The VASDHS/UCSD Clinical Psychology Postdoctoral Residency Program is accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA) as a postdoctoral residency program in clinical psychology. In close affiliation with the University of California, San Diego (UCSD), Department of Psychiatry, the program offers 1-year positions in two tracks: Evidence Based Psychotherapies (EBP) and Psychosocial Rehabilitation (PSR). A third track, Clinical Mental Health (CMH), is pending approval for accreditation by the APA Commission on Accreditation, for the first year of two-year training positions. The training program uses a scientist practitioner model. Development, implementation, and dissemination of evidence-based research and practice are high priorities. The amount of time spent in clinical and research experiences varies for each track, and training is individualized to each resident’s needs and interests. For more information, go to: http://psychiatry.ucsd.edu/trainingmanual.pdf .
In the EBP Track, eight positions will be available. There is one position in each of the following emphasis areas: Anxiety, Geropsychology and Home-based Care, Mood Disorders and Suicidality, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) Mental Health, OEF/OIF/OND PTSD, and PTSD/Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). There are two positions in Family Mental Health. Residents complete a major rotation in the emphasis area and a minor rotation in primary care mental health integration or general mental health. Residents learn to delivery evidence-based psychotherapies including developing personalized treatment plans.
In the PSR Track, two clinical psychology positions will be available. Residents provide PSR services to Veterans with psychotic disorders on primary and minor rotations in acute care (inpatient), outpatient and community-based programs at the Center of Recovery Education (CORE). Using a recovery model, our programs empower Veterans to develop personalized functioning goals and choose from a menu of treatment program opportunities, including vocational skills development/supportive employment, social skills training, cognitive behavioral therapy for psychosis, illness management and recovery, substance use treatment, and access to vital community resources that support personal goal attainment through assertive community treatment and case management.
In the CMH Track, four clinical psychology positions will be available in 2-year positions that emphasize clinical research as well as the delivery of evidence-based care. There is one position in each of the following four programs: Women’s Mental Health, the VISN-22 Mental Illness Research, Education & Clinical Center (MIRECC), VA Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health (CESAMH), and Addiction Treatment. The goal of the CMH track is to train residents to become leading clinical researchers in women’s mental health, psychosis and other major mental illnesses, stress-related disorders, and addiction treatment.
Qualifications: The following are required: 1. U.S. citizenship; 2. Males born after December 31, 1959 must have registered for the draft by age 26; 3. Completion of an APA-accredited doctorate in clinical or counseling psychology and an APA-accredited clinical psychology internship by September 1, 2014. Desirable qualifications include experience using evidence-based interventions, and career goals involving clinical, research, leadership and dissemination activities involving evidence-based practices in university-affiliated or VA or other medical center setting. Recruitment of men and women from diverse social and economic backgrounds and diverse cultural and demographic groups is a high priority. The stipend for all first-year positions is $45,950 plus benefits with co-pay.
Application: Please submit the attached cover sheet, a letter of interest (maximum 2 pages), CV or resume, and 3 letters of recommendation. The letter of interest should include: The track/emphasis area you are applying and why, a brief summary of educational, clinical and research experiences relevant to the specific area of interest, a summary of your training needs and goals for the residency, and a statement of your career goals. Materials should be submitted by email to vafellowship@ucsd.edu. The application deadline is December 15, 2013. Late applications will be considered only for positions that are not filled by applicants who applied by December 15th. Applicants should be available for interview on February 3, 2014. Other interview dates and phone interviews may be possible.
Name:
Email:
Telephone number:
Please include this cover sheet and indicate which track/position you are applying. You must submit separate applications if you are applying for more than one position.
_______ Evidence Based Psychotherapies (EBP) Track
_______ Anxiety
_______ Geropsychology and Home-based Care
_______ Mood Disorders and Suicidality
_______ LGBT Mental Health
_______ OEF/OIF/OND PTSD
_______ PTSD/TBI
_______ Family Mental Health
_______ Psychosocial Rehabilitation (PSR) Track; indicate your discipline for this track only
_______ Psychology
_______ Social Work
_______ Vocational Rehabilitation
_______ Occupational Therapy
_______ Nursing
_______ Psychiatry
_______ Clinical Mental Health (CMH) Track
_______ Women’s Mental Health
_______ Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center (MIRECC) – Psychosis
_______ Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health (CESAMH) – Stress-related Disorders
_______ Addiction Treatment
The VA requires that all psychology postdoctoral residents be U.S. citizens who have completed an APA accredited doctoral program and internship. Men from psychology and non-psychology disciplines must have registered for the draft by age 26. Please do not apply if you do not meet these criteria as we will not be able to review your application.
Application Checklist:
________ 2-page (max) letter explaining interest and experiences relevant to the position applied
________ Curriculum vitae or resume
________ Three letters of recommendation
Questions related to the program's accredited status should be directed to the Commission on Accreditation:
Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation
American Psychological Association
740 1st Street, NE, Washington, DC 20002
Phone: (202) 336-5979 / Email: apaaccred@apa.org
Web: www.apa.org/ed/accreditation