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Site Name: VA Augusta Health Care System

Department: Mental Health Department

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Department : Mental Health Department

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Member Site Information
APPIC Member Number: 2674
Program Type: Internship
Membership Type: Full Membership
Site: VA Augusta Health Care System
Department: Mental Health Department
Address: 1 Freedom Way
Augusta, Georgia 30904
Country: United States
Metro Area: Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Distance from Major City: 150 miles east of Atlanta, GA
Phone: 706-733-0188x26056
Fax:
Training Director Email: katrina.speed@va.gov
Co-Training Director Email:
Web Address: https://www.va.gov/augusta-health-care/work-with-us/internships-and-fellowships/psychology-training-programs/
Brochure Website's Address: https://www.va.gov/augusta-health-care/work-with-us/internships-and-fellowships/psychology-training-programs/
Primary Agency Type: Veterans Affairs Medical Center
Additional Agency Types:
Member of APPIC since: 2026
Accreditation
APA Accreditation Accredited on Contingency
CPA Accreditation Not Accredited
Internship Staff/Faculty Information
Training Director: Katrina Speed
Chief Psychologist: Katrina Speed
Number of Full-Time Licensed Doctoral Psychologists on Staff/Faculty 16
Number of Part-Time Licensed Doctoral Psychologists on Staff/Faculty 1
Position Information
Start Date: 06/28/2027
Funded
Number of Full Time Slots Expected Next Class: 6
Number of Part Time Slots Expected Next Class: 0
Stipend
Full Time Annual Stipend for Next Class: 34324
Part Time Annual Stipend for Next Class:
Fringe Benefits: Dissertation Release Time, Health Insurance, Professional Development Time, Sick Leave, Vacation
Other Fringe Benefits (not indicated above): We provide ~2 hours of protected research time (VA) weekly along with a childcare subsidy for eligible individuals.
Brief description of the typical work day for an intern at this training site This internship provides training in the core clinical/counseling psychology skills of psychodiagnostic interviewing, psychological testing, individual/group psychotherapy, and consultation-liaison services. The typical workday varies by the rotation on which the intern is working although we strive to provide 2 hours daily for non-patient learning experiences (e.g., readings, writing, and administrative tasks) across all rotations/training experiences. Interns complete two 6-month Rotations (General and Emphasis Rotations) which include immersion within integrated health care teams along with opportunities for brief assessment/treatment and consultation liaison work can be completed across general and/or emphasis training. For the General Practice Rotation, a typical workday would involve a combination of individual or group therapy and psychological assessment activities. The Emphasis Track rotations are quite varied in daily training structure but center on psychotherapy and assessment skills in a specific area (Trauma psychology, Healthcare Disparities within Women's Health, and Clinical Health, Rehabilitation Medicine and Behavioral Sleep Medicine). Typically, 30-60 minutes of individual supervision are built into the daily schedule with a minimum of 4 hours of supervision (2 individual) per week. Outreach, committee involvement, supervised supervision of junior students and mentorship meetings are also included in a typical week/month schedule depending on learning needs and individual learning plans.
Does this site have practicum psychology students on site? Yes
Doctoral Psychology Practicum StudentsYes
Masters Psychology Practicum StudentsYes
Do Psychology Interns/Postdocs Have the Opportunity to Supervise Practicum Students?Yes
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: 11/01/2026 11:59 PM EST
A Virtual Interview are: Required
Interview notification date: 11/18/2026
Tentative interview date: 12/02/2026, 12/03/2026, 12/08/2026, 12/10/2026
Interview process description:

Intern applications will be notified of application status and invitation to interview email by the site training director. Applicants are welcome to apply to multiple tracks within the program, but should highlight which tracks and how they are a fit for the tracks within the cover letter. Applicants will only receive one email/interview date regardless of how many tracks applied to if selected for interview.  

For all positions (Women's Health, Clinical Health/Rehabilitation Medicine/Behavioral Sleep Medicine, Trauma), interviews will be in December. VA Dates: December 2nd, 3rd, 8th, & 10th, 2026 10am-2:30pm EST. 

The interview days typically last 4.5 hours and will be held on EST via virtual platforms. The format of the interview days includes: (1) virtual orientation of the program sites, faculty, and associated practicums; (2) individual virtual interviews with faculty at the primary practicum sites - typically an applicant will receive three to four 30-minute individual virtual interviews with faculty; and (3) non-evaluative meeting with representative from the current intern cohort.  As much as time and availability permit, requests to virtually meet with specific faculty are honored. Any needed accomodations for interviewing can be requested through the training director at time of interview offer so that appropriate arrangements can be made. 
How to obtain application info: Visit Website
Preferred method of contacting the program: Email the Program
We have matched with interns from these programs: Adler University, American University, Arizona State University, Emory University, Loyola University - Baltimore, Mercer University, Pacific University Graduate School of Psychology, Purdue University, University of Akron, University of Florida, University of Missouri-St. Louis, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, University of North Dakota, University of Southern Mississippi, University of Tennessee - Knoxville, University of Toledo, Western Carolina University
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: Yes
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 application deadline
Dissertation Defended: No
Minimum Number of AAPI Intervention Hours (if applicable): 400
Minimum Number of AAPI Assessment Hours (if applicable): 40
Minimum Number of Combined Intervention and Assessment Hours (if applicable): N/A
Does your program require applicants to submit supplemental materials (i.e., an assessment report and/or a case/treatment summary): Yes
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: Only applicants from APA approved doctoral programs in clinical or counseling psychology will be considered. To be considered for our program, applicants must have data-based doctoral dissertations. Examples of acceptable data-based doctoral dissertations include original data collection (quantitative and/or qualitative), use of secondary data/existing databases, meta-analyses. Examples of dissertations that DO NOT qualify include reviews of the literature, narrative reviews, systematic reviews. All applicants to VA-paid tracks must be U.S.A. citizens.
Program Description

The VA Augusta Healthcare System Psychology Internship (VAAHCS) is an independently accredited program formed with the intention of training psychology interns in the essential practice of skills needed as professional psychologists and grounding skills in an empirical approach to practice with underserved populations. Our training program is well established, serving the training community and local area for over 40 years – previously as an accredited (through 2029) consortium partner with the Augusta University/Medical College of Georgia. In 2022 we began the transition to an independent program and received notification of independent accreditation status on contingency by the American Psychological Association (APA) dated for September 2025. Data will be submitted to and reviewed by the APA Commission and consideration of full accreditation status in late 2026.

The VAAHCS offers a 12-month, full-time Internship in Clinical Psychology. The psychology internship program currently funds up to six interns yearly. The Internship combines a solid grounding in clinical skills with access to a wide range of mental health and medical settings through which an Intern can develop general foundational skills as well as emphasis training. Our training model focuses on three primary facets of training in the development of professional psychologists: (1) Training in the implementation of essential practice skills in key field settings; (2) Training in an empirical approach to practice, and; (3) Training in the provision of care for underserved populations. Across training experiences, Interns work collaboratively with a variety of physicians, specialists, and other allied health professionals to develop skills in providing interdisciplinary health care.

Our settings and faculty offer training across a broad array of clinical experiences, including health psychology/behavioral medicine, trauma recovery, women’s health concerns, and rehabilitation. We encourage submission of applications from all eligible candidate and consider the variety of clinical experiences an applicant might have had. Prior VA experience is helpful, but not required. Individuals that are successful and thrive in our training program are those who have a strong desire for development of skills in evidence based treatments, interest in working with complex medical and mental health presentations, and/or focus in delivery services within a general adult population or specific interest in working with the military/Veteran population. Intern applicants are matched according to emphasis track interests. This allows Interns to accumulate a specific expertise that is consistent with their long-range career interests and enhances their marketability upon graduation. Interns are selected on the basis of an emphasis training track in which the training will occur during a 6-month rotation. Positions for 2027-2028 - 2 positions each for Tracks: Women’s Health (women's health general, reproductive health, and sexual health), Trauma Psychology and for Health, Behavioral Medicine, & Rehabilitation Medicine. 

The VAAHCS Psychology Internship training model focuses on use of a developmental approach to training in the scholar-practitioner model. The distinguishing characteristic of our training efforts, however, has been our focus on producing professional and diverse psychologists who are well prepared for and seek out careers that are directed toward integrated approaches to health care issues and who aspire to understand the complexity of all factors impacting their patients in their practice. Consequently, the Psychology Internship has combined solid grounding in core clinical psychology skills with emphasis training in the areas of integrated health psychology and health behavior care.

There are four required seminars: Assessment Seminar, General Treatment and Problem-Cased Learning, Professional Development, and Group Supervision/Supervised Supervision Consultation, and Case Conference. 

There are required milestones during the year including baseline check-outs on assessments, diagnostic interviewing check out, CBT-oriented therapy check out, 2 outreach/educational presentations, 3 case-based presentations, 1 research-based presentation, and a minimum of 6 comprehensive integrated assessments. Interns are also encouraged to participate in committees and ongoing process improvement projects as a part of leadership development. As available, Interns are expected to participate in supervised supervision of a junior colleague/practicum student. 

Rotation availability varies yearly (see brochure) but may include, Primary Care MH Integration, Trauma Recovery Clinic, Rehabilitation clinics, BHIP, Inpatient, etc.

Non-evaluative mentors are provided on request. 

Work hours for interns are 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m, Monday-Friday. Telework is not permitted; all training is completed onsite. 

 

Internship Training Opportunities

Populations
Infants:
Toddlers:
Children:
Adolescents:
Adults: Yes
Family:
Older Adults: Yes
Inpatients: Yes
Outpatients: Yes
LGBTQ+: Yes
Ethnic minorities: Yes
Spanish-speaking:
French-speaking:
Deaf/Hearing-impaired: Yes
Students:
International Students:
Rural: Yes
Urban: Yes
Low income: Yes
People without housing: Yes
Other:

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

(training opportunities continued)

Experience
Health Psychology: Major Area of Study (50% or Greater)
Women's Health: Major Area of Study (50% or Greater)
HIV/AIDS:
Eating Disorders:
Sexual Disorders: Exposure (1% to 20%)
Sports Psychology:
Rehabilitation Psychology: Major Area of Study (50% or Greater)
Physical Disabilities: Experience (21% to 30%)
Learning Disabilities:
Developmental Disabilities:
Assessment: Experience (21% to 30%)
Neuropsychology-Adult:
Neuropsychology-Child:
Serious Mental Illness: Experience (21% to 30%)
Anxiety Disorders: Experience (21% to 30%)
Trauma/PTSD: Major Area of Study (50% or Greater)
Sexual Abuse: Experience (21% to 30%)
Substance Use Disorders: Exposure (1% to 20%)
Forensics/Corrections:
Sexual Offenders:
Geropsychology: Experience (21% to 30%)
Pediatrics:
School:
Counseling:
Vocational/Career Development:
Multicultural Therapy: Exposure (1% to 20%)
Feminist Therapy:
Religion/Spirituality: Exposure (1% to 20%)
Empirically-Supported Treatments: Major Area of Study (50% or Greater)
Public Policy/Advocacy:
Program Development/Evaluation: Exposure (1% to 20%)
Supervision: Experience (21% to 30%)
Research: Exposure (1% to 20%)
Administration: Exposure (1% to 20%)
Integrated health care - primary: Major Area of Study (50% or Greater)
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/augusta-health-care/work-with-us/internships-and-fellowships/psychology-training-programs/  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 2024-2025 2025-2026 2026-2027
Number of Completed Applications: 89 90 78 100 98
Number of applicants invited for interviews: 59 62 40 33 38
Total number of interns: 5 2 5 5 5
Total number of interns from APA/CPA accredited programs: 5 2 5 5 5
Total number of interns from Ph.D. programs: 3 1 3 4 3
Total number of interns from Psy.D. programs: 2 1 1 1 2
Total number of interns from Ed.D. programs: 0 0 0 0 0
Number of interns that come from a Clinical Psychology program 4 2 2 3 4
Number of interns that come from a Counseling Psychology program 1 0 3 2 1
Number of interns that come from a School Psychology program 0 0 0 0 0
Range of integrated assessment reports: lowest number of reports written 11 9 2 5 10
Range of integrated assessment reports: highest number of reports written 41 14 71 17 87
Summary of Post Internship Employment Settings of Each Internship Class (1st Placement)
2022-2023 2023-2024 2024-2025 2025-2026
Academic teaching: 0 1 0 0
Community mental health center: 0 0 0 0
Consortium: 0 0 0 0
University Counseling Center: 0 0 0 0
Hospital/Medical Center: 2 0 0 1
Veterans Affairs Health Care System: 2 0 3 3
Psychiatric facility: 0 0 0 0
Correctional facility: 0 0 0 0
Health Maintenance Organization: 0 0 0 0
School district/system: 0 0 0 0
Independent practice setting: 1 1 1 0
Other (Academic Psychology Department): 0 0 0 0
Link to Program's Trainee Admissions, Support, and Outcome Data: https://www.va.gov/augusta-health-care/work-with-us/internships-and-fellowships/psychology-training-programs/
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