Residents will work in several programs throughout the year in order to improve upon a generalist training. The resident will function as a member of the interdisciplinary team, serving in multiple capacities depending on cases. Residents will work in a Mental Health Outpatient Program for the entire year. There will be three 4-month rotations in the following areas: Crisis Services, D&A, and child/adolescent.
Outpatient: Each resident will maintain a caseload of approximately 8 outpatient clients per week in one of three outpatient offices: Exton, Kennett Square, or Upper Darby. Resident functions in outpatient may include diagnostic evaluations, treatment planning, individual therapy, and family therapy.
Substance Abuse: Each resident will work in the Drug and Alcohol Program (outpatient and IOP) at the Kennett Square office. This will allow the resident to obtain exposure to the provision of formal substance abuse treatment. Resident functions may include, but are not limited to: chemical dependency evaluations, co-facilitation of groups, and individual therapy.
Crisis Services: Each resident will spend two days per week working in Valley Creek Crisis Intervention. Residents on this rotation will engage in telephonic crisis counseling to those in acute crisis; conduct crisis assessments for walk-in clients; and provide mobile crisis interventions to clients including crisis de-escalation, solution-focused interventions, and supportive counseling. Additional focus includes providing consultation and education to concerned family, school personnel, and other identified agents calling on a client’s behalf. Residents will also work one day in a Crisis Residential program conducting biopsychosocial assessments, group therapy, and individual sessions.
Child/Adolescence: Each resident will work as a mobile therapist for children and/or adolescents who have behavioral health concerns and are authorized for IBHS (Intensive Behavioral Health Services). This rotation can include the provision of individual and family therapy, conducted within the school. There could be additional opportunities to do in-home work. Resident functions may include, but are not limited to: assessments, individual sessions, family therapy sessions, group therapy, and behavioral consultation.
In addition, residents will conduct an average of one forensic clinical assessment per month for Chester County's Mental Health Court. Residents may also have opportunities to complete psychological testing cases over the year. Other activities include completing a community service project and conducting two didactic seminars.