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Site Name: VA Illiana Health Care System

Department: Mental Health Service

Department : Mental Health Service

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Member Site Information
APPIC Member Number: 1269
Program Type: Internship
Membership Type: Full Membership
Site: VA Illiana Health Care System
Department: Mental Health Service
Address: Psychology Training Program
1900 E. Main Street (116)
Danville, Illinois 61832-5198
Country: United States
Metro Area: Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Distance from Major City: 125 m S of Chicago, 90 m NW of Indy, 205 m NE of St. Louis
Phone: 217-554-4605x
Fax:
Email: Patricia.Smithmyer@va.gov
Web Address: https://www.va.gov/illiana-health-care/work-with-us/internships-and-fellowships/psychology-training/
Brochure Website's Address: https://www.va.gov/illiana-health-care/work-with-us/internships-and-fellowships/psychology-training/
Primary Agency Type: Veterans Affairs Medical Center
Additional Agency Types:
  • Veterans Affairs Medical Center
Member of APPIC since: 1972
Accreditation
APA Accreditation Accredited
CPA Accreditation Not Accredited
Internship Staff/Faculty Information
Training Director: Patricia Smithmyer
Chief Psychologist: Julia Fitzgerald-Smith
Number of Full-Time Licensed Doctoral Psychologists on Staff/Faculty 28
Number of Part-Time Licensed Doctoral Psychologists on Staff/Faculty 0
Position Information
Start Date: 07/15/2024
Funded
Number of Full Time Slots Expected Next Class: 5
Number of Part Time Slots Expected Next Class: 0
Stipend
Full Time Annual Stipend for Next Class: 33469
Part Time Annual Stipend for Next Class: 0
Fringe Benefits: Dental Insurance, Health Insurance, Professional Development Time, Sick Leave, Vacation
Other Fringe Benefits (not indicated above): Up to 250 hours of on-station dissertation time if satisfactorily progressing on rotation.
Brief description of the typical work day for an intern at this training site The typical work day of each rotation varies; however, over the course of a typical week, we would expect an average of 10 face-to-face clinical hours, 4 hours of individual and group supervision, 4 hours of didactics, treatment team meetings, department meetings, clinical consultation, and clinical documentation. All interns work 40 hours per week with no expected overtime, on-call coverage, or off-tour assignments. We are strong believers in the work-life balance and prioritizing self-care in our workplace.
Does this site have practicum psychology students on site? Yes
Doctoral Psychology Practicum StudentsYes
Masters Psychology Practicum StudentsNo
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: 11/03/2023 11:59 PM EST
Interviews at this site are: Not Offered
A Virtual Interview is: Preferred
Interview notification date: 11/30/2023
Tentative interview date: 12/7/2023, 12/13/2023, 1/9/2024
Interview process description:

Our top applicants will be invited via email for a virtual half-day interview to take place on one of the following dates: Thursday, December 7, 2023; Wednesday, December 13th, 2023; and Tuesday, January 9th, 2024.  Morning and afternoon scheduling options are available. 

In an effort to reduce barriers in accessing our program, to promote equity in interviewing, and encourage diversity in applicants, the VAIHCS will offer all of its interviews through videoconferencing and telephone modalities to qualified applicants.  Moreover, APPIC applicant survey data has found that most applicants strongly prefer a fully virtual interview experience.  An interview via one of these modalities is required of all applicants who make the final selection round.  We have successfully used this process over the past several years and feel that this helps us to best connect with our applicants to discuss our site and training options. 

  • Individual interview with two psychologists from our training staff (45-60 minutes)
  • Group discussion with several of our current interns to gain a perspective of our program through an intern’s perspective (45-60 minutes)
  • Group discussion with Training Director (45-60 minutes)
  • Presentation from psychology staff members about rotation options, supervision experiences, and intern expectations (45-60 minutes)
  • Meet & Greet breakout sessions with psychology staff members to answer questions about internship and rotation experiences (30-45 minutes)

A link to our virtual tour of our campus/facilities as well as a video from our previous interns will also be sent to all applicants.

 
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 - Chicago, Clinical, Psy.D. Arizona School of Professional Psychology (Argosy-Phoenix), Clinical, Psy.D. Ball State University, Counseling, Ph.D. California Lutheran University, Clinical, Psy.D. Chicago School of Professional Psychology – Chicago Campus, Clinical, Psy.D. Chicago School of Psychology-Los Angeles Campus, Clinical, Psy.D. Eastern Kentucky University, Clinical, Psy.D. Florida Institute of Technology, Clinical Psy.D. Florida School of Professional Psychology at National Louis University, Clinical, Psy.D. Illinois Institute of Technology, Clinical Ph.D. Indiana State University, IN, Clinical Psy.D. Loma Linda University, Clinical Ph.D. Nova Southeastern University, Clinical, Psy.D. Pacific Graduate School of Psychology at Palo Alto University, Clinical, Ph.D. Pacific University School of Professional Psychology, Clinical Psy.D. Palo Alto University, Clinical, Ph.D. Purdue University, Counseling, Ph.D. Roosevelt University, Clinical, Psy.D. Spalding University, Louisville, Clinical, Psy.D. University of Akron, Counseling, Ph.D. University of Detroit Mercy, MI; Clinical Ph.D. University of Hartford, Clinical, Psy.D. University of Illinois at Chicago, Clinical, Ph.D. University of Indianapolis, Clinical Psy.D. University of Indianapolis, IN, Clinical Psy.D. University of Kansas, Clinical Ph.D. University of Memphis, Counseling Ph.D. University of Missouri- St. Louis Psy.D. University of North Texas, Clinical Ph.D. University of Saint Thomas, Counseling, Psy.D. University of South Florida, FL, Clinical Ph.D. University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee, Counseling, Ph.D. Virginia Consortium Program in Clinical Psychology, Clinical, Ph.D. Western Michigan University, Counseling, Ph.D. Wheaton College, IL, Clinical Psy.D. Wichita State University, Clinical, Ph.D. Wisconsin School of Professional Psychology, Clinical Psy.D. Xavier University, Clinical 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 application deadline
Dissertation Proposal Approved: Yes, by application deadline
Dissertation Defended: No
Minimum Number of AAPI Intervention Hours (if applicable): 250
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: Applicants must submit a sample therapy/intervention case and a sample assessment report. (If applying for the neuropsychology track, the report should be a sample neuropsychological assessment report.) Applicants must have a minimum of 2 WAIS or WISC administrations with scoring, 2 MMPI-2/MMPI-2-RF/MMPI-3/MCMI/PAI administrations with scoring, and 2 integrated reports to receive an invitation for an interview.
Program Description

Our APA Accredited Psychology Internship Training Program concentrates on developing the knowledge, skills, and techniques necessary to function as professional psychologists.  We utilize the practitioner/scientist model, signifying the emphasis that is placed on the supervised activities an intern will perform.  Veteran care activities, such as assessment and intervention, are given a higher priority than more academic pursuits, such as research and teaching.  This is not because we devalue the latter; it is because our site is better suited to providing high-quality training in clinical care.   

Our program utilizes the tutorial-apprenticeship model.  Interns are assigned primary supervisors from members of the Psychology Training Staff and participate directly in the work of their primary supervisor(s).  The exact nature of the experience will depend on the supervisor-intern relationship, the skill level of the intern, our veteran population, and the rotation itself.  We pride ourselves on the flexibility and individualization of our program to meet both the needs of our underserved rural veteran population and our incoming student’s growth areas.  In achieving individualized training objectives, our program requires that each intern demonstrate an intermediate-to-advanced level of professional psychological skills, abilities, proficiencies, competencies, and knowledge in the following areas: a) theories/methods of assessment/diagnosis and effective treatments/interventions; b) theories/methods of consultation, evaluation, and supervision; c) strategies of scholarly inquiry; and d) issues of cultural/individual diversity relevant to the above.

The Committee on Accreditation and Program Consultation can be contacted at 750 First Street, NE, Washington, DC 20002-4242; (202) 336-5979.

If you have questions or concerns about meeting our minimum requirements for an interview, please contact Dr. Patricia Smithmyer (she/her/hers; Patricia.Smithmyer@va.gov) to discuss those concerns directly. 

Internship Training Opportunities

Populations
Infants:
Toddlers:
Children:
Adolescents:
Adults: Yes
Family: Yes
Older Adults: Yes
Inpatients: Yes
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:

(training opportunities continued)

Treatment Modalities
Assessment: Major Area of Study (50% or Greater)
Individual Therapy: Major Area of Study (50% or Greater)
Couples Therapy: Exposure (1% to 20%)
Family Therapy: Exposure (1% to 20%)
Group Therapy: Experience (21% to 30%)
Community Intervention: Exposure (1% to 20%)
Consultation/Liaison: Exposure (1% to 20%)
Crisis Intervention: Experience (21% to 30%)
Brief Psychotherapy: Emphasis (31% to 49%)
Long-term Psychotherapy: Experience (21% to 30%)
Cognitive Rehabilitation: Exposure (1% to 20%)
Primary Care: Emphasis (31% to 49%)
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: Exposure (1% to 20%)
HIV/AIDS: Exposure (1% to 20%)
Eating Disorders: Exposure (1% to 20%)
Sexual Disorders: Exposure (1% to 20%)
Sports Psychology:
Rehabilitation Psychology:
Physical Disabilities: Emphasis (31% to 49%)
Learning Disabilities: Experience (21% to 30%)
Developmental Disabilities:
Assessment: Major Area of Study (50% or Greater)
Neuropsychology-Adult: Major Area of Study (50% or Greater)
Neuropsychology-Child:
Serious Mental Illness: Major Area of Study (50% or Greater)
Anxiety Disorders: Emphasis (31% to 49%)
Trauma/PTSD: Major Area of Study (50% or Greater)
Sexual Abuse: Experience (21% to 30%)
Substance Use Disorders: Emphasis (31% to 49%)
Forensics/Corrections:
Sexual Offenders: Exposure (1% to 20%)
Geropsychology: Major Area of Study (50% or Greater)
Pediatrics:
School:
Counseling: Major Area of Study (50% or Greater)
Vocational/Career Development:
Multicultural Therapy: Experience (21% to 30%)
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:
Program Development/Evaluation: Exposure (1% to 20%)
Supervision: Experience (21% to 30%)
Research:
Administration: Exposure (1% to 20%)
Integrated health care - primary: Emphasis (31% to 49%)
Integrated health care - specialty: Emphasis (31% to 49%)
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/illiana-health-care/work-with-us/internships-and-fellowships/psychology-training/  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: 47 53 54 47 50 77 52
Number of applicants invited for interviews: 36 32 34 33 30 45 29
Total number of interns: 5 5 5 5 5 3 3
Total number of interns from APA/CPA accredited programs: 5 5 5 5 5 3 3
Total number of interns from Ph.D. programs: 3 2 1 2 0 0 0
Total number of interns from Psy.D. programs: 2 3 4 3 5 3 3
Total number of interns from Ed.D. programs: 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Number of interns that come from a Clinical Psychology program 4 4 5 5 5 3 3
Number of interns that come from a Counseling Psychology program 1 1 0 0 0 0 0
Number of interns that come from a School Psychology program 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Range of integrated assessment reports: lowest number of reports written 0 2 16 11 1 17 28
Range of integrated assessment reports: highest number of reports written 52 29 39 78 409 61 51
Summary of Post Internship Employment Settings of Each Internship Class (1st Placement)
2022-2023
Academic teaching:
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): 1
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