The Erie VA Medical Center is seeking applications for our Health Service Psychology Doctoral Internship. Two positions will be available for the 2023-2024 training year.
The mission of the Erie VAMC psychology internship is to offer broad, general doctoral internship training aimed at developing intermediate to advanced competencies in Professional Psychology that will prepare psychology interns for post-doctoral or entry-level Health Service Psychologist (HSP) positions. Training for the clinical psychology interns occurs across several specialized interprofessional and interdisciplinary treatment settings and is based in the delivery of established, efficacious treatment that is grounded in the theoretical and empirical literature.
The intern will participate in at least two 6-month major rotations. Interns spend the equivalent of at least 3 days a week in their major rotations. Interns may also choose a minor rotation from the offerings listed below. Interns will typically spend the equivalent of 1 day a week in their minor rotation, which will last 6 to 12 months. Possible training experiences with the Erie VAMC include:
- Community Living Center/Geropsychology
- Substance Use Disorders Treatment Program
- Health Behavior (Primary Care Mental Health, Inpatient Rehab, Specialty Evaluations)
Each of these settings provides trainees the opportunity to develop their clinical skills across the profession wide competencies of research, ethics, diversity, professionalism, communication and interpersonal skills, assessment, intervention, supervision, and consultation. Additionally, many rotations offer training in a variety of evidence based practices, including, but not limited to Cognitive Process Therapy, Prolonged Exposure, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Depression, CBT for Insomnia, and Interpersonal Therapy for Depression.
In addition to offering a wide range of training experiences, the Behavioral Health Clinic at the Erie VA is comprised of a close-knit, multidisciplinary team who seek to foster a welcoming environment, valuing cultural and individual differences. The small size of the facility allows for collegial and supportive interprofessional collaboration that promotes high-quality Veteran care and enhances job satisfaction.
Erie is a great place to live. It’s one of the largest cities in Pennsylvania with a population of approximately 99,500. Located on the southeast shore of Lake Erie, the city boasts being the only Great Lakes Port in the State of Pennsylvania. It’s conveniently located less than two hours from Cleveland, OH, Buffalo, NY, and Pittsburgh, PA. Despite its relative size and proximity to larger metropolitan areas, the counties surrounding Erie are considered rural. The area is known for its access to Presque Isle State Park, which offers a variety of outdoor recreational activities (fishing, kayaking, hiking, biking), and proximity to excellent beaches and local wineries. The winter months provide even more opportunity for outdoor entertainment with easy access to cross country and downhill skiing, ice fishing, wind skating, iceboating, and ice skating.
COVID-19 CHANGES: As a result of the pandemic, interns may be allowed to telework part-time, and are conducting at least some of their clinical work via telehealth modalities (based on Veteran preference). Laptops for telework and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for face-to-face sessions is provided. Telesupervision may be offered. The reliance on telehealth services and telesupervision to provide safe and effective care will continue, as dictated by local, regional and national policy.
