Psychology Internship Consortium

This database is no longer actively maintained and is here for archival purposes only

Organization Type: 
Government
Program Type: 
Curriculum/Track
Education Level: 
Graduate
Educational Elements: 
Lecture/Didactic
Independent Study
Self Reflection Activities
Experiential not including services to patients
Experiential including clinical contact with patients
Other Element(s): 
Empirical Research
Program Description: 

The Veterans Affairs (VA) Maryland Health Care System/University of Maryland (Baltimore) Psychology Internship Consortium represents the integrated training experience of psychology across four primary sites, including two medical centers and a medical school.  Each training site coordinates its training efforts through a Consortium Training Committee to support the overall goals and objectives of the Consortium. 

Interns in the VA-based training tracks (comprehensive/general, neuropsychology, post-traumatic stress disorder/trauma recovery, health psychology and serious mental illness) complete three four-month rotations during the year (two rotations based at Baltimore and one at either Perry Point or Loch Raven) and their major clinical activities are based at VA facilities, with some opportunities for minor clinical rotations or research activities based at the School of Medicine.  Interns in university-based tracks (adult outpatient/community, child outpatient/community and school mental health) complete year-long rotations at clinics and centers affiliated with the School of Medicine and University of Maryland Medical System, with some opportunities (depending on track) for clinical minors or research activities based at the VA.

All interns are required to attend the Consortium Seminar Series at the Baltimore VA Medical Center as their main form of didactic education, and interns are encouraged to take advantage of educational activities unique to specific sites and rotations.  The Consortium is a full-time, twelve month training program consisting of 2,080 hours.  Interns spend approximately 24 hours per week engaged in clinical activities at their major rotation/clinic. The remaining 16 hours include minor clinical rotations (up to six hours per week), seminars (three or more hours per week), research activities (up to six hours per week – focused on an area of expertise in behavioral medicine), and administrative activities.  Interns are required to complete at least six comprehensive, integrated assessments for successful completion of the training year.

Evaluated: 
Yes
Program Results: 

The program has received full accreditation by the American Psychological Association.

Targeted Professions
Psychology: 
Clinical
Counseling
Clinical Health
Self-Reported Competencies
PCPCC’s Education and Training Task Force identified 16 interprofessional training competencies critical for preparing health professionals for practicing in team-based, coordinated care models such as patient-centered medical homes. Listed below are the self-reported competencies that this program has achieved, which have been organized by the five core features of a medical home as defined by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality
Patient-Centered Care Competencies: 
Advocacy for patient-centered integrated care
Cultural sensitivity and competence in culturally appropriate practice
Development of effective, caring relationships with patients
Patient-centered care planning, including collaborative decision-making and patient self-management
Comprehensive Care Competencies: 
Assessment of biopsychosocial needs across the lifespan
Population-based approaches to health care delivery
Risk identification
Coordinated Care Competencies: 
Interprofessionalism & interdisciplinary team collaboration
Team leadership
Quality Care & Safety Competencies: 
Assessment of patient outcomes
Evidence-based practice
Quality improvement methods, including assessment of patient-experience for use in practice-based improvement efforts
Accessible Care Competencies: 
Promotion of appropriate access to care (e.g., group appointments, open scheduling)
Last updated November 15, 2013

* Please note: Information contained in this database is self-reported by representatives from each program. It does not represent an exhaustive list of education and training programs and inclusion does not constitute an endorsement from the PCPCC.

 

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