Tarzana Treatment Centers (TTC) offers interns an exciting array of training opportunities in treating mental health, substance use and co-occurring disorders. What is unique about our site is that we offer all levels of care: inpatient, residential rehabilitation, and outpatient services. While we offer two intern tracks-3 slots for our adult track and 4 slots for our youth track-there are Didactic Trainings and 2 seminars that all interns experience. Adult Track interns spend time on the inpatient unit, which is 60 bed licensed psychiatric hospital used for both detoxification and psychiatric stabilization. They conduct comprehensive bio-psycho-social assessments with a wide array of individuals and hone their diagnostic and report writing skills. The Youth Track interns conduct similar assessments and Department of Mental Health write ups. Interns in both tracks carry individual caseloads and run groups. All interns will have first-hand experience in suicide risk assessment and crisis intervention. Interns are part of a team of trainees that include 13 practicum students and 5 post-doctoral fellows so there is always comradery and support from other trainees as well as from licensed psychologists. In addition, you will be integrated into a team with other professionals that include psychiatrists, nurses and counselors on the Adult side; and Probation Officers, school and court personnel, and counselors on the Youth side.
The patient population is demographically, socioeconomically, and culturally diverse. Many of the patients have histories of trauma, which is frequently a focus of treatment. Interns will gain exposure to patients with criminal justice involvement or histories and/or with chronic diseases that include HIV and Hepatitis C. Mental health diagnoses include anxiety and depressive disorders, PTSD, bipolar, psychotic, and characterological disorders. TTC is known for its integrated care, with primary care and specialized HIV services, in addition to its mental health substance use services.
Formal training and supervision is an integral part of the internship. There is a weekly 90 minute didactic training on both mental health and substance use issues, which covers a broad range of assessment, diagnostic, intervention, and ethical topics. Interns receive two hours of individual supervision weekly by licensed clinical psychologists and receive four more hours of supervision and training on (1) individual psychotherapy, (2) group psychotherapy, (3) clinical assessment, consultation & supervision, and (4) professional issues that address transitioning from the intern role to that of a psychologist. Supervision is provided on Cognitive-Behavioral, Psychodynamic, Humanistic, Mindfulness and Group Psychotherapy. Core training elements include mindfulness, crisis intervention, clinical assessment of complicated cases, and how to effectively assess and treat individuals with co-occurring mental health and SUDs. Interns can be certified in 1-2 Evidence-Based Practices. Please note that this is a not a psychological testing training site.
Youth Track: We offer 4 intern positions in our Youth program. Youth interns participate in our Juvenile Drug court program, interfacing with legal systems, and other agencies. They will see at-risk children and adolescents (8-19) with mental health and/or co-occurring SUDs. Youth hours are from 12:00-8:30 PM M-T and 11:30-8:00 on Friday. If you are not able to work the evening hours, this is not a good match for you as our Youth patients are only available for service during the afternoon and evening.
Adult Track: We offer 3 intern positions in our Adult program. Adult interns have the rare opportunity to treat patients in the full spectrum of care in our inpatient, residential and outpatient programs.