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 interdisciplinary teams, serving in multiple capacities depending on cases. Residents will work in a Mental Health Outpatient Program for the entire year. Residents will either complete a substance use track or a child and family track. They will also complete rotations in the Crisis center and the Mental Health Court program.
Outpatient: Each resident will maintain a caseload of approximately 8-12 outpatient clients per week. Resident functions in outpatient may include diagnostic evaluations, treatment planning, crisis planning, individual therapy, and family therapy.
Child and Family Track: Residents in this track will offer mobile therapy (in the home) and outpatient individual, family, and/or group therapy to children, adolescents, and their families. They will offer behaviorally based interventions and parent trainings well as work in collaboration with the IBHS behavioral team to service clients within this program. They will also complete psychological evaluations to recommend levels of care for Family Based and IBHS treatment
Substance Use Track: Residents in this track will work in the Drug and Alcohol Program (outpatient and IOP). This will allow the resident to obtain exposure to the provision of formal substance use 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 one day per week working in Valley Creek Crisis Intervention and/or Residential for a 6-month rotation. Residents on this rotation will conduct crisis assessments for walk-in clients and provide 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 as well as participating in 302 procedures. Residents will also work in a Crisis Residential program conducting biopsychosocial assessments, group therapy, and brief individual sessions.
In addition, residents will conduct on average 2-4 forensic diagnostic assessments (clinical interviews) per month to determine eligibility for Chester County's Mental Health Court for a 6-month rotation. 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.