2013 APPIC Internship Application Thread

[ClinPsychEnthus]

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I'll be applying for 14. My original list was longer and I was tempted to go outside of fit, but in the end, I feel strongly about APA-accredited internships that are a strong fit... so that's what I'm going with. It is scary to think about taking another year, and would be painful in many ways, but would be preferred over limiting my career before it even begins.

Now, I just need to get all my cover letters done!

 

[wagwise]

yeah, i am applying to 12 sites. i would like to apply to more but these are the only ones that seemed to have *maybe* enough time in a neuro rotation to be considered for post doc, and even some of these are cutting it a lil far from div40/houston guidelines for comfort. i spent a lil time looking at postdoc brochures to get a sense of how far outside of 50% i could go before i was just making things worse for myself by matching instead of waiting a year.

hope i made the right choices! (and that i get all these cover letters done in time)

 

[AcronymAllergy]

yeah, i am applying to 12 sites. i would like to apply to more but these are the only ones that seemed to have *maybe* enough time in a neuro rotation to be considered for post doc, and even some of these are cutting it a lil far from div40/houston guidelines for comfort. i spent a lil time looking at postdoc brochures to get a sense of how far outside of 50% i could go before i was just making things worse for myself by matching instead of waiting a year.

hope i made the right choices! (and that i get all these cover letters done in time)

This has actually come up on these boards before re: div40/Houston guidelines and the "50% rule." In general, if you've had significant neuro training in grad school, then you have more leeway to deviate from 50% while on internship. You'll of course want at least some degree of neuropsych during the year, but if it falls below 50%, that could still be ok.

Conversely, if you've had limited or no neuropsych while in grad school, then you're definitely going to want to spent a significant chunk of your internship year catching up. Additionally, there's probably something to be said for some of the more well-known neuro internships catching the eye of postdoc review committees. However, if your grad school is also relatively well-known for neuropsych, that could be a moot point.

 

[DynamicDidactic]

people seemed to have really nice things to say about the st. louis VA-- makes me feel a little better about phase 2 prospects.

would anyone share their impressions of:

1) Cincinatti VA
2) Ann Arbor VA
3) Jesse Brown VA
4) Friends Hospital in Philadelphia?

Ann Arbor VA has a good reputation. I have heard good things about Jesse Brown.

 

[coloradocutter]

Anyone going to Oklahoma Health Sciences Center Consortium?

 

[ClinPsychEnthus]

Phase II apps are in.... and now the waiting starts again!

For everyone in Phase II, just sending support and encouragement! Let's hope for good things, and even opportunities we didn't originally pursue!

 

[Avocadobunny]

Phase II apps are in.... and now the waiting starts again!

For everyone in Phase II, just sending support and encouragement! Let's hope for good things, and even opportunities we didn't originally pursue!

Haha yes, the waiting starts AGAIN! Any idea when people started hearing last year for Phase II? I'm already anxious!

Good Luck fellow Phase II'ers!

 

[ClinPsy87]

Haha yes, the waiting starts AGAIN! Any idea when people started hearing last year for Phase II? I'm already anxious!

Good Luck fellow Phase II'ers!

I've heard most of the interviews take place the week before the rank-ordered list is due, so my guess is that we all will hopefully hear next week.

 

[ClinPsychEnthus]

I would imagine that it would take a few days to review the applications they receive, make decisions on who to invite.... it is only 19 days from now until rank order lists are due, so I imagine it will go by pretty fast. This process is intense.

 

[SPB]

Haha yes, the waiting starts AGAIN! Any idea when people started hearing last year for Phase II? I'm already anxious!

Good Luck fellow Phase II'ers!

One site listed March 1 as an interview date!

 

[stooge]

There's someone from my program at Cincinnati right now and that person really likes it and I know several people at Ann Arbor and they have all really liked it. They are all set up with great post docs now/next year.

 

[LETSGONYR]

One site listed March 1 as an interview date!

WHAT! Which site? And where was that listed? At the sites I looked at/applied to, it looked like none of them had updated their websites since last summer.

 

[Avocadobunny]

One site listed March 1 as an interview date!

Seriously?!? Which site is that?

 

[paramour]

Ann Arbor VA has a good reputation. I have heard good things about Jesse Brown.

And here I've heard mixed things about Ann Arbor... although it must not have been too horrific, as the person then turned around and accepted a postdoc there. 😛

 

[wagwise]

idk about the rest of you, but im [masochistically] hoping that everyone posts updates when they get contact to do phase II interviews. it was really helpful in phase I to see that and know when to give up dreaming about some sites so I'm really hoping yall wanna do that again for phase II !

 

[Avocadobunny]

idk about the rest of you, but im [masochistically] hoping that everyone posts updates when they get contact to do phase II interviews. it was really helpful in phase I to see that and know when to give up dreaming about some sites so I'm really hoping yall wanna do that again for phase II !

I am completely on board for that, it definitely helps relieve some anxiety!

 

[paramour]

Good luck everyone going through Phase II!

 

[ClinPsychEnthus]

Could relieve anxiety. Could increase it. ;-)

 

[CBTFTW]

I am completely on board for that, it definitely helps relieve some anxiety!

I'm also hoping to see updates, especially since sites aren't required to notify us of rejections. It'll help to at least have a sense of whether to keep hoping or not.

 

[ClinPsychEnthus]

I'm also hoping to see updates, especially since sites aren't required to notify us of rejections. It'll help to at least have a sense of whether to keep hoping or not.

This.

After Phase I, I'd rather not have unrealistic hopes.

 

[SPB]

Seriously?!? Which site is that?

It was an APPIC site, University of Houston Clear Lake. Naturally, I just received a rejection from them. High fives, anyone?

Actually, I'm not too surprised since that was the last cover letter I did in a frantic rush, and my only application to a college counseling center.

 

[ClinPsychEnthus]

SPB-

Holy moley, that was a fast response. Gotta chalk that up to fit, since you said its your only UCC app.

 

[Avocadobunny]

It was an APPIC site, University of Houston Clear Lake. Naturally, I just received a rejection from them. High fives, anyone?

Actually, I'm not too surprised since that was the last cover letter I did in a frantic rush, and my only application to a college counseling center.

Wow, they are moving quick! Well, at least they let you know...

 

[SPB]

Wow, they are moving quick! Well, at least they let you know...

Yes for sure, I would be glad not to be left hanging by any sites. This rejection doesn't upset me much, and I knew going in that although there was some fit, having no counseling center experience would count against me.

 

[ClinPsychEnthus]

Not that I'm overly neurotic, but as long as my APPI Designation page has a "date Paid" and "Date Completed" that means I submitted my applications correctly, right?

I realized that I never got an email confirming my applications.... but I THINK(??) that as long as my Designations page is correct, I'm ok?

 

[ClinPsy87]

Not that I'm overly neurotic, but as long as my APPI Designation page has a "date Paid" and "Date Completed" that means I submitted my applications correctly, right?

I realized that I never got an email confirming my applications.... but I THINK(??) that as long as my Designations page is correct, I'm ok?

I never got emails either. But if it says "Date Completed" it was submitted.

 

[Avocadobunny]

If you want to pursue a 2yr fellowship in neuro and then practice as a neuropsychologist...securing an APA-acred. internship needs to be the goal. Most states allow for licensure as a psychologist w/o an APA-acred. internship....but that doesn't mean you'll be competitive for most/all neuropsych positions out there. The vast majority of hospital-related work requires APA-acred. programs and internships...AND being eligible for boarding.

Yes, my ultimate goal would be a 2yr fellowship in neuro. I guess the struggle I am having is would it be best to just get ANY APA internship, get an APPIC internship with incredible neuro experience, or wait an entire year and spend more money and time trying to get the APA neuro internship... I have quickly browsed the ABPP and ABCN websites and to me it looks like if you can show the internship training you receive matches HC guidelines that's sufficient? Additionally, I know post-docs want APA internships, but again what's more competitive... an APA with some neuro or an APPIC that meets HC guidelines? Sorry for so many questions its just so hard to figure out the best route to take! (Especially since I didn't match with my perfect internships in Phase I)

 

[ClinPsy87]

Not that I'm overly neurotic, but as long as my APPI Designation page has a "date Paid" and "Date Completed" that means I submitted my applications correctly, right?

I realized that I never got an email confirming my applications.... but I THINK(??) that as long as my Designations page is correct, I'm ok?

If it will ease your anxiety, I received an email from a training director stating they received my application.

 

[LETSGONYR]

Yes, my ultimate goal would be a 2yr fellowship in neuro. I guess the struggle I am having is would it be best to just get ANY APA internship, get an APPIC internship with incredible neuro experience, or wait an entire year and spend more money and time trying to get the APA neuro internship... I have quickly browsed the ABPP and ABCN websites and to me it looks like if you can show the internship training you receive matches HC guidelines that's sufficient? Additionally, I know post-docs want APA internships, but again what's more competitive... an APA with some neuro or an APPIC that meets HC guidelines? Sorry for so many questions its just so hard to figure out the best route to take! (Especially since I didn't match with my perfect internships in Phase I)

As someone who is also hoping to complete a 2 year fellowship in neuro... I'd recommend not settling, as hard as it is. All of the postdocs I've looked at require an APA-accred internship, so I'm recommend (a) looking at some postdocs and seeing what they require, and (b) not going the APPIC route.

Regarding whether any random APA internship would help... I think it depends a lot on your training thus far. If you have a lot of neuro experience, you can sell it as, "I have a ton of neuro experience and I wanted to get a variety of experiences and perspectives to make myself a well-rounded psychologist," and it won't really count against you much. If you don't have a lot of neuro experience already, then you definitely want to pick some up during internship in order to make yourself a competitive applicant. Of course, this is just what I hear, since I'm clearly in the same boat as you. 🙂.

As much as it sucks, I'm not willing to go to a program that does not match my interests... even if it means taking another year.

 

[AcronymAllergy]

As someone who is also hoping to complete a 2 year fellowship in neuro... I'd recommend not settling, as hard as it is. All of the postdocs I've looked at require an APA-accred internship, so I'm recommend (a) looking at some postdocs and seeing what they require, and (b) not going the APPIC route.

Regarding whether any random APA internship would help... I think it depends a lot on your training thus far. If you have a lot of neuro experience, you can sell it as, "I have a ton of neuro experience and I wanted to get a variety of experiences and perspectives to make myself a well-rounded psychologist," and it won't really count against you much. If you don't have a lot of neuro experience already, then you definitely want to pick some up during internship in order to make yourself a competitive applicant. Of course, this is just what I hear, since I'm clearly in the same boat as you. 🙂.

As much as it sucks, I'm not willing to go to a program that does not match my interests... even if it means taking another year.

Pretty much this. If you come from a grad program that has a strong neuropsych component (and particularly if it's a well-known and well-regarded neuro site), then what you do for internship is less important. You'll still want some measure of neuropsych training, but you don't need to get in to a superstar site to be competitive for postdoc.

Conversely, if you've had limited neuropsych training in grad school, and/or if your program doesn't necessarily have a strong reputation, then you're going to want to get as good an internship as you can find.

Either way, as T4C mentioned, aiming for APA accreditation really should be the goal if at all possible.

 

[PsyDLICSW]

Pretty much this. If you come from a grad program that has a strong neuropsych component (and particularly if it's a well-known and well-regarded neuro site), then what you do for internship is less important. You'll still want some measure of neuropsych training, but you don't need to get in to a superstar site to be competitive for postdoc.

Conversely, if you've had limited neuropsych training in grad school, and/or if your program doesn't necessarily have a strong reputation, then you're going to want to get as good an internship as you can find.

Either way, as T4C mentioned, aiming for APA accreditation really should be the goal if at all possible.

I was wondering about neuro training. Specifically what counts as neuro experience. I interviewed at an internship site with a neuro track that assists students in meeting the Houston guidelines and was at a loss as to why I was interviewed, becasue my program is not known for neuro, the majority of my testing expereince is with kids, and the majority of referral questions I dealt with were LD/ADHD evaluations. I assumed I had very little neuro exprerience and wondered why an APA site with a neuro rotation would interview me. The site viewed ADHD testing as neuro experience. I had no idea that ADHD counted as neuro until the training director at the site talked about ADHD evals as neuro (assumed ADHD was psychoeducational testing). Do ADHD evalautions count as neuro? I have heard yes that ADHD is a neuro referral quesiton. I did not match at the site with the neuro rotation (didn't rank them high), but I matched to an APA site (child/adolescent) with some testing, but the majority of the expereince is therapy, specifically trauma/PTSD, ASD, and behavior disorders. Would my 175 hours of ADHD testing and 40 hours of ASD testing from my grad program practica count as neuro? I am not dead set on getting neuro training or being a neuropsychologist, but wonder if it is an option for me in the future.

 

[DazedAndConfuse]

Got an email from Stanford confirming they received my application, in addition to 212 others! And said they will contact me within the next week to tell me if I got an interview.

 

[Therapist4Chnge]

I had no idea that ADHD counted as neuro until the training director at the site talked about ADHD evals as neuro (assumed ADHD was psychoeducational testing). Do ADHD evalautions count as neuro?

In my mind it counts if the approach incorporated the specific areas of competency of neuropsychology (e.g. brain-behavior considerations, neuro-specific assessment, neuro-specific research, etc). Traditional psychoeducational testing is far from sufficient to Dx ADHD (whether it is for a child or adult). We are probably in the best position to evaluate and diagnose ADHD because we can incorporate the findings of other providers (PCP, neurologist, etc), as well as our own work with psychometric assessment, etc.

 

[Avocadobunny]

As someone who is also hoping to complete a 2 year fellowship in neuro... I'd recommend not settling, as hard as it is. All of the postdocs I've looked at require an APA-accred internship, so I'm recommend (a) looking at some postdocs and seeing what they require, and (b) not going the APPIC route.

Regarding whether any random APA internship would help... I think it depends a lot on your training thus far. If you have a lot of neuro experience, you can sell it as, "I have a ton of neuro experience and I wanted to get a variety of experiences and perspectives to make myself a well-rounded psychologist," and it won't really count against you much. If you don't have a lot of neuro experience already, then you definitely want to pick some up during internship in order to make yourself a competitive applicant. Of course, this is just what I hear, since I'm clearly in the same boat as you. 🙂.

As much as it sucks, I'm not willing to go to a program that does not match my interests... even if it means taking another year.

Thanks so much for the comments, although its still hard to consider waiting another year, I really am ready to just move forward!

I know that APPIC has an FAQ page about the limitations of APA vs APPIC but what about CAPIC? For example, there is a CAPIC site in my area, I know the TD pretty well, and they offer 100% neuro training (which I need as I have not gotten much from my grad school). The TD has basically told me they can't afford the APA fee but the training seems equivalent. In a case like this, it's still difficult for me to understand that a post-doc site would not consider me if I had the right training just because it wasn't APA. It's just so frustration, especially with the limited number of APA sites!!! (Mostly just venting here)

 

[Avocadobunny]

Got an email from Stanford confirming they received my application, in addition to 212 others! And said they will contact me within the next week to tell me if I got an interview.

Jesus, I guess Phase II really is more competitive! Good luck 🙂

 

[ClinPsychEnthus]

I just received word from a site in the northeast that is withdrawing their 1 position from Phase II because of funding. If you want to know where, PM me. Bummer, I liked that site.

 

[AcronymAllergy]

Thanks so much for the comments, although its still hard to consider waiting another year, I really am ready to just move forward!

I know that APPIC has an FAQ page about the limitations of APA vs APPIC but what about CAPIC? For example, there is a CAPIC site in my area, I know the TD pretty well, and they offer 100% neuro training (which I need as I have not gotten much from my grad school). The TD has basically told me they can't afford the APA fee but the training seems equivalent. In a case like this, it's still difficult for me to understand that a post-doc site would not consider me if I had the right training just because it wasn't APA. It's just so frustration, especially with the limited number of APA sites!!! (Mostly just venting here)

My gut reaction is to say that particularly outside of California, CAPIC will likely be viewed more negatively than APPIC.

 

[Avocadobunny]

My gut reaction is to say that particularly outside of California, CAPIC will likely be viewed more negatively than APPIC.

I agree, it's just frustrating.

 

[AcronymAllergy]

In my mind it counts if the approach incorporated the specific areas of competency of neuropsychology (e.g. brain-behavior considerations, neuro-specific assessment, neuro-specific research, etc). Traditional psychoeducational testing is far from sufficient to Dx ADHD (whether it is for a child or adult). We are probably in the best position to evaluate and diagnose ADHD because we can incorporate the findings of other providers (PCP, neurologist, etc), as well as our own work with psychometric assessment, etc.

Agreed. The first step (at least in my mind) to determining whether the evals might count as at least neuropsychologically-based would be if you were supervised by a qualified neuropsychologist. If not, then regardless of what the evaluation entailed, I'd have trouble considering it a "true" neuropsych.

Beyond that, it's going to depend in large part on the measures involved and the information considered when conceptualizing the overall case.

Neuropsych itself isn't particularly great at diagnosing ADHD (in actuality, as we know, it's a diagnosis based on behavioral rather than cognitive symptoms, and as such interviews and, particularly with kids, observation becomes very important). What neuropsych can be great at doing, in addition to what T4C mentioned (i.e., compiling and evaluation data from multiple sources), is attempting to rule out conditions that might "mimic" ADHD.

 

[PHD12]

I agree, it's just frustrating.

Even within California, CAPIC is not very credible. Most hospitals, AMC's, counseling centers will not take someone with a CAPIC internship. I don't know if CAPIC will meet licensure requirements in other states, and I wouldn't mess with that. As others mentioned before, this field is very unforgiving. One misstep along the way and you will run into many career limitations.

 

[CACPstudent]

I have received two invites so far. I knew the turn around would be quick, but wasn't expecting it to be that quick. The two I have heard from are Rogers Memorial Hospital and Royal Oaks Hospital (Heart of America Consortium).

 

[LETSGONYR]

I have received two invites so far. I knew the turn around would be quick, but wasn't expecting it to be that quick. The two I have heard from are Rogers Memorial Hospital and Royal Oaks Hospital (Heart of America Consortium).

Oh wow! Not a peep here.

 

[wagwise]

I have received two invites so far. I knew the turn around would be quick, but wasn't expecting it to be that quick. The two I have heard from are Rogers Memorial Hospital and Royal Oaks Hospital (Heart of America Consortium).

Awesome, congrats!!! That was so fast! Thx for sharing wit us.

 

[Avocadobunny]

Awesome, congrats!!! That was so fast! Thx for sharing wit us.

Yes thanks for sharing and congratulations!!! I can't believe sites are getting through the applications so quickly.

 

[CACPstudent]

Yes thanks for sharing and congratulations!!! I can't believe sites are getting through the applications so quickly.

Avocadobunny, love your picture of Rorschach. I was not only surprised to hear from them, but also surprised that both sites are having interviews on Monday and Tuesday of next week. I have to wonder if all of the sites this round will be forced to not only do rolling invites, but rolling interviews as well. I don't see how they can get through applications, interviews, and rankings any other way.

 

[eudaimonPsyD]

So putting this out into the SDN universe....this is my second time going through the match. I had 7 interviews in Phase 1 and didn't match. I have been getting some feedback from some of the sites that I interviewed and they have said that they ranked me, and that my interviews went well. Mostly, I got some feedback that my therapy experience was limited modality wise (lots of CBT and behavioral) and that my IOP experience doesn't translate as well to the college counseling atmosphere. I am sure that college counseling is that field I want to pursue.

I put out 12 apps or so to Phase 2, but I am trying to consider worst case scenario at this point. I am wondering if there is a point to going through the match a third time, or if this is the sign that maybe this field isn't for me. I am not trying to be a debbie downer, but actually being realistic. I have a full time job now, unless I gave that up, I wouldn't really be able to add any additional experience to my CV, which makes me think I'll be less competitive going through the match a third time.

Any thoughts? I'm very frustrated...

 

[PHD12]

So putting this out into the SDN universe....this is my second time going through the match. I had 7 interviews in Phase 1 and didn't match. I have been getting some feedback from some of the sites that I interviewed and they have said that they ranked me, and that my interviews went well. Mostly, I got some feedback that my therapy experience was limited modality wise (lots of CBT and behavioral) and that my IOP experience doesn't translate as well to the college counseling atmosphere. I am sure that college counseling is that field I want to pursue.

Any thoughts? I'm very frustrated...

I know that college counseling sites want applicants with at least a year of college counseling center experience, if not more. Are you only applying to counseling centers? Would you be open to applying to hospital positions or positions that are primarily CBT oriented? It is only one year and you really want to capitalize on your strenghts. At least then you can graduate and get your degree. Once you complete your degree, you may be more competitive for a counseling center position.

 

[ClinPsy87]

So putting this out into the SDN universe....this is my second time going through the match. I had 7 interviews in Phase 1 and didn't match. I have been getting some feedback from some of the sites that I interviewed and they have said that they ranked me, and that my interviews went well. Mostly, I got some feedback that my therapy experience was limited modality wise (lots of CBT and behavioral) and that my IOP experience doesn't translate as well to the college counseling atmosphere. I am sure that college counseling is that field I want to pursue.

I put out 12 apps or so to Phase 2, but I am trying to consider worst case scenario at this point. I am wondering if there is a point to going through the match a third time, or if this is the sign that maybe this field isn't for me. I am not trying to be a debbie downer, but actually being realistic. I have a full time job now, unless I gave that up, I wouldn't really be able to add any additional experience to my CV, which makes me think I'll be less competitive going through the match a third time.

Any thoughts? I'm very frustrated...

I personally feel that if the college counseling center is something you want to pursue, then go for it! If you don't match this round, could you complete a practicum or do some pro bono work at a college counseling center? I know you said you have a full time job, but could you do stuff at night to get more experience? Just trying to offer suggestions.

 

[ClinPsy87]

So putting this out into the SDN universe....this is my second time going through the match. I had 7 interviews in Phase 1 and didn't match. I have been getting some feedback from some of the sites that I interviewed and they have said that they ranked me, and that my interviews went well. Mostly, I got some feedback that my therapy experience was limited modality wise (lots of CBT and behavioral) and that my IOP experience doesn't translate as well to the college counseling atmosphere. I am sure that college counseling is that field I want to pursue.

I put out 12 apps or so to Phase 2, but I am trying to consider worst case scenario at this point. I am wondering if there is a point to going through the match a third time, or if this is the sign that maybe this field isn't for me. I am not trying to be a debbie downer, but actually being realistic. I have a full time job now, unless I gave that up, I wouldn't really be able to add any additional experience to my CV, which makes me think I'll be less competitive going through the match a third time.

Any thoughts? I'm very frustrated...

Also, I wanted to say that you got SEVEN interviews for the first round AND they ranked you. I'm not sure if all of them were college counseling centers, but obviously some of them were. College counseling centers are competitive and you got interviews at some of them. So obviously, there was something there. Perhaps for round two you could specifically talk about how the skills you have translate into college counseling centers and what you feel you could bring due to your past experiences? I don't know if I would exactly put it this way, but maybe you could talk about what skills you have that those who have trained at college counseling centers don't have? Maybe do some research on the shortcomings seen in college counseling centers and how your skills can address them? Sorry for the lengthy response, I just like to see people pursue their dreams.

 

[paramour]

Also, I wanted to say that you got SEVEN interviews for the first round AND they ranked you. I'm not sure if all of them were college counseling centers, but obviously some of them were. College counseling centers are competitive and you got interviews at some of them. So obviously, there was something there. Perhaps for round two you could specifically talk about how the skills you have translate into college counseling centers and what you feel you could bring due to your past experiences? I don't know if I would exactly put it this way, but maybe you could talk about what skills you have that those who have trained at college counseling centers don't have? Maybe do some research on the shortcomings seen in college counseling centers and how your skills can address them? Sorry for the lengthy response, I just like to see people pursue their dreams.

If you didn't already, I agree with this response regarding tailoring your cover letters/essays to address why you believe that those skills you've picked up in IOPs and other areas DO translate well to the environment in which you want to work (college counseling centers). Our program does not offer a wide variety of clinical experiences or even related experiences that we can use when applying to certain sites. This sometimes comes up with certain applicants (typically after they fail to match and everyone stands around scratching their heads trying to figure out why). However, we have many students who are proactive and address how the experiences they have obtained do translate to the areas they're attempting to get into (even though they don't have that direct experience)... and the vast majority of them are quite successful with this approach.

Otherwise, I agree with the previous poster. I would be strongly tempted to apply to whatever sites my experiences are going to qualify me for and then focus on transitioning into a college counseling center AFTER internship. This is a hurdle. Jump it and move on.

G'luck with wherever your path may take you!