Advanced Doctoral Practicum
Overview
The Psychology Department at Center for Behavioral Medicine (CBM) offers advanced practicum positions for doctoral students in clinical and counseling university training programs. Practicum students are assigned to one of three inpatient units where they participate as members of a multi-disciplinary treatment team. Unit assignments are decided by the Training Director according to students' training needs, interests, and experience.
Practicum students function under the direct supervision of a licensed psychologist and receive one hour of formal supervision each week from a doctoral intern. Evaluation of the practicum student is completed in accordance with the requirements of the student's university program.
Practicum students are accepted for a minimum of two semesters typically beginning late summer. Students must be able to be on site 16 to 20 hours per week. Practicum hours can be completed Monday through Friday between the hours of 8am and 4:30pm. Students must undergo a TB test and complete all facility orientations prior to beginning the practicum. While there are no required days or times, practicum students are strongly encouraged to be onsite Thursdays to participate in additional professional development training opportunities (e.g., grand rounds, case conferences).
Practicum Opportunities
Forensic Units
The Competency Restoration Units at CBM provides treatment for defendants committed to the Missouri Department of Mental Health as Incompetent to Stand Trial (IST). Patients presenting problems include psychotic, affective, cognitive, developmental, personality, and substance use disorders. Clinical experiences include individual and group therapy, individual and group competency education, competency assessment, and psychological testing. Practicum students are encouraged to create and implement their own groups according to their interests, expertise, and the needs of the unit.
Practicum students seeking an internship at CBM should have an interest in the treatment of individuals who have a serious and persistent mental illness and have a curiosity about the legal system.
Practicum students will be members of the Illness Management and Recovery (IMR) concentration for the duration of their training year. There is also an opportunity to participate in Dialectical Behavior Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.
Send a statement of interest, including training goals and curriculum vitae to Jon Torres, Psy.D. at cbmpracticum@dmh.mo.gov
Applications may be submitted after January 1st. Applicants will be invited to meet with the Training Director sometime after February 1st.
How to Apply
Illness Management and Recovery (IMR)
The IMR program is designed for patients diagnosed with serious and persistent mental illnesses (Bipolar or Schizophrenia spectrum disorders), and offers therapy to assist patients to better understand the causes and symptoms of their mental illness and to find effective coping mechanisms for managing their symptoms. As a member of the IMR team, practicum students may facilitate IMR groups and provide individual services for patients throughout the training year. Practicum students may also participate in a multidisciplinary IMR team with a licensed psychologist.