across the profession wide competencies of research, ethics, diversity, professionalism, communication and interpersonal skills, assessment, intervention, supervision, and consultation. Additionally, many rotations offer training in a variety of evidence based practices, including, but not limited to Cognitive Process Therapy, Prolonged Exposure, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Depression, CBT for Insomnia, and Interpersonal Therapy for Depression.

 In addition to offering a wide range of training experiences, the Behavioral Health Clinic at the Erie VA is comprised of a close-knit, multidisciplinary team who seek to foster a welcoming environment, valuing cultural and individual differences.  The small size of the facility allows for collegial and supportive interprofessional collaboration that promotes high-quality Veteran care and enhances job satisfaction.   

 Erie is a great place to live. It’s one of the largest cities in Pennsylvania with a population of approximately 99,500. Located on the southeast shore of Lake Erie, the city boasts being the only Great Lakes Port in the State of Pennsylvania. It’s conveniently located less than two hours from Cleveland, OH, Buffalo, NY, and Pittsburgh, PA. Despite its relative size and proximity to larger metropolitan areas, the counties surrounding Erie are considered rural. The area is known for its access to Presque Isle State Park, which offers a variety of outdoor recreational activities (fishing, kayaking, hiking, biking), and proximity to excellent beaches and local wineries.  The winter months provide even more opportunity for outdoor entertainment with easy access to cross country and downhill skiing, ice fishing, wind skating, iceboating, and ice skating.

COVID-19 CHANGES:  As a result of the pandemic, the program has increasingly relied on virtual modalities to provide care, training, and supervision. Despite the formal end of the pandemic, interns continue to conduct at least some of their clinical work via telehealth modalities (based on rotation and Veteran preference).  Laptops for telework and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for face-to-face sessions are provided. Telework is offered on a limited basis and must adhere to facility/department policy. Telesupervision may be utilized. The use of telehealth services and telesupervision to provide safe and effective care will continue, as guided by local, regional and national policy.  

Full program brochure can be located here: https://www.va.gov/erie-health-care/work-with-us/internships-and-fellowships/#psychology 

Internship Training Opportunities

Populations
Infants:
Toddlers:
Children:
Adolescents:
Adults: Yes
Family:
Older Adults: Yes
Inpatients: Yes
Outpatients: Yes
Gay/lesbian/bisexual/transgender:
Ethnic minorities:
Spanish-speaking:
French-speaking:
Deaf/Hearing-impaired:
Students:
International Students:
Rural: Yes
Urban:
Low income: Yes
Homelessness:
Other: Veterans

(training opportunities continued)

Treatment Modalities
Assessment: Experience (21% to 30%)
Individual Therapy: Experience (21% to 30%)
Couples Therapy: Exposure (1% to 20%)
Family Therapy: Exposure (1% to 20%)
Group Therapy: Exposure (1% to 20%)
Community Intervention:
Consultation/Liaison: Exposure (1% to 20%)
Crisis Intervention: Exposure (1% to 20%)
Brief Psychotherapy: Experience (21% to 30%)
Long-term Psychotherapy: Exposure (1% to 20%)
Cognitive Rehabilitation:
Primary Care: Exposure (1% to 20%)
Evidenced Based Practice: Experience (21% to 30%)
Evidence Based Research:
Supervision of Practicum students :
Other:

(training opportunities continued)

Experience
Health Psychology:
Women's Health:
HIV/AIDS:
Eating Disorders:
Sexual Disorders:
Sports Psychology:
Rehabilitation Psychology:
Physical Disabilities:
Learning Disabilities:
Developmental Disabilities:
Assessment:
Neuropsychology-Adult:
Neuropsychology-Child:
Serious Mental Illness:
Anxiety Disorders:
Trauma/PTSD:
Sexual Abuse:
Substance Use Disorders:
Forensics/Corrections:
Sexual Offenders:
Geropsychology:
Pediatrics:
School:
Counseling:
Vocational/Career Development:
Multicultural Therapy:
Feminist Therapy:
Religion/Spirituality:
Empirically-Supported Treatments:
Public Policy/Advocacy:
Program Development/Evaluation:
Supervision:
Research:
Administration:
Integrated health care - primary:
Integrated health care - specialty:
Other:

Additional information about training opportunities: Not all rotations or training experiences may be available as described in the APPIC Directory. Please consult the program's application materials or their website at: https://www.va.gov/erie-health-care/work-with-us/internships-and-fellowships/  for a complete description of the training opportunities available at this training site. IF the site has not updated their information by August 1, feel free to contact the Training Director for additional information.

Summary of the Characteristics of the Specified Internship Class
2017-2018 2018-2019 2019-2020 2020-2021 2021-2022 2022-2023 2023-2024
Number of Completed Applications: 6 12 37 36 43 36
Number of applicants invited for interviews: 24 26 36 24
Total number of interns: 2 2 2 2
Total number of interns from APA/CPA accredited programs: 2 2 2 2
Total number of interns from Ph.D. programs: 0 2 1 0
Total number of interns from Psy.D. programs: 2 0 1 2
Total number of interns from Ed.D. programs: 0 0 0 0
Number of interns that come from a Clinical Psychology program 2 0 2 2
Number of interns that come from a Counseling Psychology program 0 2 0 0
Number of interns that come from a School Psychology program 0 0 0 0
Range of integrated assessment reports: lowest number of reports written 3 3 3 25
Range of integrated assessment reports: highest number of reports written 6 6 39 30
Summary of Post Internship Employment Settings of Each Internship Class (1st Placement)
2022-2023
Academic teaching: 0
Community mental health center: 0
Consortium: 0
University Counseling Center: 0
Hospital/Medical Center: 1
Veterans Affairs Health Care System: 1
Psychiatric facility: 0
Correctional facility: 0
Health Maintenance Organization: 0
School district/system: 0
Independent practice setting: 0
Other (Academic Psychology Department): 0
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