The NMPPC psychology doctoral internship consortium offers structured training experiences across three rotations that run concurrently. The aim of this internship is to prepare psychology doctorate students to effectively balance the demands of private practice, focusing on a blend of forensic and clinical populations and referral sources, to include developing competence in navigating the ethical, legal, and practical intricacies differentiating between these populations. The internship runs for 12 months, with interns being exposed to and practicing the duties of a psychologist. Interns will apply their current knowledge while learning new skills and perspectives. Interns will develop a higher-level ability to conceptualize client needs and direct interventions. By the completion of the internship, interns will be prepared to practice with a higher level of independence under supervision, while fulfilling their post-doctoral training requirements.
The NMPPC internship consortium maintains internship opportunities that are twofold, and include developing competence in clinical interventions, as well as assessment. This dual competence development is reflected in the two tracks offered, including one primary placement at MAPBHC (i.e., Therapy Track) and the other primary placement at Kartta Group (i.e., Assessment Track). While the tracks include primary placement at one location, the interns are expected to rotate through the other opportunities. For example, interns primarily placed at MAPBHC will primarily focus upon clinical intervention and therapy, while also rotating through evaluations and research, and have opportunities for exposure to forensic practices. Conversely, the intern primarily placed at Kartta Group will specialize in assessments and court-related matters, but also be expected to rotate to MAPBHC and maintain a small clinical caseload, as well as engage in a research project. The simultaneous rotation and experience is in reflection of the consortium’s values that the development and training of a well-rounded practitioner, however specialized in later practice, includes broad clinical understanding and experience to avoid underdevelopment of key foundational skills.
Interns will be supported in sequenced programming that includes didactic training specifically tailored to each track, including clinical practices, forensic practices, ethical issues, cultural sensitivity, and professional development. The internship is sequential, meaning interns are begun on cases of lesser complexity or demand, and the complexity of the cases they are assigned to are reflective of their development across the year. For both internship tracks the focus remains on developing competency in precise diagnostic formulations, tailoring clinical intervention (or assessment selection) to the client's presentation, and fostering an active practice of professional self-reflection to pursue the highest standards of practice. The consortium offers a unique experience of training in private practice, offering the opportunity to work with a variety of clientele, including adults, adolescents, and couples or family systems. The NMPPC internship endeavors to foster interns' development to an extent that at the conclusion of the year, interns are abreast of evidence-based practices, routinely reflect on ethical considerations, and regularly practice professional reflection, to equip them to pursue continued work in the community as private practitioners, whether working in the clinical or forensic realm.
The third rotation is research-based, which provides interns with additional opportunities to learn and grow through advanced empirical knowledge and application during their internship.
The internship follows a practitioner-scholar model of training, which focuses on an academic and investigative approach. Interns rely upon evidence-based best practices to guide assessment, treatment planning, and intervention. This is accomplished through intensive individual and group supervision, and didactic opportunities. Supervision further helps the intern to apply ethical practice and develop competency in the provision of psychological services.
In summation, interns will provide direct services, including individual therapy and psychological assessment; engage in research; receive supervision and didactic training; and will act as part of a multidisciplinary team of mental health professionals in treatment planning and applying mental health interventions. Interns are expected to be part of a client’s treatment team and are treated as part of the greater team of mental health practitioners at both MAPBHC and Kartta Group.
