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Site Name: VA Sierra Nevada Health Care System

Department: Mental Health Service (116)

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Department : Mental Health Service (116)

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Member Site Information
APPIC Member Number: 1439
Program Type: Internship
Membership Type: Full Membership
Site: VA Sierra Nevada Health Care System
Department: Mental Health Service (116)
Address: 975 Kirman Avenue
Reno, Nevada 89502-2597
Country: United States
Metro Area: Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Distance from Major City: 180 miles east of San Francisco, CA
Phone: 775-326-2920
Fax:
Training Director Email: nicola.depaul2@va.gov
Co-Training Director Email:
Web Address: https://www.va.gov/sierra-nevada-health-care/work-with-us/internships-and-fellowships/psychology-internship-program/
Brochure Website's Address: https://www.va.gov/sierra-nevada-health-care/work-with-us/internships-and-fellowships/psychology-internship-program/
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: Nicola De Paul
Chief Psychologist:
Number of Full-Time Licensed Doctoral Psychologists on Staff/Faculty 26
Number of Part-Time Licensed Doctoral Psychologists on Staff/Faculty 0
Position Information
Start Date: 07/12/2027
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: 0
Fringe Benefits: Dissertation Release Time, Dental Insurance, Health Insurance, Licensing Exam Release Time, Life Insurance, Professional Development Time, Sick Leave, Vacation
Other Fringe Benefits (not indicated above): Federal holidays
Brief description of the typical work day for an intern at this training site The normal federal workday schedule runs from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.. Clinical days (M, Tu, Th, F) will also include scheduled team or unit meetings, case consultation, scheduled individual supervision, and unscheduled supervision contacts. Wednesdays are dedicated to didactic training and interactive seminars. Seminars include Ethics & Multiculturalism Journal Club, Psychology & the Media, Professional Development, Supervision Theory & Practice, Diversity & Multiculturalism.
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? Yes
Is this program partially affiliated with one or more doctoral programs? No
Details of the above affiliations We have an affiliation agreement with the University of Nevada, Reno, and train their doctoral students in the following specialty areas: health psychology, severe mental illness, general mental health.
Internship Application Process
Accepting Applicants: Yes
Application Due Date: 11/03/2026 11:59 PM EST
Interview notification date: 12/04/2026
Tentative interview date: 01/06/2027,01/13/2027
Interview process description:

Interview Invitations: Sent by Friday, Dec 4, 2026.

Interviews: Jan 6 and Jan 13, 2027

Virtual / VIDEO only, by invitation.

Day includes: 

Morning Open House (8 - 12 PST) 

• Fun & interactive "get to know you" and program overview with faculty, interns, & applicants

  • Group Q&A with Training Director
  • Group Q&A with current interns
  • Breakouts with rotation supervisors

Afternoon Interviews (1-3 PST)

• Two individual interviews with 1-2 faculty members and/or 1 faculty member & 1 intern 
• Both interviews incude case-based exercises focused on interpersonal collaboration, team dynamics, diagnostic impressions, multicultural factors, assessment strategies, and intervention planning.

  • A performance based interviewing approach is used. Applicants are asked a set of standard questions with a behaviorally anchored rating system. 

If you cannot attend the scheduled dates, limited case-by-case alternatives may be arranged within three business days of the interview days. Non-attendance results in withdrawal from consideration.


APPIC Policy Compliance: We do not solicit, accept, or use ranking information. Your privacy is respected; you are not required to self-disclose sensitive personal information during interviews.
How to obtain application info: Visit Website
Preferred method of contacting the program: Email the Program
We have matched with interns from these programs: University of Nevada (Reno and Las Vegas), University of Tulsa, University of Toledo, Azusa Pacific University, Idaho State University, Southern Utah University, PGSP-Stanford Consortium, Pacific University, Ball State University, University or Indianapolis, CUNY-City College, Xavier University, University of Notre Dame, La Salle University, Rosemead School of Psychology, Palo Alto University, Brigham Young University, Biola University, Northern Illinois University, University of Mississippi, The Wright Institute, and others (see our website).
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): 400
Minimum Number of AAPI Assessment Hours (if applicable): 100
Minimum Number of Combined Intervention and Assessment Hours (if applicable):
Does your program require applicants to submit supplemental materials (i.e., an assessment report and/or a case/treatment summary): No
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: • U.S. citizenship (for paid HPTs) • U.S. Social Security Number • Selective Service registration (males born after 12/31/1959; waivers are rare and case-reviewed) • COVID-19 vaccination and annual flu vaccination are required, federal exceptions for medical or religious reasons allowed. • Fingerprinting & background investigation o Federal suitability determinations for all VA health professions trainees are governed by 5 F.R. 731 and VA Personnel Security regulations. o Under these federal standards, any form of probation—including informal or summary probation—is considered an active, current, or pending criminal legal condition until all terms of probation are completed and the court has issued a final disposition. o VA Personnel Security communication explains that probation indicates the underlying charge is not yet fully resolved and therefore cannot be mitigated during pre-screening. o Applicants on probation are not eligible for favorable adjudication until probation completion and submission of final court documentation confirming the case is closed. • Drug-Free Workplace: Random testing may occur; note federal prohibition of marijuana/THC/CBD for federal employees regardless of state law • APA Accredited program • Academic Affiliation Agreement with your doctoral program (most APA accredited programs already have one on ?le) • TQCVL (Trainee Quali?cations & Credentials Veri?cation Letter) completed by your program o Health requirements per CDC/VHA: TB screening, Hepatitis B, annual in?uenza, COVID-19 vaccination (declinations are rare; ?u decliners must mask in patient care areas) o Primary source veri?cation of education/training • Additional forms (e.g., VA 10-2850D, OF-306) and two matching, two unexpired IDs (must include 1 REAL ID)
Program Description

Who We Are: Psychology at VASNHCS
Psychology is a core part of Mental Health at VASNHCS. Our 26+ psychologists serve in leadership, program development, and direct care roles across the medical center and community programs. We collaborate with Psychiatry, Nursing, Social Work, Pharmacy, Primary Care, and specialty medical services—and we train alongside residents and students from multiple disciplines. Many of our alumni return as staff, a testament to the quality and culture of our program.


Training Model & Philosophy
We are a practitioner-scholar program anchored in:

• Evidence-based practice across settings
• Reflective, strengths-based supervision
• Culturally responsive care and military cultural competence
• Interprofessional collaboration and ethical practice
• A clear path from student to professional colleague

Orientation
Your first two weeks include:

• Overview of the medical center and Mental Health Service
• Training in risk assessment, VA EMR, diversity & multicultural care, CBT & Motivational Interviewing, military culture and values
• Meetings with supervisors to customize your rotation plan to your interests and goals

Feedback & Growth Focus 

• Frequent informal feedback (behaviorally specific)
• Mid- and end-rotation evaluations
• Mid-year and end-year comprehensive competency reviews by the Training Council
• Mentor Program (non-evaluative): select a psychologist for confidential support across the training year

Program Aims 

Training emphasizes evidence-based practice, reflective supervision,
preparation for generalist clinical roles.Vision: Prepare psychology interns for long-term success in health service psychology.

1. Build generalist competencies through supervised, competency-based training.
2. Prepare interns to excel in integrated healthcare, especially within the VHA.
3. Support a successful transition to postdoctoral training or entry-level roles.

Program Structure

Three 4-month trimesters

• ~32 hours/week direct care & clinical admin
o Primary Rotation(s)
o Psychotherapy Clinic
o Assessment Clinic
• Supervision: ≥4 hours/week (≥2 individual + 2 group), with opportunities for direct observation/recording review
• Wednesdays: 4-6 hours/week in Didactic Training & Seminars

Brief Rotation Descriptions

Addictive Disorders Treatment Program
Specialized training in substance use and gambling disorders with an emphasis on Motivational Interviewing, group-based interventions, and exposure to medication-assisted treatment within an integrated addiction-focused team.

Behavioral Medicine Consultation & Liaison
The strongest medical/geropsychology focus in the internship, with in-depth experience in inpatient consultation, end-of-life care, cognitive assessment, and interprofessional team functioning within the CLC, medical, and inpatient mental health units.

Housing and Urban Development–VA Supportive Housing
Intensive exposure to homelessness, housing instability, and complex clinical presentations, with community‑based work and training in system‑level advocacy and adaptation of interventions for highly marginalized populations.

Mental Health Clinic
A wide “buffet-style” experience where interns strengthen core clinical skills applicable across nearly all mental health settings, with exposure to diverse theoretical models and multiple group modalities. The emphasis is on building strong generalist competencies in assessment and psychotherapy to prepare interns for future general mental health work.

Neuropsychological Assessment
The most assessment‑focused rotation with dedicated training in neuropsychology, exposure to diverse test batteries, and responsibility for producing full neuropsychological reports. Fact Finding is offered to Neuropsychology interns.

Primary Care Mental Health Integration
A fast‑paced, integrated care environment emphasizing rapid assessment, brief interventions, real-time consultation, and close teamwork with primary care providers.

Psychosocial Rehabilitation & Recovery Center
Specialized experience working with Veterans with SMI in a recovery‑oriented, skills‑based, multidisciplinary program with strong community integration.

PTSD Clinical Team
Intensive, specialized training in PTSD and trauma therapies, with opportunities for advanced practice in gold‑standard treatments (CPT/PE) for interns who demonstrate readiness.

Tele‑Neuropsychology
Full telehealth neuropsychology experience with older adults across a geographically diverse and underserved region, including responsibility for complete evaluations and collaboration with a specialty geriatrics team.

Mental Health Leadership and Administration (Detail)
Direct exposure to leadership roles, program development, data-driven decision-making, and high‑level VA operations—ideal for trainees considering future leadership positions.

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: US Military Veterans

(training opportunities continued)

Treatment Modalities
Assessment: Emphasis (31% to 49%)
Individual Therapy: Emphasis (31% to 49%)
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: Experience (21% to 30%)
Crisis Intervention: Exposure (1% to 20%)
Brief Psychotherapy: Experience (21% to 30%)
Long-term Psychotherapy: Exposure (1% to 20%)
Cognitive Rehabilitation:
Primary Care: Exposure (1% to 20%)
Evidenced Based Practice: Emphasis (31% to 49%)
Evidence Based Research: Exposure (1% to 20%)
Supervision of Practicum students : Exposure (1% to 20%)
Other:

(training opportunities continued)

Experience
Health Psychology: Exposure (1% to 20%)
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: Exposure (1% to 20%)
Physical Disabilities: Experience (21% to 30%)
Learning Disabilities: Exposure (1% to 20%)
Developmental Disabilities:
Assessment: Emphasis (31% to 49%)
Neuropsychology-Adult: Experience (21% to 30%)
Neuropsychology-Child:
Serious Mental Illness: Experience (21% to 30%)
Anxiety Disorders: Emphasis (31% to 49%)
Trauma/PTSD: Experience (21% to 30%)
Sexual Abuse: Experience (21% to 30%)
Substance Use Disorders: Experience (21% to 30%)
Forensics/Corrections:
Sexual Offenders:
Geropsychology: Experience (21% to 30%)
Pediatrics:
School:
Counseling: Emphasis (31% to 49%)
Vocational/Career Development:
Multicultural Therapy: Exposure (1% to 20%)
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: Exposure (1% to 20%)
Program Development/Evaluation: Experience (21% to 30%)
Supervision: Exposure (1% to 20%)
Research: Exposure (1% to 20%)
Administration: Exposure (1% to 20%)
Integrated health care - primary: Experience (21% to 30%)
Integrated health care - specialty: Experience (21% to 30%)
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/sierra-nevada-health-care/work-with-us/internships-and-fellowships/psychology-internship-program/  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: 59 64 61 47 51 87 42 50 52 149
Number of applicants invited for interviews: 36 56 35 26 45 46 24 24 26 43
Total number of interns: 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 6
Total number of interns from APA/CPA accredited programs: 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 6
Total number of interns from Ph.D. programs: 2 1 2 3 1 1 4 1 1 4
Total number of interns from Psy.D. programs: 2 3 2 1 3 3 0 3 3 2
Total number of interns from Ed.D. programs: 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Number of interns that come from a Clinical Psychology program 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 3 4 6
Number of interns that come from a Counseling Psychology program 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0
Number of interns that come from a School Psychology program 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Range of integrated assessment reports: lowest number of reports written 0 3 8 12 7 6 12 16 5 7
Range of integrated assessment reports: highest number of reports written 27 36 32 137 91 22 61 61 13 32
Summary of Post Internship Employment Settings of Each Internship Class (1st Placement)
2022-2023 2023-2024 2024-2025 2025-2026
Academic teaching: 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: 0 0 1 0
Veterans Affairs Health Care System: 4 3 2 2
Psychiatric facility: 0 0 0 0
Correctional facility: 0 0 0 0
Health Maintenance Organization: 0 0 0 1
School district/system: 0 0 0 0
Independent practice setting: 0 1 0 1
Other (Academic Psychology Department): 0 0 0 0
Link to Program's Trainee Admissions, Support, and Outcome Data: https://www.va.gov/files/2024-08/Internship%20Brochure%202024-25%20Final.pdf
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