Overview

The Psychology Department at CBM offers a limited number of openings for students desiring Psychology Practicum opportunities. Psychology Practicum students may choose from a wide range of training experiences in adult inpatient treatment and forensic services.

Adult Inpatient Units: The Adult Inpatient Units at CBM provide care and treatment for patients needing extended acute inpatient hospitalization and longer term inpatient hospitalization. Patients’ presenting problems include psychosis, suicidal behavior, affective disorders, substance abuse, and severe personality disorders.

Forensic Services: Staff in this program perform court ordered pretrial evaluations on defendants that address issues of competency to stand trial and criminal responsibility. Additionally they conduct evaluations to offer an opinion as whether an individual should be classified as a Sexually Violent Predators.


Components of the Psychology Practicum

Practicum Student Activities:

Psychology Practicum students, depending on their training and experience, may participate as members of a multi-disciplinary treatment team and, under supervision, provide psychological services including diagnostic interviewing, psychological testing, individual therapy and group therapy. In Forensic Services the psychology practicum student may observe and participate in the process of conducting forensic evaluations.

Supervision

Practicum students will receive at least one hour of individual weekly supervision from a licensed doctoral level Psychologist, Postdoctoral Psychology Resident, or Predoctoral Psychology Intern. A formal evaluation of the Practicum student will be completed in accordance with the requirements of the student’s University.

Practicum Schedule

The Practicum requires a two semester committment, typically beginning in the Fall. Students must be able to be on site approximately 12 to 16 hours per week.

Application Procedure

Preference is given to applicants from Clinical or Counseling Psychology, APA-accredited doctoral programs. However, applicants from other programs will be considered. Applications should include: statement of training interests and goals; curriculum vita; and copies of graduate program transcripts. Applicants chosen for an interview will be invited for an on site visit to meet with Psychology Staff members and potential supervisors.

Upon acceptance to the Psychology Practicum students will be expected to complete orientation requirements at CBM. Additionally, an affiliation agreement between CBM and the student’s University will need to be completed.

Inquiries can be made to Shawn Anderson, Ph.D.; shawn.anderson@dmh.mo.gov. Submit application materials to: Department of Psychology, Center for Behavioral Medicine, 1000 E 24th Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64108.