DOCTORAL PSYCHOLOGY INTERNSHIP PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
For the 2022-2023 training year, there will be two intern positions. The 12-month internship begins August 29, 2022 and is designed to be carried out over 40-50 hours per week, 10-15 of which will be spent in direct client care (face-to-face). Actual time may vary due to time needed to complete reports and other paperwork, make telephone contact, engage in case management, or attend special meetings. The completion of at least 2,000 total hours is required for the internship program, with at least 25% of the interns’ time spent in direct client care (face-to-face). The internship precedes the granting of a doctoral degree and is post-practicum/externship.
Internship Training Requirements
Interns will first rotate through the Henry Wade Juvenile Justice Center for Orientation during the Fall semester. During orientation, interns will receive PREA training, tour the facility and review detention policies and procedures. Interns will then have opportunities to observe crisis screens, assessments and department operations. After orientation, the intern will be observed conducting crisis screens and assessments. Once they have been observed and it is determined that the intern is able to conduct the required assignments, they will be given weekly duties and therapy clients. If interns have an interest in more advanced forensic assessments such as competencies and certification evaluations, they will have opportunities to participate in these assessments.
ACCREDITATION The Doctoral Psychology Internship Program is not yet APA-accredited, but has submitted the Self-Study to APA, and is an APPIC member.
A NOTE ABOUT COVID-19: COVID-19 has presented the need for adaptations to our service and training delivery models in addition to possible adaptations to the interview process. Due to the complexities of providing care using Distance Services and rapidly evolving landscape of the provision of services on-site/off-site, some of the training opportunities originally described may not be implemented as originally intended.
INTERNSHIP CLINICAL TRAINING EXPERIENCES DCJD has the unique ability to offer interns a variety of settings to build upon their clinical skills. Interns will be supervised by the Program Director of Training as well as other licensed clinical staff. Interns will have the opportunity to see youth in multiple settings including the detention facility, residential treatment programs, shelters or in the community. Experiential training will include crisis interventions, conducting psychological assessments, family therapy, on call, and individual and group therapy for youth and their families. Ample opportunities exist to provide services in Spanish.
Interns may be expected to work two weekday evenings (Monday – Thursday) until 8pm at DCJD each week to accommodate the scheduling needs of children and families. On these days, the start time for the day may be flexed.
ADDITIONAL TRAINING EXPERIENCES An annual best-practices presentation is offered, usually in April, and interns can participate in a two-day conference for youth that have sexual behavior problems.
Shadowing of multidisciplinary team partners. At various times during the training year, interns will meet with and shadow multidisciplinary team partners as part of their consultation experience. Interns will accompany these partners as they complete their day-to-day responsibilities while simultaneously gathering information about how mental health providers can support their work and vice-versa. A brief written summary of each shadowing experience will be required.
DCJD Training Calendar. The Clinical Services department holds monthly didactic trainings on various topics throughout the year. The trainings are designed for clinical staff but sometimes are open to Probation Officers, Administrators, Attorneys or Court personnel. Interns may attend additional trainings of their choosing with approval of the Director of Clinical Training.
SUPERVISION AND DIDACTICS: Supervision: Interns will receive a minimum of two hours of scheduled individual supervision per week and at least four total hours of supervision per week. Beyond scheduled individual supervision, interns will receive a combination of live supervision, review of recorded training experiences, and group supervision related to evidence-based interventions being delivered. At least two hours of individual supervision is provided by psychologists licensed in Texas. Other supervision may be provided by other mental health professionals at DCJD (i.e., licensed professional counselor (LPC), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), or other professionals with expertise in the area of supervision being delivered.