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Site Name: VA Medical Center, Washington DC

Department: Psychology (116B)

Program Information: Psychology (116B)

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Member Site Information
APPIC Member Number: 1193
Program Type: Internship
Membership Type: Full Membership
Site: VA Medical Center, Washington DC
Department: Psychology (116B)
Address: 116B
50 Irving Street, N. W.
Washington, District of Columbia 20422-0001
Country: United States
Metro Area: Not Applicable
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
Distance from Major City: located in a major city
Phone: 202-745-8000x52523
Fax:
Email: leah.squires@va.gov
Web Address: https://www.va.gov/washington-dc-health-care/work-with-us/internships-and-fellowships/psychology-training-programs/
Brochure Website's Address: https://www.va.gov/washington-dc-health-care/work-with-us/internships-and-fellowships/psychology-training-programs/
Primary Agency Type: Veterans Affairs Medical Center
Additional Agency Types:
  • Veterans Affairs Medical Center
Member of APPIC since:
Accreditation
APA Accreditation Accredited
CPA Accreditation Not Accredited
Internship Staff/Faculty Information
Training Director & Lead / Director: Leah Squires
Chief Psychologist: Leah Squires
Number of Full-Time Licensed Doctoral Psychologists on Staff/Faculty 62
Number of Part-Time Licensed Doctoral Psychologists on Staff/Faculty 1
Position Information
Start Date: 07/17/2023
Funded
Number of Full Time Slots Expected Next Class: 7
Number of Part Time Slots Expected Next Class: 0
Stipend
Full Time Annual Stipend for Next Class: 29593
Part Time Annual Stipend for Next Class: 0
Fringe Benefits: Dissertation Release Time, Health Insurance, Licensing Exam Release Time, Professional Development Time, Sick Leave, Vacation
Other Fringe Benefits (not indicated above):
Brief description of the typical work day for an intern at this training site Interns engage in a variety activities as part of interdisciplinary teams across our Medical Center. Specific daily activities will vary depending upon the individualized training plan; but may include: individual and group therapy, performance of clinically focused assessments, provision of consultation and supervision to junior trainees, team meetings, didactics and other professional activities. All Interns are supervised by one or more licensed providers across the duration of the training year.
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: 11/01/2022 11:59 PM EST
Interviews at this site are:
  • Required
  • Virtual
Interview notification date: 12/15/2022
Tentative interview date: N/A
Interview process description:

To be considered for the internship, your online application must be completed by November 1st, 2022. We leave our AAPI online portal open and available for submissions until 11:59 P.M. (Eastern Standard Time) on the day of our published deadline.

In addition to the required materials indicated in the APPIC online application, we require a deidentified, comprehensive psychological assessment that must include either personality or cognitive testing elements.  This assessment can be for either an adult or child case.   We request  no more than three letters of recommendation.   Please do not submit more than the requested number of letters. 

Our program is offering two training tracks this year, each with their own NMS program number.

Our General Track (NMS Match Program #  119311) offers training in the full range of psychology assessment and intervention.

Our Neuropsychology Track (NMS Match Program #1193112) provides a sequence of specialized training in neuropsychology for interns planning to pursue careers in this speciality.

Please note clearly in your cover letter whether you intend to specialize in neuropsychology. To be eligible for an internship you must be: a) enrolled as a student in an APA ,CPA or PCSAS accredited clinical or counseling doctoral program and b) a citizen of the United States or Canada by the first day of the internship.

A video interview is required for acceptance into the internship.  Interviews will be held in early January 2023.  Dates will be updated in this listing once our calendar is set.

Our interview day is holistic in nature and involves individual interviews with staff, meetings with the current intern cohort, as well as informational sessions with the Director, Psychology Training Programs and other staff members involved in training.  Applicants should plan to spend roughly 4-6 hours with us on interview day.   Our goal with the interview is to give applicants a chance to get to know our team and gain a sense of whether we are a good fit for their internship.  For the 2023-24 selection cycle, we plan to offer virtual interviews only.    

Applicants invited to interview will be notified by December 15th, 2022     

 
How to obtain application info: Visit Website
Preferred method of contacting the program: Visit Website
We have matched with interns from these programs: We have matched with interns from numerous programs across the United States.
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 start of internship
Dissertation Proposal Approved: Yes, by start of internship
Dissertation Defended: No
Minimum Number of AAPI Intervention Hours (if applicable):
Minimum Number of AAPI Assessment Hours (if applicable):
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
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: Here is the link to our training program website https://www.va.gov/washington-dc-health-care/work-with-us/internships-and-fellowships/psychology-training-programs/
Program Description

The DC VAMC offers a generalist psychology training internship program to qualified graduate students from APA or CPA accredited clinical or counseling psychology doctoral programs.  At this time, we offer seven internship positions. Our training program prepares psychology interns for the effective, independent, and ethical practice of professional psychology.  Our program highlights the development of competence to work across individual and cultural differences as integral to our approach to training.

Staff psychologists  participate widely in this large and active teaching center, interns are exposed to a broad range of potential training experiences, including those in traditional outpatient  settings, therapeutic communities, and contemporary health psychology. Our staff and Veteran population reflect the vibrant multi-ethnic communities in the greater metropolitan Washington D.C. area. Training is a very high priority at the DC VAMC.  Our team is committed to providing evidenced based care from a range of theoretical orientations (CBT, ACT, brief psychodynamic). The variety within our medical center and the diversity among our staff enables us to approach each intern's training through an individualized plan, with the goal of maximizing the intern's personal growth and professional competence.

The internship at the Washington DC VA Medical Center is fully accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of the American Psychological Association. The internship program has been accredited since 1981. Our most recent site visit was conducted in the spring of 2022.

Internship applicants must meet these criteria to be considered for any VA Psychology Internship program:

  1. 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. 
  2. Approved for internship status by graduate program training director.

As stipend paid trainees, all Psychology Interns must be US Citizens at time of appointment, and must meet all employment eligiblity criteria for VA staff. This includes being subjected to background checks, and random drug testing.  This handout VA Drug-Free Workplace Program Guide for Veterans Health Administration Health Professions Trainees provides additional information about VA Drug testing policies that pertain to Health Professions Trainees.

For more information about our program, including rotation descriptions, please visit our website: Psychology Training Programs | VA Washington DC Health Care | Veterans Affairs

Please note this site is typically updated in August, so potential applicants are encouraged to review the site in the fall as they prepare applications.

Internship Training Opportunities

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

(training opportunities continued)

Treatment Modalities
Assessment: EXPERIENCE (21% to 30%)
Individual Therapy: Major Area of Study (50% or Greater)
Couples Therapy: EXPERIENCE (21% to 30%)
Family Therapy: EXPOSURE (1% to 20%)
Group Therapy: Major Area of Study (50% or Greater)
Community Intervention: Major Area of Study (50% or Greater)
Consultation/Liaison: Major Area of Study (50% or Greater)
Crisis Intervention: EXPERIENCE (21% to 30%)
Brief Psychotherapy: Major Area of Study (50% or Greater)
Long-term Psychotherapy: EXPERIENCE (21% to 30%)
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: EXPERIENCE (21% to 30%)
Supervision of Practicum students : Major Area of Study (50% or Greater)
Other:

(training opportunities continued)

Experience
Health Psychology: Major Area of Study (50% or Greater)
Women's Health: EMPHASIS (31% to 49%)
HIV/AIDS: EXPERIENCE (21% to 30%)
Eating Disorders: EXPOSURE (1% to 20%)
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: 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: Major Area of Study (50% or Greater)
Trauma/PTSD: Major Area of Study (50% or Greater)
Sexual Abuse: Major Area of Study (50% or Greater)
Substance Use Disorders: Major Area of Study (50% or Greater)
Forensics/Corrections:
Sexual Offenders:
Geropsychology: Major Area of Study (50% or Greater)
Pediatrics:
School:
Counseling: Major Area of Study (50% or Greater)
Vocational/Career Development: Major Area of Study (50% or Greater)
Multicultural Therapy: Major Area of Study (50% or Greater)
Feminist Therapy: EXPOSURE (1% to 20%)
Religion/Spirituality:
Empirically-Supported Treatments: Major Area of Study (50% or Greater)
Public Policy/Advocacy:
Program Development/Evaluation: Major Area of Study (50% or Greater)
Supervision: Major Area of Study (50% or Greater)
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: Major Area of Study (50% or Greater)
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/washington-dc-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
Number of Completed Applications: 150 121 167 169 186 269
Number of applicants invited for interviews: 24 24 30 32 32 68
Total number of interns: 7 7 7 7 7 8
Total number of interns from APA/CPA accredited programs: 7 7 7 7 7 9
Total number of interns from Ph.D. programs: 6 6 5 5 6 5
Total number of interns from Psy.D. programs: 1 1 2 2 1 3
Total number of interns from Ed.D. programs: 0 0 0 0 0 0
Number of interns that come from a Clinical Psychology program 5 7 4 5 7 4
Number of interns that come from a Counseling Psychology program 2 0 3 2 0 4
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 6 10 3 16 1
Range of integrated assessment reports: highest number of reports written 56 44 79 80 95
Summary of Post Internship Employment Settings of Each Internship Class (1st Placement)
2016-2017 2017-2018 2018-2019 2019-2020 2020-2021 2021-2022
Working on dissertation/Student: 0 1 0 0 0 0
Postdoctoral Fellow: 4 4 5 7 5 7
Community Mental Health Center: 0 0 0 0 0 0
Health Maintenance Organization: 0 0 0 0 0 0
Veteran's Affairs Medical Center: 1 1 0 0 2 1
Military Medical Center: 0 0 1 0 0 0
Private General Hospital: 0 0 0 0 0 0
General Hospital: 0 0 0 0 0 0
Other Medical Center: 0 0 0 0 0 0
Private Psychiatric Hospital: 0 0 0 0 0 0
State/County/Other Public Hospital: 0 0 0 0 0 0
Correctional Facility: 0 0 0 0 0 0
School District/System: 0 0 0 0 0 0
University Counseling Center: 0 0 0 0 0 0
University Teaching Faculty: 0 1 0 0 0 0
2 or 4 year Undergraduate Teaching Position: 0 0 0 0 0 0
Medical School: 0 0 0 0 0 2
Academic Non-Teaching Position: 0 0 0 0 0 0
Research Position: 0 0 0 0 0 0
Independent Practice: 1 0 1 0 0 4
Other (e.g. consulting): 1 0 0 0 0 0
Not Currently Employed: 0 0 0 0 0 0
Changed to Other Career Field: 0 0 0 0 0 0
Unknown: 0 0 0 0 0 0
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