Vantage Point Center for Psychotherapy has a robust training program for psychologists-in-training. We train students at the practicum, intern, and post-doctoral levels. Practicum and post-doctoral trainees should inquire directly about positions with the Training Director, Dr. Karen Miller, drmiller@vppsychotherapy.com. Interns can apply through the APPIC system.
At Vantage Point, we utilize a scientist-practitioner model of training. The internship training program is developmental, experiential, and sequential. We do our best to match our trainees with the type of experience they desire, while also challenging and stretching their growth areas to prepare them for independent psychological practice.
Qualified intern applicants must be enrolled in an accredited, degree-granting professional psychology program (i.e., clinical, counseling psychology). Intern applicants must have their dissertation proposal complete by time of applying. We highly recommend at least 500 direct service hours of previous supervised clinical experience.
We are currently working under a hybrid model, with Interns working 2-3 days in the office and 2-3 days from home. Interns engage in direct individual and group service, individual and group supervision, didactic seminar training, and supervision experience with our practicum students. Interns will conduct individual therapy for about 50% of their training experience. They will have the opportunity to work with a diversity of people aged 12-70. Interns will work with people of all ethnic, SES, religious, sexual orientations, and gender identities during their time at Vantage Point. They can expect to carry a total client caseload of around 25-30 clients. Therapy at Vantage Point tends to be longer term and is determined by presenting problem and discussions with supervisors and clients as to the best needs of the client. Therefore, treatment can be time-limited or longer term.
The internship application review committee is looking for the following in qualified interns:
1. Breadth of clinical experience with a diverse clientele
2. Various clinical and training activities, including coursework and/or experience in Assessment, Counseling and Psychotherapy Theories and Practices, Group Counseling, Multicultural and Diversity Counseling, and Supervision.
3. Clarity of emerging theoretical framework.
4. Openness to growth (lifelong learning).
5. Interpersonal relationship skills/Professional Attitudes and Behavior.
6. Introspection and willingness to look at oneself.
Program Learning Goals:
We facilitate the development of psychologists who can practice competently and independently in several domains. Our program emphasizes strengthening skills in areas that relevant to community mental health in the Sacramento region. This includes developing proficiency in conducting individual and group psychotherapy with a diversity of sexual orientations, gender identifications, and culture with teens and adults. Interns will be proficient in crisis intervention with diverse populations and communities.
The goal of the program is to also help Interns develop specialized experience with one of the following Tracks during their training if they so desire:
- OCD/Anxiety Spectrum Disorders
- Eating Disorder
- General
The specific program aims are as follows:
- To foster the professional development, identity, and values necessary for effective and ethical practice as a psychologist.
- To develop the skills and competencies necessary for entry-level professional practice with diverse populations, with an emphasis on the development of professional skills.
Further information can be found on our website- https://vppsychotherapy.com/