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Training Goals

The NYU-Bellevue training model adheres to the scholar-practitioner model, which emphasizes the development of scholarship across a number of theoretical and applied domains, along with competence in a range of skills necessary for clinical practice. The model assumes the interdependence of scholarship and practice, such that clinical work invariably follows from scholarship and rigorous critical thinking, and scholarly and research initiatives flow from an appreciation of the depth and breadth of clinical phenomena. This blend of science and practice is compatible with our training philosophy and best utilizes the variety and diversity of the expertise of our training staff.

The training program provides interns with an opportunity to gain further proficiency in an array of clinical modalities and therapeutic and assessment techniques, while serving a population that encompasses a broad variety of ages, cultures, illnesses and modes of functioning. The program seeks to facilitate the transition of the psychology intern with a strong academic foundation into mature professional practitioners. The program further aims to train and prepare professional psychologists for the practice of psychology in accordance with professional and ethical standards set forth by the American Psychological Association.

The internship emphasizes the acquisition and integration of advanced clinical skills within a context of culturally-sensitive, ethical practice. The internship year is also intended to be a time during which the intern further develops his/her identity as a well-rounded clinical psychologist.

The combination of varied populations, training facilities, and eclectic faculty offers a multitude of training options. Within the general structure of the internship, the program is individualized to meet each trainee's specific needs. Clinical rotations are assigned after an initial assessment of each intern’s interests, experiences and training needs. Thereafter, frequent meetings with the Director of the Program and the relevant Track Coordinator allow the intern to remain aware of options available, and to be involved in the decision-making process regarding the specific components of his/her program as it evolves. Attempts are made throughout the year to address both the gaps in the intern's previous experience and to augment and nourish the special interests of each intern.

Consistent with our broad focus, each intern, regardless of track, is expected to gain as wide a range of clinical experience as possible and will leave the program with the confidence of having worked closely with inpatients, outpatients, adults, adolescents, children, families, and groups, and with both medical and psychiatric populations.

Next: Organization of the Intern's Experience