Rochester Institute of Technology’s Priority Behavioral Health Psychology Internship

Overview

The Priority Behavioral Health Internship Program at the College of Health Science and Technology (CHST) at Rochester Institute of Technology is a consortium internship training program in psychology. The training program represents a cooperative endeavor between RIT’s College of Health Science and Technology and clinical placement sites within Rochester Regional Health, Hillside Family of Agencies, and Coordinate Care Services Inc (CCSI). Rochester Institute of Technology’s College of Health Science and Technology functions as one of the clinical sites as well as a hub for the internship faculty, didactic training, and administrative processes.

This internship year is first and foremost a supervised, intensive, experiential learning opportunity focused on the delivery of psychological services. The program embraces a scientist-practitioner model in which theory and evidence routinely inform professional practice and each intern has protected time to pursue a scholarly activity that can center on research, program evaluation, clinical care, or education. The training is competency-based. Each intern will have a year-long primary placement at one of the clinical sites. While in their primary clinical settings, interns provide supervised behavioral health intervention and assessment services to individuals from diverse backgrounds. Intervention may include individual, group, and/or family therapy, and may be provided for children, adolescents and/or adults, depending on the primary clinical placement. Psychological assessment is also provided at each placement site, and interns are expected to administer, interpret, and provide written synthesis of psychological test batteries. Therapy clients, number of assessments, consultation work, and research vary depending on the specific site. Interns across clinical sites have the opportunity to gain experience working with and consulting across a variety of disciplines as a major component of their training program, as each primary placement involves collaboration across various systems of care. Experiences may involve collaboration and consultation with various agencies and/or providers within multiple care disciplines and settings.

Our training and education program is dedicated to developing the next generation of leaders in the field using innovative and advanced technologies (e.g, Telehealth and Technology Assisted Interactive Tools for Clients), which is a core mission and trademark of RIT. All interns are provided with didactic and experiential training in the use of telehealth and interactive therapeutic technologies. Specifically, all interns are provided with the opportunity to engage in both in-person and telehealth treatment with homeless clients.

All interns are expected to conduct research at the internship sites through at least one ongoing scholar project, the focus of which is determined collaboratively between the primary supervisors and the intern. For more information on possible research areas please visit: Favtech | RIT

A priority is placed on professional development, including assistance to doctoral fellows in securing opportunities after internship such as post-doctoral fellowships and employment. Our clinical sites have an interest in hiring the next generation of leaders.

For additional details regarding internship program, please consult the Priority Behavioral Health Internship Handbook.

Check out these possible opportunities available during your internship
Rochester Institute of Technology Intersections:
The RIT Podcast Ep. 29: The Benefits of Telehealth!

 

Competencies

Priority Behavioral Health Internship Program competencies are as follows:
Competency 1: Interns will achieve an intermediate to advanced level of competence in Evidence-Based Intervention
Competency 2: Interns will achieve an intermediate to advanced level of competence in Evidence-Based Assessment
Competency 3: Interns will achieve an intermediate to advanced level of competence in Ethical and Legal Standards
Competency 4: Interns will achieve an intermediate to advanced level of competence in Cultural and Individual Diversity
Competency 5: Interns will achieve an intermediate to advanced level of competence in Research
Competency 6: Interns will achieve an intermediate to advanced level of competence in Professional Values, Attitudes, and Behaviors
Competency 7: Interns will achieve an intermediate to advanced level of competence in Interprofessional and Interdisciplinary Consultation
Competency 8: Interns will achieve an intermediate to advanced level of competence in Supervision
Competency 9: Interns will achieve an intermediate to advanced level of competence in Communication and Interpersonal Skills
Competency 10: Interns will achieve an intermediate to advanced level of competence in Telehealth and Interactive Therapeutic Technologies

Competency 11: Interns will achieve an intermediate to advanced level of competence in Clinical Leadership and Career Development within Ambulatory Behavioral Health Settings

Accreditation

APPIC: Our program is a member of APPIC.

APA: Our program is APA accredited.

Questions related to the program’s accreditation status should be directed to the Commission on Accreditation:

Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation
American Psychological Association
750 1st Street, NE, Washington, DC 20002
Phone: 202-336-5979
Email: 
apaaccred@apa.org
APPIC Membership Status

Structure of the Program

The internship begins on July 1st and concludes on June 30th of each academic year, and provides 2000 hours of training. Interns in this program are referred to as "psychology interns." Interns will complete the internship program over 12 months on a full-time (40 hours/week) basis. Interns are matched to one of the following clinical tracks; Coordinated Care Services Inc (CCSI), Hillside Family of Agencies, RIT Priority Clinic, Rochester Regional Health (RRH) Outpatient Behavioral Health (Adult), Rochester Regional Health (RRH) Outpatient Behavioral Health (Child/Adolescent), or Rochester Regional Health Neuropsychology at the Neuroscience Institute.

Interns spend 4 days a week with their clinical track and 1 day a week at Rochester Institute of Technology’s main campus for additional supervision, didactics, clinical discussions, and scholar activities. Additionally, all interns regardless of their track, are involved in providing services to clients at House of Mercy homeless shelter.

The training curriculum has been designed in accordance with the internship program’s required competencies. Each competency is met through both experiential and didactic training. While in their primary clinical settings, interns provide supervised behavioral health intervention and/or assessment services to individuals from diverse backgrounds. Intervention may include individual, group, and/or family therapy, and may be provided for children, adolescents and/or adults, depending on the primary clinical placement. Psychological assessment also is provided at each placement site, and interns are expected to administer, interpret, and provide written synthesis of psychological test batteries. Therapy clients, number of assessments, consultation work, and research vary depending on the specific site.

Interns across clinical sites have the opportunity to gain experience working with and consulting across a variety of disciplines as a major component of their training program, as each track involves collaboration across various systems of care. Experiences may involve collaboration and consultation with various agencies and/or providers within multiple care disciplines and settings.

All interns are provided with didactic and experiential training in the use of telehealth and interactive therapeutic technologies, as these skills are critical for providers in highly underserved areas and are core to the mission of the Rochester Institute of Technology. Specifically, all interns are provided the opportunity to engage in both in-person and telehealth treatment with House of Mercy homeless clients.

Interns are provided with regular supervision, which focuses on clinical skills development as well as addressing such issues as ethics, diversity, and professionalism. Interns are also provided with training in the effective provision of supervision and are given opportunities to practice these skills through the provision of supervision to undergraduate students who provide support to the interns’ scholar projects. All training goal areas are additionally supported through the provision of relevant didactics provided by content experts. 

All Interns are expected to conduct research at the internship sites through at least one ongoing “scholar project”, the focus of which is determined collaboratively between the primary supervisors and the intern.

Internship Tracks

Interns are matched to one of the following clinical tracks; Coordinated Care Services Inc (CCSI), Hillside Family of Agencies, RIT Priority Behavioral Health Clinic, RIT Forensic Clinical Research, Rochester Regional Health (RRH) Outpatient Behavioral Health (Adult), Rochester Regional Health (RRH) Outpatient Behavioral Health (Child/Adolescent), Rochester Regional Health Neuropsychology at the Neuroscience Institute, Rochester Regional Health Neuroscience, Pain, and Spinal Care, Rochester Regional Health Integrated Care, Rochester Psychological Assessment and Testing, Ontario County Mental Health. 

Coordinated Care Services, Incorporated (CCSI), provides a broad array of consulting services specifically tailored to meet the needs of behavioral and physical healthcare providers, social and human service departments, state agencies, school districts and community-based organization in Monroe County, across New York State, and beyond.  CCSI’s Consulting Services includes practice transformation (trauma-responsive care, DEI), strategic analytics, quality improvement, fiscal practice improvement and digital solutions and technology. 

The CCSI Clinical Track would provide trainees with opportunities to develop skills in systems level intervention and transformation with the general goals of increasing access to high quality healthcare services for underserved and marginalized populations, improving lives, and strengthening communities. CCSI consults with a broad array of sectors including organizations in behavioral, mental, and physical health, community-based organizations, education (K-12 and higher education), faith-based organizations, and government agencies. Project scopes range from one-time engagements to multiple year initiatives.  Interns function as a member of project teams and activities may include conducting literature reviews, focus groups, identifying and measuring outcomes, supporting adoption of equity-focused, trauma responsive practices, creating informative and action-oriented reports for agencies and communities, and presenting information on topics of interest to organizations. Over the course of the year, interns will have the opportunity to participate on multiple project teams which are informed by areas of interest.  Interns will obtain specific experience supporting trauma-responsive practice and diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. This track will also allow interns to have access to a number of datasets at CCSI from which to develop a scholar project that is of interest to both CCSI and the intern (Medicaid claims data for NYS, Adverse Childhood Experiences, Youth Risk Behavior Survey, as well as impact of state dollars on system transformation efforts). One day a week, interns will also be providing assessments, psychological testing, and evidenced-based care to children/youth and adults with behavioral health treatment needs at RIT’s Priority Clinic. 

The Hillside Family of Agencies is a non-profit organization consisting of more than 100 coordinated programs in 41 locations across New York and Maryland which provide comprehensive health, education, and human services for children and families. Two Hillside facilities are utilized for internship training. Interns work in two sites, with interns placed at the Children’s Center’s Monroe Campus. Currently, the Hillside tracks provide training in two child track tracks. The placements are located at one of Hillside Family of Agencies' residential treatment center in and around Rochester, NY. Interns at this placement site work as part of a multidisciplinary team treating youth placed in residential care from across New York State. The intern is responsible for psychological evaluations, consultation with the treatment team including family and external funders, and delivery of evidence-based group and individual therapy. Interns placed with the Hillside Family of Agencies will work directly with youth and families who have experienced complex and intergenerational trauma. Evidence practices used include dialectical behavior therapy and trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy.

Interns matched with RIT engage in clinical work with RIT’s Priority Behavioral Health outpatient clinic (located at RIT). RIT’s Priority Behavioral Health Clinic provides services to the community as well as RIT staff, faculty, and students. At RIT’s Priority Behavioral Health outpatient clinic, interns conduct evidence-based treatment and psychological assessment. Interns work with both children and adults. The psychiatric characteristics of clients treated includes the full diagnostic range of the DSM-5. Interns provide behavioral health screenings, consultations, psychological assessment, as well as evidence-based treatment (e.g., CBT, MET, mindfulness). Interns consult and collaborate with referring medical providers. Interns are trained in the use of digital therapies and tele-health as this clinical site emphasizes the use of tele-health services and incorporating advancements in technology within behavioral health and substance use treatment. Interns placed at the RIT site will have the opportunity to engage in research related to substance use and intimate partner violence and research utilizing avatar-assisted platforms for patient care.  Interns are also exposed to forensic work through completion of forensic evaluations throughout their training with RIT’s Priority Clinic. Under the supervision of a licensed psychologist, interns complete both court-ordered competency to stand trial and mental health evaluations.

All interns, regardless of their position complete a 6-month rotation with House of Mercy Homeless Shelter. In this rotation, interns spend ½ a day each week providing clinical care to homeless individuals residing at House of Mercy. Interns conduct intakes as well as individual/group therapy (e.g., mindfulness, CBT) with homeless clients. Interns are trained in crisis management and harm reduction and interns are expected to consult and collaborate with House of Mercy staff and leadership in order to improve mental health and substance use care for homeless clients.

The RRH Adult track will provide trainees with opportunities at outpatient mental health clinics including RRH’s Evelyn Brandon Health Clinic, Greece Mental Health Clinic, and Genesee Mental Health Clinic. Four interns are placed within clinics treating adult (18+) clients. The psychiatric characteristics of clients treated includes the full diagnostic range of the DSM-5. Interns across clinics have the opportunity to conduct individual therapy, family therapy, and group therapy. Interns will also engage in psychological assessment in order to provide differential diagnoses and recommendations for ongoing treatment/referrals.  Interns will learn efficient evaluation and report writing procedures. Interns at RRH work closely with a multi-disciplinary team of licensed social workers, licensed mental health counselors, substance abuse counselors, psychiatric nurse practitioners, and psychiatrists.  Interns are assigned to teams of psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, and therapists for weekly case discussions and clinical presentations. This track allows interns opportunities to provide consultation on behavioral health leadership projects and complete inpatient consultations and evaluations on an as needed basis. Lastly, interns are provided with leadership opportunities including presentations at staff meetings, best-practice presentations, practicum student supervision, and participation in program development and behavioral health research projects.

The RRH Child/Adolescent track will provide trainees with experience and training providing behavioral health services to children, adolescents, and young adults. Interns are placed at Genesee Mental Health Child and Youth Clinic, an outpatient mental health clinic providing diagnostic and treatment services to individuals ages 5-18.  The clinic includes a multidisciplinary team of licensed social workers, licensed mental health counselors, psychiatric nurse practitioners, and psychiatrists. Interns placed at this site are integrated into the multidisciplinary team and work with the team to address individual mental health needs and improve family functioning.  Interns attend weekly team meetings and clinical rounds. Interns carry a caseload of individual clients and have the opportunity to conduct both individual therapy and family therapy. Interns are provided with training and opportunities to implement the following evidence-based treatments with children, adolescents, and their families; CBT, DBT, MI, ACT, and trauma-informed practices. The psychiatric characteristics of clients treated includes the full diagnostic range of the DSM-5 and clients presenting to the clinic represent a diverse patient population with respect to age, race, ethnicity, sex, and gender. In addition to therapy work, interns will also engage in psychological assessment in order to provide differential diagnoses and recommendations for ongoing treatment/referrals.  Interns will learn efficient evaluation and report writing procedures. Additionally, if aligned with intern goals, interns are provided opportunities to provide consultation to school-based teams, chemical dependency teams, and adult mental health settings. Lastly, interns are provided with leadership opportunities including presentations at staff meetings, best-practice presentations, practicum student supervision, and participation in program development and behavioral health research projects.

The Neuropsychology Track places interns in the Neuroscience Institute in the Rochester Regional Health system. Neuropsychology interns are supervised by Clinical Neuropsychologists (four with board certification, and one in progress). This program is designed for students planning to become Clinical Neuropsychologists.

In outpatient and inpatient settings, interns conduct evaluations with people with a wide variety of neurological conditions. These can include ischemic stroke, cerebral hemorrhage, concussion, traumatic brain injuries, anoxic brain injury, brain tumor, metabolic and other encephalopathies, neurodegenerative disease/dementias, prolonged cognitive symptoms after COVID, and autoimmune neurologic disorders (such as multiple sclerosis). Additional typical presenting conditions include non-neurologically based conditions that cause cognitive dysfunction (such as Functional Neurological Disorder and depression) and substance dependence. The patient population is primarily adult and older adult, with limited opportunities to work with children and adolescents. At the Golisano Restorative Neurology & Rehabilitation Center at Unity Hospital there is a wide range of presenting conditions. This inpatient rotation provides the intern with training in efficient evaluation and report writing procedures, as well as hones brief psychotherapy skills. Within this program, interns also have opportunities to provide psychotherapy to patients with non-neurological conditions, such as orthopedic injuries or limb loss. Inter-disciplinary collaboration and presentations at staff conferences are regular components of the intern’s inpatient rehabilitation experience. 

In the outpatient setting, the Intern participates in various outpatient clinics, as well as conducts neuropsychological evaluations with general outpatients. The Memory Center at Unity is a large component of the training experience. Within this clinic, interns learn to conduct evaluations with adult and older adult patients to assist with differential diagnosis. A large portion of these referrals pertain to diagnosis of dementia subtypes, including typical and atypical variants of Alzheimer’s disease, frontotemporal lobar degeneration, Lewy body disease, and patients with predominate cerebrovascular presentations.  Interns will be involved in case consensus meetings with our neurology partners, which will include the opportunity to learn about advanced neuro-imagery (MRI and FDG/PET). The Concussion Clinic exposes the Intern to the complexities of post-concussion symptoms, including the psychological factors that may prolong and exacerbate symptoms. General outpatient referrals provide a context for training in comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation and report writing with a wide range of neurological patient populations. Here, there may be limited opportunities to provide psycho-therapy with neurological patients.

Interns participate in the inpatient program (25% of time) and all major outpatient clinics (75% of time). In addition, they participate in community education programs (including support and psychoeducational groups) and monthly Neuropsychology-specific didactics and case conferences. There are also monthly Neurology rounds within the department, as well as monthly Neuroradiology rounds with neurology, neurosurgery, and radiology providers.

Interns at the Rochester Addiction-Forensic Clinical Research Track will focus their time on developing expertise in translational clinical research. This will entail learning how to deploy digital therapeutics among clients with addiction and/or forensic populations. Didactic and supervisory experiences will expand upon the etiology of substance use and violent behaviors within the context of empirically supported interventions. These evidence-based care models are used to reduce the risk of relapse and recidivism via digital CBT and MI. Clinical activities within this track employ advanced interactive healthcare technologies to provide the highest quality of evidence based behavioral health care. Interactive technologies include the use of digital assessments and behavior tracking tools, interactive digital health care intervention platforms (e.g., a User Friendly, Customizable Avatar Assisted CBT Platform [RITch®CBT], 3D Organ Simulation Tools for Motivational Interviewing, Virtual Reality Mindfulness Tools). Research activities also include using the digital tools with wearable biosensor research, biomarker research, and tele-health services. Interns are also exposed to direct clinical work with addiction and forensic populations through a forensic service center in Monroe County and other Clinics within the Rochester Community. Under the supervision of a licensed clinical psychologist, interns complete court-ordered competency to stand trial assessments and mental health evaluations (e.g., Mental Health and Drug Court Evaluations). Interns are expected to make substantive contributions to ongoing research projects. They will also develop and submit manuscripts for publication using existing data sets, as well as assisting with federally funded randomized controlled trials evaluating the treatment for comorbid substance use disorders and aggression, dyadic data involving couples recruited to participate in alcohol manipulation studies, EMA data assessing the proximal relationships among substance use and aggression. 

The RRH Comprehensive Neuroscience, Pain Management and Spine Care track at the Spine and Pain Center will provide trainees with experience and training in providing evidence based behavioral health services to individuals experiencing any pain-related difficulties. Interns are placed at the Rochester General Center for Pain Management, an outpatient clinic providing diagnostic and treatment services to adults.  The clinic includes a multidisciplinary team of board-certified physiatrists, neurologists, interventional physicians, neurosurgeons, orthopedic surgeons, nurses, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and other experts who work together, taking an evidence-based and supportive approach to evaluating and treating pain or spine conditions. Interns placed at this site are integrated into the multidisciplinary team and work with the team to address personalized mental health care needs with evidence based assessments to aid in evidence based pain management interventions.  Interns attend weekly team meetings and clinical rounds. Interns carry a caseload of individual clients and have the opportunity to conduct both individual assessments and time-limited evidence-based therapy. Interns are provided with training and opportunities to implement the following evidence-based treatments: CBT, DBT, MI, ACT, and trauma-informed practices, as well as using digital tools for screening and therapy. The psychiatric characteristics of clients treated includes those seeking differential diagnosis evaluations and treatment recommendations for various pain related difficulties (headaches, fibromyalgia, chronic pain, post-trauma pain etc.) and clients presenting to the clinic represent a diverse patient population with respect to age, race, ethnicity, sex, and gender. Interns will engage in psychological assessment and screening in order to provide differential diagnoses and recommendations for ongoing treatment/referrals.  Interns will learn efficient evaluation and report writing procedures. Additionally, interns will provide complete intake services and consultation for clients seeking Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation. Lastly, interns are provided with leadership opportunities including presentations at staff meetings, best-practice presentations, practicum student supervision, and participation in program development and behavioral health research projects using advanced technology platforms 

The RRH Integrated Care clinical rotation provides trainees with opportunities to engage in the integrated care model of treatment, providing outpatient mental health services to individuals within their primary care, family care, and/or specialty care offices. Our offices are currently embedded within eight different practices in the greater Rochester Area. The embedded setting allows for thorough collaboration with the medical care team of each individual served, providing comprehensive care.  The population served is diverse with the opportunity to gain experience in working with our refugee community, individuals struggling with chronic pain, as well as individuals with comorbidities. Interns will have the opportunity to engage in individual therapy, family therapy, and group therapy while also conducting comprehensive evaluations and psychological assessments. Interns will work on a multi-disciplinary team consisting of licensed social workers, licensed mental health counselors, and a psychiatrist, as well as with the medical team and physicians at their sites.   

Rochester Psychological Assessment and Testing (RPAT) was founded to provide additional psychological assessment and psychotherapy services to the greater Rochester, New York area. Located to the east between city and suburbs, RPAT is fifteen minutes from the RIT campus. RPAT internship track offers the unique opportunity to gain experience working within a busy, multidisciplinary private practice.  Interns will receive supervision from RPAT’s team of licensed psychologists who draw from a wide range of training and practice backgrounds. The RPAT clinical and assessment track provides trainees with opportunities to further develop skills in the primary areas of therapeutic intervention and psychological evaluation, along with a number of additional experiences tailored to each intern’s interests. At RPAT, interns conduct evidence-based treatment and psychological assessment in an outpatient office setting. In addition, the internship track provides an opportunity to learn about business practices and considerations when pursuing self-employment and independent practice. Furthermore, Interns will have the opportunity to work with both children and adults and may consult with the RPAT team to emphasize either pediatric or adult practice, if desired.   

Psychological assessment at RPAT includes evaluations for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, autism spectrum disorder, learning and cognitive functioning, court ordered evaluations, adaptive behavior assessment, sex offender risk assessments (if a desired experience), police officer candidate evaluations, and assessment for gender affirming medical and surgical treatment. Psychotherapy interventions are tailored to each individual client and can include a range of cognitive-behavioral, applied behavioral, exposure and response prevention, family systems, and mindfulness/meditation interventions.  RPAT serves a wide range of clients with varying presenting concerns and demographics. RPAT provides services for the full diagnostic range of those in need of therapy or assessment; however, cases are driven by the individual needs of our clients. Additionally, interns consult and collaborate with referral sources that include primary care physicians and pediatricians, clinic and community therapists, psychiatrists and nurse practitioners, schools, and various community agencies. The goal of the RPAT internship track is to provide interns with lasting knowledge and experience working with a variety of cases and providing a range of services within an outpatient private practice setting.  

 For more information about our practice, visit: Rochesterpsychtesting.com

The Ontario County Mental Health (OCMH) Department is situated in the heart of Western New York, in the Finger Lakes Region. OCMHC’s Director of Community Services, Jessica Mitchell, Ph.D., through the Local Government Unit (LGU), is responsible for the distribution of funds (federal, state and/or local dollars), oversight and compliance of programs with State regulations, and the development of local plans for behavioral health services for individuals living with developmental, mental health, and/or substance or alcohol abuse disabilities in the community.

OCMH operates a certified outpatient mental health clinic treatment program, licensed by the New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH) through the Mental Health Department. The OCMH clinic serves individuals from ages 5 through adulthood, with a wide-range of psychological conditions or presenting concerns, from depression or anxiety, trauma or co-occurring disorders, to serious mental illness or emotional disturbances. The clinic offers evidence-based practice within the context of a multidisciplinary team approach, including psychiatric/medical providers, social workers, mental health counselors, peers/case workers, and in collaboration with other helping professionals or systems of care to support individuals’ recovery. Such as the Departments of Social Services, Public Health and Probation; as well as school districts, primary care offices, Health Homes case management providers, crisis service providers, local hospitals, etc. as needed or indicated.

OCMH’s internship training program includes a broad range of clinical and professional experiences within a rural, community-based setting, which can assist psychology interns in the development of their professional identity as providers of psychological services. Psychology interns would have opportunities to participate in didactic or training opportunities, as well as to develop, integrate, and synthesize their professional skills through a) direct clinical work (e.g., individual or group psychotherapy); b) consultation and involvement in county/community-based committees or programs (e.g., Ontario County Specialty Courts, Child or Adult Single Point of Access, Assisted Outpatient Treatment); and c) provision of psychological testing and evaluations for clients of the clinic and/or court-ordered evaluations (e.g., Family Court evaluations, “Persons In Need of Supervision” or PINS, Competency to Stand Trial).

One of the benefits of being a psychology intern (or licensed psychologist) in a rural or smaller community, within the LGU, as compared to a more urban or private agency/hospital, includes more regular or direct communication and partnerships with county and community partners such as attorneys, law enforcement, local leadership, etc. to further develop interns professional as well as leadership skills.

Psychology interns would also have opportunities to offer supervision to social worker or mental health counseling interns, offer in-service or educational trainings to clinical staff or other county/community partners, as well as opportunities to observe or participate in school-based clinic work or consultation groups depending upon interest.  

Rochester Institute of Technology’s Counseling and Psychological Services (CaPS) is the designated mental health service center providing clinical mental health services to the undergraduate and graduate students at RIT. As part of the Integrated Health Services, it offers a full range of clinical services, including both short term individual and group therapy, crisis intervention, psychiatry services, outreach programming, training, and consultation services to the university community. The types of clinical concerns for which students seek help are broad and reflective of the fast-paced and rigorous nature of RIT’s curricula as well as the diversity of the student body. Presenting concerns vary and may include developmental issues, such as questioning identity, establishing a career path, forming and maintaining relationships, and making the transition to higher education and adulthood. In addition, much like universities across the country, RIT has experienced an increase in the number of students presenting with severe and complex psychological concerns, including personality disorders, eating disorders, thought disorders, trauma presentations and suicidality.

There are three values central to the psychology doctoral training program that are espoused by the staff and supervisors at CaPS: integration of science and practice, focus on diversity, and development of self-reflective practice. Doctoral interns who match to this track will be engaged in providing the full range of clinical services to students, as well as be involved in outreach and consultation, training, individual and group supervision, and didactics. The primary goal of the doctoral internship training program at RIT is to prepare interns for work as well-rounded entry-level generalist providers in the field of psychology.

Interns matched with CaPS will have the opportunity to work with students from diverse backgrounds, including racial and ethnic minority students, international students, students from differing sexual orientations, socioeconomic backgrounds, religious backgrounds, ages, genders, and abilities. A distinguishing feature of RIT is the large deaf and hard-of-hearing population studying within the National Technical Institution for the Deaf (NTID). As a result, RIT CaPS houses clinicians fluent in American Sign Language (ASL) to support the significant deaf and hard-of-hearing community on RIT’s campus. This breadth in diversity will afford interns several opportunities to work with these unique clinical issues.

Interns matched will gain experience working as a part of CaPS’ multidisciplinary team, made up of psychologists, social workers, and mental health counselors, who practice from a variety of theoretical orientations. Several counselors are also embedded part time (1-3 days/week) in various departments across campus to address the specific mental health needs of students and staff in those departmental communities. Along with the staff at CaPS, interns will work closely with the Health Center that houses our psychiatrist, physicians, nurse practitioners and nurses; as well as with Case Management. CaPS is committed to providing quality multidisciplinary care combining physical and mental health services, disability services, and health promotion to approach student wellness from a holistic perspective.

Evidence-Based Practices

Interns will receive training in the following evidence-based practices: cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), trauma-informed care, motivational interviewing (MI) and motivational enhancement therapy (MET) for addiction, relapse prevention, and integrated substance abuse and domestic violence (SADV) therapy. Training occurs through site-specific clinical trainings that occur at the beginning of the internship year, ongoing supervision by clinical supervisors, and a resource library for use by all trainees and staff.

Interns attend a weekly seminar series/didactics with clinical experts within the community. Interns will be able to observe and/or listen to presentations on diverse topics pertaining to current research on evidence based psychotherapy, assessment, consultation, trauma-informed practice, addiction research, ethics, professionalism, multiculturalism and diversity, interactive technologies, and telehealth as well as additional topics.

Research and Scholarship

All Interns are expected to conduct research at the internship sites through at least one ongoing “scholar project”, the focus of which is determined collaboratively between the primary supervisors and the intern. Interns are encouraged to focus their scholar project on substance use research and/or interactive technology. Interns are expected to develop rationale for their projects (i.e., a literature or evidence base), prepare a protocol for their projects (including submission to RIT IRB, if necessary), complete analyses of data related to their projects. Each internship site will orient interns to the amount of hours allocated to their scholar project.

Interns present their scholar project to their cohort, faculty, and community leaders at the end of internship. Interns also present their scholarly work at RIT’s Graduate Education Week and Showcase. Scholar projects can be:

  • Independent projects unique to interns’ interests and career goals
  • Unique approaches to existing work and projects at RIT clinical sites
  • Reviews of intersections of digital and mechanical approaches to mental health

Scholar projects cannot be:

  • The same project as intern dissertations

In addition to presentations, interns are encouraged to attend and submit to presentations at internal, regional, national, and international conferences. Interns are also encouraged to submit their scholarly work to publication. Should interns choose to submit their work to conferences or publications, there is support available to assist with this process.

Research Support

The RIT internship program includes multiple opportunities for scholarly support, which are incorporated into the curriculum. Interns will be assisted with their scholar projects by onsite supervisors and may attend research supervision meetings. Orientation to digital technology and mental health (e.g., eHealth) and supportive staff at RIT occurs throughout didactics, as seminars taught by specialists in engineering, computer science, and other disciplines who work in multidisciplinary digital mental health projects. Interns are supported in their interest to work or consult with any of these professionals. Additionally, the RIT Priority Behavioral Health Clinic internship site includes an optional, weekly personalized healthcare technology meeting to discuss digital technology and mental health projects with a team of game developers, medical illustrators, and psychologists.

View the 2022 Virtual Presentations
Graduate Show Case | RIT

2020 Winner in the Substance Abuse poster presentation category:
Examining Perceptions of Therapeutic Alliance and Treatment Outcomes in a Sample of Substance Using Offenders of IPV
https://vimeo.com/471535602

2020 Winner in the Psychology, Relationships, and Mental Health II poster presentation category:
Psychosocial consequences of COVID-19 among college students
https://vimeo.com/471097048

Interns may work with RIT faculty on substance use and violence research as well as research focusing on incorporating advancements in technology within clinical care. Intern may be involved in grant funded clinical research focused on the development of efficacious treatments for addiction, trauma, and violence including psychotherapy treatment trials. Interns have the opportunity to attend research seminars, meetings, and writing scholarly projects with faculty associated with addiction-focused NIH-funded or foundation funded research located within CHST’s School of Behavioral Health. Visit our website Forensic, Addiction and Violence Research with Interactive Technologies.

A screen from a health app showing the progress of a person named Cody.A model of a human brain, showing the different regions with different colors.A computer model of a diseased liver.

Local, National and International Research and Scholarship

Supervision

All Interns receive at least 4 hours of supervision per week.  Interns are provided two hours of individual supervision by a licensed psychologist who oversees the interns’ clinical work at their clinical sites. All interns participate in 1 hour of group supervision from RIT and 1 hour of additional group supervision during their House of Mercy rotation. The following is a breakdown of how each site provides at least 1 additional hour of supervision. 

  • All interns at RIT and all interns assigned to the House of Mercy rotation participate in House of Mercy weekly clinic rounds for one hour each week. This group supervision consists of clinical case presentations of new intakes along with treatment planning and review of interns’ active cases.
  • Interns at CCSI and RIT all participate in 1 hour of group supervision in weekly clinic rounds at RIT Priority Clinic which focuses on clinical case presentations regarding interns’ clients. 
  • Interns in the RRH Adult and Child/Adolescent tracks all receive one hour of individual supervision with a licensed mental health professional.
  • Interns at Hillside participate in an additional 1 hour of  group supervision focusing on case presentations, treatment/discharge planning and coordination of care. 
  • Interns at RRH Neuro participate in an additional 2 hours individual supervision from a licensed psychologist focusing on reviewing and interpreting assessment results.

Training Faculty

RIT

Cory Crane
Associate Professor
585-475-4018

Supervisor

Cassandra Berbary
Research Faculty
585-475-4577

Training Director and Supervisor

Rupa Kalahasthi
Research Assistant Professor
585-475-5243

Deputy Training Director and Supervisor

Celeste Sangiorgio
Research Assistant Professor
585-475-5152

Hillside

Headshot of Chris Dehon.

Chris Dehon, PhD
Supervisor

Rochester Regional Health

Cassandra Berbary
Research Faculty
585-475-4577

Supervisor

Headshot of Krista Demann.

Krista M. Damann, PhD
Supervisor

Headshot of Tanya Grace.

Tanya R. Grace, PsyD
Supervisor

Headshot of Melinda Patterson.

Melinda Ann Patterson, PsyD
Supervisor

Headshot of William Schneider.

William Schneider, PhD
Supervisor

Headshot of Garry Spink.

Garry Spink, PhD
Supervisor

CCSI

Headshot of Elizabeth Meeker.

Elizabeth Meeker, PsyD
Supervisor

Additional Training Faculty

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Brian Amos, PhD
Supervisor

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Aubree Guiffre, PhD
Supervisor

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Latrease Moore, PhD
Supervisor

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Taylor Tuttle, PsyD
Supervisor

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Rebecca Zill, PsyD
Supervisor

Didactic Seminar Series

Interns receive 2 hours of didactic training each week. Didactic training is incorporated to further support interns’ continued growth and development. Didactic training includes training provided by RIT faculty, consortium supervisors, and experts and professionals from the community. Didactic training focuses on the training program competencies and includes topics such as; multiculturalism and diversity; professionalism; evidence-based therapy; assessment and report writing; trauma-informed care; self-care and vicarious trauma; substance use prevention, intervention, recovery, and research; forensic psychology; consultation; program evaluation; ethics; interactive technology; additional special topics.

Sample Didactic Calendar

Stipend, Benefits, and Resources

Stipends are provided in the amount of $28,352.  A health insurance stipend will be provided for full health coverage under RIT’s student policy. Interns are eligible to enroll in student health coverage. Interns will be provided with office space, computers, and access to RIT’s IT and administrative support.

Application Process and Selection Criteria

Students interested in applying for the internship program should submit an online application through the APPIC website (www.appic.org).  Interviews are preferred to occur in person, but other arrangements may be made (e.g., Zoom) depending on the circumstances.

Application due date: December 1st

A complete application consists of the following materials, which are all part of the online AAPI:

  1. Completed Online AAPI  
  2. Cover letter 
  3. Current Curriculum Vitae
  4. Three Standardized Reference Forms, two of which must be from persons who have directly supervised your clinical work. Please submit no more than three letters
  5. Official transcripts of all graduate coursework
  6. Supplementary materials: One full integrated assessment report (please redact appropriately) 
    *All samples must be de-identified, removing all identifying client information. Breaches of confidentiality within submitted samples will disqualify your application for further consideration and your program’s Director of Clinical Training will be notified.

All application materials must be received by the APPIC deadline in order to be considered. Applicants who are invited to interview will be notified by email. Interviews will be scheduled in January/February and will occur either in person or via videoconference. Phone interviews will be provided in cases where videoconference is not an option.

The program bases its selection process on the entire application package noted above; however, applicants who have met the following qualifications prior to beginning internship are considered preferred:

  1. Preferred. Minimum of 400 intervention hours (experience with CBT, MET, DBT, Trauma-Focused Interventions)
  2. Preferred. Minimum of 200 assessment hours (experience administering cognitive, neuropsychological, personality measures with experience in integrative Report Writing)
  3. Preferred. Dissertation proposal defended or data collected/ date set.
  4. Interest in Telehealth and Interactive Technologies
  5. Some experience or special interest in working with diverse populations

In addition to the above consortium-wide preferences, RIT will consider specific aspects of the applicant’s experience, interests, and training goals in determining an applicant’s potential “fit” with individual clinical training sites. Applicants are encouraged to carefully review the descriptions of the training sites and to highlight areas of perceived fit within their cover letters.

In general, the internship program prefers that interns have completed intervention hours that include experience with CBT, MET, DBT, and/or Trauma Focused interventions. In terms of assessment experience, the program looks for experience administering such measures as the WISC, WAIS, WMS, MMPI, and the PAI as well as experience with integrated report writing.


Each site also has its own preferences for practicum experiences which are as follows:

  • CCSI looks for applicants who have research experience and proficiency in conducting clinical research and consultation.
  • Hillside prefers applicants who have practicum experience with children and adolescents and youth exposed to trauma.
  • RIT Priority Clinic prefers applicants with outpatient practicum experiences.
  • Rochester Regional Health (RRH) Outpatient Behavioral Health (Adult) Track also prefers applicants with prior outpatient practicum experiences.
  • Rochester Regional Health (RRH) Outpatient Behavioral Health (Child/Adolescent) Track seeks applicants with outpatient and/or school-based therapy experience.
  • Rochester Regional Health (RRH) Neuropsychology at the Neuroscience Institute Track requires applicants have previous practicum experience in neuropsychology.

All interns who match must successfully pass a background check conducted by RIT, as well as obtain a TB test, before beginning employment. Clinical sites may require site specific clearances, background checks, and/or drug testing. All interns are required to abide by COVID-19 policies set by RIT and their specific training sites, which currently includes COVID-19 vaccination and compliance with required personal protective equipment. Applicants are advised that the internship requires regular travel between training sites, and thus Interns must have consistent access to reliable transportation.

This internship site agrees to abide by the APPIC policy that no person at this training facility will solicit, accept, or use any ranking-related information from any intern applicant.


Questions regarding the selection process may be directed to the Internship Training Director, Dr. Caroline Easton, at caroline.easton@rit.edu.

Internship Handbook

For additional information regarding the internship program, please see the internship handbook.

Intern Expectations

With regard to intern behavior and performance during the training year, the general expectations of RIT’s internship program are that the intern will:

Formal evaluations are completed 3 times a year, during the year and serve as a review of progress on training goals and core competencies. To progress in the program and to successfully complete the program, Interns must demonstrate minimum levels of achievement across all required elements. Evaluations are conducted using a standard rating form, which includes comment spaces where supervisors include specific written feedback regarding the Interns’ performance and progress. Supervisors will review these evaluations with the Interns and provide an opportunity for discussion if the Intern has questions or concerns about the feedback. Copies of all evaluations are found in the internship handbook linked on this website.

A minimum level of achievement at the 1st and 2nd evaluation time points are defined as a rating of “3” (Intermediate Competence) for each element. The rating scale for each evaluation is a 5-point Likert scale. If an Intern receives a score less than 3 on any element, or if supervisors have reason to be concerned about the Intern’s performance or progress, the program’s Due Process procedures will be initiated. The Due Process guidelines can be found in the internship handbook. A minimum level of achievement at the 3rd evaluation time point (end of the training year) is defined as a rating of “4” (Proficient Competence) for each element. Meeting the minimum level of achievement at the end of the year includes having; 1) the ability to independently function in a broad range of clinical and professional activities; 2) the ability to generalize skills and knowledge to new situations; 3) the ability to self-assess when to seek additional training, supervision or consultation.

Additionally, Interns are expected to complete 2000 hours of training during the internship year. Meeting the hours requirement and obtaining minimum levels of achievement on evaluations demonstrates that the Intern has progressed satisfactorily through and completed the internship program. Evaluations will be maintained by the Training Director and will be accessible to the Intern for future review if requested. Feedback to the Interns’ home doctoral program is provided at the 2nd evaluation time point and at the culmination of the internship year. Doctoral programs are contacted within one month following the end of the internship year and informed that the Intern has successfully completed the program.

If successful completion of the program comes into question at any point during the internship year, or if an Intern enters into the formal review step of the due process procedures due to a grievance by a supervisor or an inadequate rating on an evaluation, the home doctoral program will also be contacted. This contact is intended to ensure that the home doctoral program is kept engaged in order to support an intern who may be having difficulties during the internship year. The home doctoral program is notified of any further action that may be taken by the internship program as a result of the due process procedures, up to and including termination from the Program. See the Due Process procedures outlined in the internship handbook for more information about the process of and conditions for termination.

HRSA Grant Funding

According to federal funding regulations, HRSA funded intern applicants are subject to additional eligibility criteria per Funding Opportunity Announcement (NOFO), HRSA­19­002. Intern applicants for the HRSA funded positions must be in an APA accredited program, a citizen of the United States, a non-citizen national of the United States, or a foreign national who possesses a visa permitting permanent residence in the United States. Individuals on a temporary or student visa are not eligible for HRSA funded internship slots. Applicants will be required to verify their compliance with this citizen/visa status prior to award of any federal funding.

Training Clinical Psychology Interns to use Evidence-Based Care Models and Tele-Behavioral Health Technology to Treat OUD and SUD in Monroe County

The APA-accredited “Priority Behavioral Health Internship Program” at the College of Health Science and Technology (CHST) of Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) proposes to increase the number of doctoral psychology interns trained to provide culturally-competent, interdisciplinary behavioral health and substance use services for the highly underserved communities of Monroe County in upstate New York. Monroe County is a rural area facing considerable behavioral health workforce challenges. The internship program is a key resource in the area both for providing behavioral healthcare to underserved citizens as well as providing high-quality interdisciplinary training. 
 
The program aims to improve the doctoral psychology internship program’s capacity to train psychology interns in behavioral health and substance use prevention and treatment. Specifically, funding will be used to train 21 additional interns during the grant period, with 7 internship slots added in each grant year. Grant funding will allow for enhancement of the current interdisciplinary training in Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) and other Substance Use Disorder (SUD), as well as the increased provision of training in tele-behavioral health. The specific, measurable objectives associated with the proposed project are as follows: 1) Between September 2019 and August 2022, add a total of 21 intern training positions with a focus on OUD/SUD services for underserved populations; 2) Between September 2019 and August 2022, the program’s existing integrated care training curriculum will be enhanced through the addition of new annual training activities and rotations; 3) By August 2022, the program will have improved its training of psychology interns in OUD/SUD through faculty development; 4) By August 2022, the local healthcare workforce will be expanded and enhanced through the retention of at least 60% of trainees. All project activities have been developed with an emphasis on training interns to provide culturally competent care for vulnerable, diverse, and underserved populations

This program is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) under D40HP33360 and Graduate Psychology Education Programs as part of an award (Training Clinical Psychology Interns to use Evidence-Based Care Models and Tele-Behavioral Health Technology to Treat OUD and SUD in Monroe County) totaling $1,341,194 with 0%  non-governmental sources. The information provided on this website is that of the internship program and director and should not be construed as the official position or policy of, nor should any endorsements be inferred by HRSA, HHS or the U.S. Government.

Expanding Evidence-Based Mental Health and Integration of Care Models among Children and Adolescents in Upstate New York via an Accredited Doctoral Psychology Internship Training Program

The APA-accredited “Priority Behavioral Health Internship Program” at the College of Health Science and Technology (CHST) of Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) aims to increase training opportunities and the number of doctoral psychology interns trained to provide culturally-competent, interdisciplinary behavioral health services for children, adolescents, and transitional youth in highly underserved communities of Monroe County in upstate New York. Monroe County is facing considerable behavioral health workforce challenges. The internship program is a key resource in the area both for providing behavioral healthcare to underserved citizens as well as providing high-quality interdisciplinary training.

This project will improve the clinical psychology internship program’s capacity to train psychology interns in integrated behavioral health and primary care settings with a focus on the treatment of children, adolescents, and transitional age youth. Specifically, funding will be used to train 32 additional interns during the grant period, with 6 internship slots in year 1, 6 internship slots in year 2, 10 internship slots in year 3, and 10 internship slots in year 4. Grant funding allows for enhancement of integrated care training as well as the increased provision of training in 1) utilizing advancements in technology within integrated treatment; 2) addressing co-occurring disorders (OUD/SUD and mental health) among youth, and 3) prevention and treatment related to violence exposure among youth. The specific, measurable objectives associated with the proposed project are as follows: 1) Between July 2021 and June 2025, add a total of 32 intern training positions with a focus on providing behavioral health services to children, adolescents, and transitional youth in integrated care settings; 2) Between July 2021 and June 2025, the program’s existing integrated care training curriculum will be enhanced through the addition of new annual training activities and rotations; 3) Between July 2021 and June 2025 the program will have improved its training of psychology interns in integrated care through faculty development; 4) By June 2025, the local healthcare workforce will be expanded and enhanced through the retention of at least 50% of trainees. All project activities have been developed with an emphasis on training interns to provide culturally competent care for vulnerable, diverse, and underserved children, adolescents, and transitional age youth. 

This project is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA-21-089) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of an award totaling $1,510,162 with 0% financed with non-governmental sources. The information provided on this website is that of the internship program and director and should not be construed as the official position or policy of, nor should any endorsements be inferred by HRSA, HHS or the U.S. Government.

Internship Admissions, Support, and Initial Placement Data

Date Program Tables updated: 08/01/2022

Program Disclosures

Does the program or institution require students, trainees, and/or staff (faculty) to comply with specific policies or practices related to the institution’s affiliation or purpose? Such policies or practices may include, but are not limited to, admissions, hiring, retention policies, and/or requirements for completion that express mission and values? ___ Yes

_X_ No

Internship Program Admissions

Briefly describe in narrative form important information to assist potential applicants in assessing their likely fit with your program. This description must be consistent with the program’s policies on intern selection and practicum and academic preparation requirements:
In general, the internship program prefers that interns have completed intervention hours that include experience with CBT, MET, DBT, and/or Trauma Focused interventions. In terms of assessment experience, the program looks for experience administering such measures as the WISC, WAIS, WMS, MMPI, and the PAI as well as experience with integrated report writing. Additionally, the internship program prefers individuals who 1) have their dissertation data collected or have defended their dissertation, 2) have an interest in telehealth and interactive technologies, and 3) have some experience or special interest in working with diverse populations.
Does the program require that applicants have received a minimum number of hours of the following at time of application? If Yes, indicate how many:
Total Direct Contact Intervention Hours     Amount: 200 hours
Total Direct Contact Assessment Hours     Amount: 400 hours

Financial and Other Benefit Support for Upcoming Training Year*

Annual Stipend/Salary for Full-time Interns $28,352
Annual Stipend/Salary for Half-time Interns NA
Program provides access to medical insurance for intern? Yes No
If access to medical insurance is provided:  
Trainee contribution to cost required? Yes No
Coverage of family member(s) available? Yes No
Coverage of legally married partner available? Yes No
Coverage of domestic partner available? Yes No
Hours of Annual Paid Personal Time Off (PTO and/or Vacation) 3 weeks
Hours of Annual Paid Sick Leave 5 days
In the event of medical conditions and/or family needs that require extended leave, does the program allow reasonable unpaid leave to interns/residents in excess of personal time off and sick leave? Yes No

Other Benefits (please describe):

 

*Note: Programs are not required by the Commission on Accreditation to provide all benefits listed in this table.

Initial Post-Internship Positions

(Provide an Aggregated Tally for the Preceding 3 Cohorts)

  2019-2022
Total # of interns who were in the 3 cohorts 37
Total # of interns who did not seek employment because they returned to their doctoral program/are completing doctoral degree 0
  PD EP
Academic teaching 4 2
Community mental health center 2 NA
Consortium NA NA
University Counseling Center NA NA
Hospital/Medical Center 7 1
Veterans Affairs Health Care System 3 NA
Psychiatric facility NA NA
Correctional facility NA NA
Health maintenance organization NA NA
School district/system 3 3
Independent practice setting 8 NA
Other 2 2

Note: “PD” = Post-doctoral residency position; “EP” = Employed Position. Each individual represented in this table should be counted only one time.  For former trainees working in more than one setting, select the setting that represents their primary position.

Past Intern Cohorts

2019-2020 Cohort

2019-2020 Cohort
Top left to right: Taylor Dreste, Jacob Wadsworth, Jonathan ‘Tory’ Toole
Bottom left to right: Alesia Allen, Courtney Chappell, Anna Pignatiello, Rupa Kalahasthi

 

2020-2021 Cohort

2020-2021 Cohort
Top left to right: Melissa Morton, Kayla Kleinman, Alexis Liberto, Martha Golubski,
Alessandra Perez, Jenna Steinmiller, Kane Williams, Justin Gardner, John Mansoor
Bottom left to right: Stephanie Rovig, Mary Moussa Rogers, Celeste Sangiorgio

 

2021-2022 Cohort

2021-2022 Cohort
From Left to Right: Tim Baer, Eljada Gjoka, Dustin Haraden, Noora Abdulkerim,
Jaime Blackmon, Constance Rose, Thomas Chacko, Leah Ward, Siena Tugendrajch,
Johnathan Wright, Joanne Raptis, Kayci Hauser

 

2020-2021 Cohort

From Left to Right: Mini Mathai, Kalpana Sundaram, Marielsy Pimentel, Kristy Kelley,
Deon Allen, Qian Li