World Trade Center Mental Health Program

The WTC Mental Health Program (WTC MHP) offers culturally sensitive, bilingual mental health treatment.  Specific services include mental health screening, evaluation, psychotherapy services, and psychiatric medication management to those directly affected by the events of 9/11.  All patients participating in this program receive a medical evaluation as well as a mental health screening as part of their initial evaluation.  Patients experiencing significant psychological symptoms as determined by the mental health screening are then referred to the program for further psychological and psychiatric evaluation.  The mental health program works closely with the medical team.  All 9/11 related services are provided free of charge.

The psychological services offered include mental health evaluations, triaging, short term crisis intervention, group, couples, individual psychotherapy, child mental health evaluation, medication management, and complimentary care services (i.e., Arts Therapy, Yoga).  The patient population includes adults, adolescents, and children from diverse ethnic backgrounds (including Latino, Asian, Polish among other groups).  Psychological issues faced by this population include trauma, PTSD, depression, complicated grief, and anxiety.  In addition, most patients suffer from medical conditions, particularly chronic asthma and respiratory diseases.

Externs conduct mental health evaluations, co-leading psychotherapy groups (focused on PTSD, stress-management, wellness, and depression), provide supportive and manual based individual psychotherapy, and receive formal training in and use evidence-based treatment for PTSD. Weekly supervision is provided on-site by one of the program’s psychologists.

Training Period and Time Commitment:
The externship follows the academic year (early September through mid June).  Two to two-and-a-half days a week (16-20 hours) are required.  Externs must work on Thursdays.

Qualifications:
Open to 3rd and 4th year Doctoral candidates in Clinical, Counseling, and School Psychology.

Application Procedure:
E-mail cover letter and c.v. to Dr. Garcia at nerina.garcia@bellevue.nychhc.org. Applications will be considered before January 15.  Applications will be accepted until positions are filled.