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Site Name: Alaska VA Healthcare System

Department: Alaska VA Healthcare System

Department : Alaska VA Healthcare System

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Member Site Information
APPIC Member Number: 2067
Program Type: Internship
Membership Type: Full Membership
Site: Alaska VA Healthcare System
Department: Alaska VA Healthcare System
Address: 1201 North Muldoon Road
Anchorage, Alaska 99504
Country: United States
Metro Area: Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Distance from Major City: 1,435 miles northwest of Seattle, WA
Phone: 907-406-4237
Fax:
Email: Micol.Levi-Minzi@va.gov
Web Address: https://www.va.gov/alaska-health-care/work-with-us/internships-and-fellowships/
Brochure Website's Address: https://www.va.gov/files/2022-07/Brochure%202023-2024.pdf
Primary Agency Type: Veterans Affairs Medical Center
Additional Agency Types:
  • Veterans Affairs Medical Center
Member of APPIC since: 2010
Accreditation
APA Accreditation Accredited
CPA Accreditation Not Accredited
Internship Staff/Faculty Information
Training Director: Micol Levi-Minzi
Chief Psychologist: Selena Smith
Number of Full-Time Licensed Doctoral Psychologists on Staff/Faculty 11
Number of Part-Time Licensed Doctoral Psychologists on Staff/Faculty 1
Position Information
Start Date: 07/15/2024
Funded
Number of Full Time Slots Expected Next Class: 2
Number of Part Time Slots Expected Next Class: 0
Stipend
Full Time Annual Stipend for Next Class: 38279
Part Time Annual Stipend for Next Class: 0
Fringe Benefits: Health Insurance, Professional Development Time, Sick Leave, Vacation
Other Fringe Benefits (not indicated above): As with other employment within the federal government, interns are eligible for health insurance. VA psychology trainees may qualify for the child care subsidy program if they are VA paid, full-time, and have full family income less than $144,000 (see: https://www.va.gov/ohrm/worklifebenefits/vachildcare.asp); interested employees may contact the local VA Human Resources office or VA Child Care Subsidy Program Service staff for additional guidance. Due to the nature of their temporary appointments, health professions trainees may be ineligible for other benefits such as supplemental dental and vision benefits (separate from Federal Employees Health Benefit plans that may include limited dental and/or vision coverage), Federal Employees Retirement System, Thrift Savings Plan, paid parental and military leave. Please go to the FEHB Plan Comparison Tool (https://www.opm.gov/healthcare-insurance/) for details on available options. Briefings regarding available benefits are also provided by VA staff at the outset of the training year.
Brief description of the typical work day for an intern at this training site The work schedule is typically Monday through Friday 8:00-4:30, but this can vary based on supervisors' schedules and availability. Some supervisors may have a flexible schedule (e.g., working 7:00-3:30) that interns can mirror during their rotation. There is no on-call duty, nor scheduled work obligations on weekends. A typical workday likely varies depending on the rotation but could involve a staff or treatment team meeting, a group therapy session, individual therapy sessions, and note documentation. Other days may focus more on administering specific assessments, educational seminars, and supervision.
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: Yes
Application Due Date: 11/15/2023 11:59 PM EST
Interviews at this site are:
A Virtual Interview is: Required
Interview notification date: 12/13/2023
Tentative interview date: 01/03/2024
Interview process description:

A selection committee comprised of training faculty reviews applications, with a focus on goodness of fit of applicant with facility training opportunities. A subset of applicants is offered interviews. Applicants will be notified via email of invitation for interviews.

All interview and recruitment activities will be conducted virtually utilizing Microsoft Teams.
How to obtain application info: Visit Website
Preferred method of contacting the program: Email the Program
We have matched with interns from these programs: • 2023-2024 Interns: Adler University, Psy.D.; Alliant International University, Ph.D. • 2021-2022 Graduates: Adler University, Psy.D.; Teachers College at Columbia University, Ph.D. • 2020-2021 Graduates: Fielding Graduate University, Clinical Psychology, Ph.D.; Midwestern University, Clinical Psychology, Psy.D.; Pacific University, Clinical Psychology, Psy.D. • 2019-2020 Graduates: Pacific University, Clinical Psychology, Psy.D.; University of Central Arkansas, Counseling Psychology, Ph.D. • 2018-2019 Graduates: Our Lady of the Lake University, Counseling Psychology, Psy.D.; Wheaton College, Clinical Psychology, Psy.D.; The Wright Institute, Clinical Psychology, Psy.D. • 2017-2018 Graduates: Florida Institute of Technology, Clinical Psychology, Psy.D.; New Mexico State University, Counseling Psychology, Ph.D.; University of Denver, Clinical Psychology, Psy.D. • 2016-2017 Graduates: Fielding Graduate University, Clinical Psychology, Ph.D. (respecialization); Florida Institute of Technology, Clinical Psychology, Psy.D.; University of Alaska Fairbanks, Clinical-Community Psychology, Ph.D. • 2015-2016 Graduates: Alder University, Clinical Psychology, Psy.D.; The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, Clinical Psychology, Psy.D.; The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, Clinical Psychology, Psy.D. • 2014-2015 Graduates: Alliant International University, Clinical Psychology, Ph.D.; Central Michigan University, Clinical Psychology, Ph.D.; Pacific University, Clinical Psychology, Psy.D. • 2013-2014 Graduates: Florida State University, Counseling Psychology, Ph.D.; Pacific University, Clinical Psychology, Psy.D.; Ponce Health Sciences University, Clinical Psychology, Psy.D. • 2012-2013 Graduates: Alliant International University, Clinical Psychology, Ph.D.; George Fox University, Clinical Psychology, Psy.D.; Massachusetts School of Professional Psychology, Clinical Psychology, Psy.D.
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: No
Comprehensive Exams Passed: Yes, by ranking deadline
Dissertation Proposal Approved: No
Dissertation Defended: No
Minimum Number of AAPI Intervention Hours (if applicable): 0
Minimum Number of AAPI Assessment Hours (if applicable): 0
Minimum Number of Combined Intervention and Assessment Hours (if applicable): 0
Minimum Number of Years of Grad Training Required (if applicable): 4
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: Applicants must be a doctoral student in good standing at an American Psychological Association (APA) or Canadian Psychological Association (CPA) accredited graduate program in Clinical, Counseling, or Combined psychology or Psychological Clinical Science Accreditation System (PCSAS) accredited program in Clinical Science. Persons with a doctorate in another area of psychology who meet the APA or CPA criteria for respecialization training in Clinical, Counseling, or Combined Psychology are also eligible. Applicants must be approved for internship status by their graduate program training director. For general information pertaining to eligibility requirements for an VA psychology internship, please refer to the information and links below pertaining to VA psychology trainees. If you have more specific questions regarding eligibility requirements, including drug testing and background checks, please refer to the OPM website (https://www.opm.gov/), Resources for Health Professions Trainees Coming to VA | Eligibility and Forms - Office of Academic Affiliations (https://www.va.gov/oaa/hpt-eligibility.asp), Am I Eligible? Checklist for VA HPTs (https://www.va.gov/OAA/docs/2021HPTInstructionsv4.pdf), Trainee Qualifications and Credentials Verification Letter (TQCVL) - Office of Academic Affiliations (https://www.va.gov/OAA/TQCVL.asp), and VA Drug-Free Workplace Program Guide for Veterans Health Administration Health Professions Trainees (https://www.va.gov/OAA/onboarding/VHA_HPTsDrug-FreeWorkplaceOAA_HRA.pdf). Of note, the VA has also mandated that all health professions trainees adhere to the VA requirement for COVID vaccination, requiring that trainees be fully vaccinated or have an exemption filed (medical or religious).
Program Description

The Alaska VA Psychology Internship Program is committed to the development and training of doctoral level psychology interns as a generalist training program. The internship program is central to the identity of the Psychology Service at the Alaska VA, is highly valued by our leadership, and represents a long-standing and passionate investment on the part of our psychology staff. The training program adheres to a scholar-practitioner model of psychology, and the year-long internship is organized accordingly, with a thoughtfully planned  array of experiences that includes fully immersive 12-month rotations with adjunctive, supplemental training opportunities throughout. We expect interns to be able to critically evaluate research in published studies and apply research findings to their clinical practice. The program also emphasizes a model of recovery, with a focus on actively involving clients in determining the goals and processes of their own recovery, collaborative treatment planning, (re)discovering their strengths, and motivational interviewing to address change. Empirically-based treatments often include cognitive behavioral therapy (e.g., CBT-D, CBT-I, CBT-CP, PE, CPT, CBT-SUD) using VA treatment manuals and measurement-based care approaches, as well as additional interventions such as acceptance and commitment therapy. While we emphasize science and empirically validated treatments, we recognize the importance of tailoring treatment to account for individual and cultural differences. The Alaska VA Psychology Internship Program is generalist in nature, ensuring interns obtain a wide range of training experiences that prepare them for working in a variety of culturally diverse urban, rural, and frontier health environments.

Our program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of the American Psychological Association (APA); the next site visit will be during the academic year 2028.

For additional information, please review our website (https://www.va.gov/alaska-health-care/work-with-us/internships-and-fellowships/) and brochure (https://www.va.gov/files/2022-07/Brochure%202023-2024.pdf). Our training director can also be contacted for additional questions and information.

Of note, the program voluntarily took no interns for the 2022-2023 training year, chosing instead to focus on program development and improvement. 

Internship Training Opportunities

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

(training opportunities continued)

Treatment Modalities
Assessment: Experience (21% to 30%)
Individual Therapy: Major Area of Study (50% or Greater)
Couples Therapy: Exposure (1% to 20%)
Family Therapy: Exposure (1% to 20%)
Group Therapy: Emphasis (31% to 49%)
Community Intervention: Exposure (1% to 20%)
Consultation/Liaison: Exposure (1% to 20%)
Crisis Intervention: Experience (21% to 30%)
Brief Psychotherapy: Major Area of Study (50% or Greater)
Long-term Psychotherapy: Exposure (1% to 20%)
Cognitive Rehabilitation: Exposure (1% to 20%)
Primary Care: Exposure (1% to 20%)
Evidenced Based Practice: Major Area of Study (50% or Greater)
Evidence Based Research:
Supervision of Practicum students :
Other:

(training opportunities continued)

Experience
Health Psychology: Emphasis (31% to 49%)
Women's Health: Experience (21% to 30%)
HIV/AIDS: Exposure (1% to 20%)
Eating Disorders: Exposure (1% to 20%)
Sexual Disorders: Exposure (1% to 20%)
Sports Psychology:
Rehabilitation Psychology:
Physical Disabilities: Exposure (1% to 20%)
Learning Disabilities: Exposure (1% to 20%)
Developmental Disabilities:
Assessment: Experience (21% to 30%)
Neuropsychology-Adult:
Neuropsychology-Child:
Serious Mental Illness: Experience (21% to 30%)
Anxiety Disorders: Emphasis (31% to 49%)
Trauma/PTSD: Major Area of Study (50% or Greater)
Sexual Abuse: Emphasis (31% to 49%)
Substance Use Disorders: Emphasis (31% to 49%)
Forensics/Corrections:
Sexual Offenders:
Geropsychology: Exposure (1% to 20%)
Pediatrics:
School:
Counseling: Experience (21% to 30%)
Vocational/Career Development: Exposure (1% to 20%)
Multicultural Therapy: Major Area of Study (50% or Greater)
Feminist Therapy: Exposure (1% to 20%)
Religion/Spirituality: Exposure (1% to 20%)
Empirically-Supported Treatments: Major Area of Study (50% or Greater)
Public Policy/Advocacy: Exposure (1% to 20%)
Program Development/Evaluation: Exposure (1% to 20%)
Supervision: Exposure (1% to 20%)
Research:
Administration: Exposure (1% to 20%)
Integrated health care - primary: Experience (21% to 30%)
Integrated health care - specialty: Exposure (1% to 20%)
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/alaska-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: 37 38 40 86 22 37
Number of applicants invited for interviews: 25 25 26 46 0 22
Total number of interns: 3 3 3 2 0 2
Total number of interns from APA/CPA accredited programs: 3 3 3 2 0 2
Total number of interns from Ph.D. programs: 2 1 1 1 0 1
Total number of interns from Psy.D. programs: 1 2 2 1 0 1
Total number of interns from Ed.D. programs: 0 0 0 0 0 0
Number of interns that come from a Clinical Psychology program 2 2 2 2 0 2
Number of interns that come from a Counseling Psychology program 1 1 1 0 0 0
Number of interns that come from a School Psychology program 0 0 0 0 0 0
Range of integrated assessment reports: lowest number of reports written 7 5 5 0
Range of integrated assessment reports: highest number of reports written 60 20 25 106
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: 0
Veterans Affairs Health Care System: 0
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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