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Site Name: VA Illiana Health Care System

Department: Mental Health Service

Program Information: 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: 217-554-4605
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:
Member of APPIC since:
Accreditation
APA Accreditation Accredited
CPA Accreditation Not Accredited
Internship Staff/Faculty Information
Training Director & Lead / Director: Patricia Smithmyer
Chief Psychologist: Julia Fitzgerald-Smith
Number of Full-Time Licensed Doctoral Psychologists on Staff/Faculty 24
Number of Part-Time Licensed Doctoral Psychologists on Staff/Faculty 1
Position Information
Start Date: 07/18/2022
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: 26297
Part Time Annual Stipend for Next Class: 0
Fringe Benefits: Dental Insurance, Health Insurance, Life 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 varies by placement but all interns work 40 hours/wk. We are strong believers in the work life balance.
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: 11/15/2021 11:59 PM EST
Application Due Date Time Zone:
This program uses the AAPI: Yes, with additions
An onsite interview is:
  • Optional
  • Virtual
Interview notification date: 12/03/2021
Tentative interview date:
Interview process description:

Our top applicants will be invited via email for either a Teams/WebEx or in-person interview to take place on one of the following: Tuesday December 14-Virtual, Wednesday January 12-Virtual, or Tuesday, January 18-Inperson. If Teams or WebEx is not possible, a telephone interview will be offered on Thursday January 20. The type of interview modality selected will not be a consideration into our rank list and truly is up to the candidate.  We have talked with our current interns and there was a split preference between virtual and in person interviews.  So to meet the interests of both groups, we offer either option.  We have read through the APPIC applicant survey data that discussed that applicants may feel concerned that choosing a virtual option would negatively affect the program’s ranking of them.  Our program has ranked and matched very successful applicants from phone, virtual, and in person interviews.  We truly do not have a preference and want applicants to make the choice that matches their preference and is best for their current situation.  The pandemic allowed us to tweak our virtual interview skills and staff found that they worked very well to interview applicants.  If there is a change in pandemic status during the year we will follow CDC, APA, APPIC, and OAA guidelines about offering interviews.  

Applicants will participate in a 45-to-60-minute individual interview with two psychologists from our training staff; a one-hour group with at least one of our current interns, allowing applicants to relax and get to know our training program from an intern perspective; and a group meeting with the Training Director. On the three Teams/WebEx/In-Person interview dates, our psychology staff will also give a brief description of each of our placement options to the group.  A link to our virtual tour of our campus/facilities will 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 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 ranking deadline
Dissertation Proposal Approved: Yes, by application deadline
Dissertation Defended: No
Minimum Number of AAPI Intervention Hours: 250
Minimum Number of AAPI Assessment Hours: 50
Minimum Number of Years of Grad Training Required: 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 case and a sample assessment report (if applying for the neuropsychology track, the report should be a sample neuropsychological assessment report). 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 Psychology Training Program, which is accredited by the American Psychological Association for internship training, has the goal of assisting interns in the development of the knowledge, skills and techniques necessary to function as professional psychologists. Ours is a practitioner/scientist program in that the emphasis is placed upon the various supervised activities an intern might perform. That is, patient care activities, such as assessment and intervention, are typically given a higher priority than more academic pursuits, such as research and teaching. This is not because we devalue the latter; rather, it is because we perceive our site better suited to providing training in patient care functions. With this bias, we look forward to helping interns integrate these areas of training so that each can inform and reinforce the other. The primary method used to achieve this goal is based on 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. While it is possible to sketch the general character of the intern's involvement, the exact nature of the experience depends upon the supervisor-intern mix, for we try to individualize training as much as possible and use our resources to meet unique needs. 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 areas of: 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 believe that you have been affected by COVID in your practicum experiences and hours that do not meet our minimum requirements, please contact Dr. Fitzgerald Smith (she/her/hers; julia.fitzgeraldsmith@va.gov) to discuss those concerns. 

Internship Training Opportunities

Populations
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:
Students: Yes
International Students:
Rural: Yes
Urban: Yes
Low income: Yes
Homelessness: Yes
Other:

(training opportunities continued)

Treatment Modalities
Assessment: EMPHASIS (31% to 49%)
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: EXPOSURE (1% to 20%)
Brief Psychotherapy: EMPHASIS (31% to 49%)
Long-term Psychotherapy: EXPERIENCE (21% to 30%)
Cognitive Rehabilitation:
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: TeleMental Health

(training opportunities continued)

Experience
Health Psychology: EMPHASIS (31% to 49%)
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: EXPOSURE (1% to 20%)
Learning Disabilities: EXPOSURE (1% to 20%)
Developmental Disabilities:
Assessment: EMPHASIS (31% to 49%)
Neuropsychology-Adult: Major Area of Study (50% or Greater)
Neuropsychology-Child:
Serious Mental Illness: Major Area of Study (50% or Greater)
Anxiety Disorders: EXPERIENCE (21% to 30%)
Trauma/PTSD: Major Area of Study (50% or Greater)
Sexual Abuse: EXPOSURE (1% to 20%)
Substance Use Disorders: EMPHASIS (31% to 49%)
Forensics/Corrections:
Sexual Offenders: EXPOSURE (1% to 20%)
Geropsychology: EMPHASIS (31% to 49%)
Pediatrics:
School:
Counseling: Major Area of Study (50% or Greater)
Vocational/Career Development:
Multicultural Therapy: EXPOSURE (1% to 20%)
Feminist Therapy: EXPOSURE (1% to 20%)
Religion/Spirituality: EXPOSURE (1% to 20%)
Empirically-Supported Treatments: EMPHASIS (31% to 49%)
Public Policy/Advocacy:
Program Development/Evaluation:
Supervision: EXPOSURE (1% to 20%)
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
Number of Completed Applications: 47 53 54 47 50
Number of applicants invited for interviews: 36 32 34 33 30
Total number of interns: 5 5 5 5 5
Total number of interns from APA/CPA accredited programs: 5 5 5 5 5
Total number of interns from Ph.D. programs: 3 2 1 2 0
Total number of interns from Psy.D. programs: 2 3 4 3 5
Total number of interns from Ed.D. programs: 0 0 0 0 0
Number of interns that come from a Clinical Psychology program 4 4 5 5 5
Number of interns that come from a Counseling Psychology program 1 1 0 0 0
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 0 2 16 11 1
Range of integrated assessment reports: highest number of reports written 52 29 39 78 409
Summary of Post Internship Employment Settings of Each Internship Class
2016-2017 2017-2018 2018-2019 2019-2020 2020-2021
Working on dissertation/Student: 0 0 1 1 0
Postdoctoral Fellow: 4 5 3 3 3
Community Mental Health Center: 0 0 0 0 0
Health Maintenance Organization: 0 0 0 0 0
Veteran's Affairs Medical Center: 1 0 0 0 2
Military Medical Center: 0 0 0 0 0
Private General Hospital: 0 0 0 0 0
General Hospital: 0 0 0 0 2
Other Medical Center: 0 0 0 1 0
Private Psychiatric Hospital: 0 0 0 0 0
State/County/Other Public Hospital: 0 0 0 0 0
Correctional Facility: 0 0 0 0 0
School District/System: 0 0 0 0 0
University Counseling Center: 0 0 0 0 0
University Teaching Faculty: 0 0 0 0 0
2 or 4 year Undergraduate Teaching Position: 0 0 0 0 0
Medical School: 0 0 0 0 0
Academic Non-Teaching Position: 0 0 0 0 0
Research Position: 0 0 0 0 0
Independent Practice: 0 0 0 0 1
Other (e.g. consulting): 0 0 0 0 0
Not Currently Employed: 0 0 0 0 0
Changed to Other Career Field: 0 0 0 0 0
Unknown: 0 0 0 0 0
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