NYC AREA Internships: Thoughts from Current Interns?

[futurepsydoc]

Hello Everyone,

I am starting this thread to get information about internship sites in NYC. As someone who has a cognitive-behavioral orientation, I am very concerned about matching in the city this coming year. While I have read brochures and information about most of the sites I am considering, I am hoping that additional input could help me narrow down my list a bit. Conversely, it could also broaden my current list to sites I had not fully considered. Either is helpful as far as I am concerned.

Having said that, I was hoping that current interns could share some inside information about sites in this region. This could include information about the site you are currently working at, finished working at, and/or interviewed at. I am geographically bound, a limitation that is quite disconcerting given the current imbalance, and I am trying to do my due diligence and get all the help I can.

I realize that some people might not feel uncomfortable sharing their thoughts/experiences in this way. I completely understand that, especially if you had a bad experience and/or were worried about anonymity. If that is the case, maybe you could PM me instead. All thoughts, suggestions, insights, and comments will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks for taking the time to read this request.

Futurepsydoc

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[2012PhD]

Hello Everyone,

I am starting this thread to get information about internship sites in NYC. As someone who has a cognitive-behavioral orientation, I am very concerned about matching in the city this coming year. While I have read brochures and information about most of the sites I am considering, I am hoping that additional input could help me narrow down my list a bit. Conversely, it could also broaden my current list to sites I had not fully considered. Either is helpful as far as I am concerned.

Having said that, I was hoping that current interns could share some inside information about sites in this region. This could include information about the site you are currently working at, finished working at, and/or interviewed at. I am geographically bound, a limitation that is quite disconcerting given the current imbalance, and I am trying to do my due diligence and get all the help I can.

I realize that some people might not feel uncomfortable sharing their thoughts/experiences in this way. I completely understand that, especially if you had a bad experience and/or were worried about anonymity. If that is the case, maybe you could PM me instead. All thoughts, suggestions, insights, and comments will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks for taking the time to read this request.

Futurepsydoc

I interviewed in the NYC area and know tons of people at all the major sites. Here are the most CBT friendly places. I also know that interns tend to be happy at these sites overall.

Montefiore (they have an amazing CBT program, probably the most CBT in NYC).
Bellevue child program (NYU child study center is great and very CBT friendly). The bellevue adult program seems to be more heavily dynamic and interns didn't seem as happy. Hours are long.
Long Island Jewish: another CBT friendly site.
Maimonedes in BK: I know some CBT people here and they like the training.
Manhattan VA: mixed between dynamic and CBT training. Interns seemed happy here.
NJ VA, east orange: Interns were really satisfied with the program, they are split between CBT and psychodynamic staff.
Lincoln hospital: Interns are really happy here. Not sure how CBT they are.
Bronx and Brooklyn VA: tend to be heavily psychodynamic and require the rorschach in order to apply.

 

[Psych66]

Hello Everyone,

I am starting this thread to get information about internship sites in NYC. As someone who has a cognitive-behavioral orientation, I am very concerned about matching in the city this coming year. While I have read brochures and information about most of the sites I am considering, I am hoping that additional input could help me narrow down my list a bit. Conversely, it could also broaden my current list to sites I had not fully considered. Either is helpful as far as I am concerned.

Having said that, I was hoping that current interns could share some inside information about sites in this region. This could include information about the site you are currently working at, finished working at, and/or interviewed at. I am geographically bound, a limitation that is quite disconcerting given the current imbalance, and I am trying to do my due diligence and get all the help I can.

I realize that some people might not feel uncomfortable sharing their thoughts/experiences in this way. I completely understand that, especially if you had a bad experience and/or were worried about anonymity. If that is the case, maybe you could PM me instead. All thoughts, suggestions, insights, and comments will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks for taking the time to read this request.

Futurepsydoc

I applied and interviewed at only one NYC internship--at Bellevue for their forensic track.

I thought the place was amazing but I was honestly exhausted just hearing from the interns regarding their day to day schedules. No matter what track you choose (Adult, Child, Forensic) you still DO IT ALL and you are constantly running around to see kids, adults, families, couples, inpatients, outpatients, supervision, etc. When I was reading over their brochure I remember thinking that didn't even seem possible but after interviewing there and talking to their current interns, I saw why---because they work like 60 hours per week. Don't get me wrong--I'm sure it's a wonderful experience, but the interns did seem....tired.

If you are a type of person that thrives in that sort of environment go for it! I just couldn't see me there.

 

[futurepsydoc]

I interviewed in the NYC area and know tons of people at all the major sites. Here are the most CBT friendly places. I also know that interns tend to be happy at these sites overall.

Montefiore (they have an amazing CBT program, probably the most CBT in NYC).

Bellevue child program (NYU child study center is great and very CBT friendly).

The bellevue adult program seems to be more heavily dynamic and interns didn't seem as happy. Hours are long.

Long Island Jewish: another CBT friendly site.

Maimonedes in BK: I know some CBT people here and they like the training.

Manhattan VA: mixed between dynamic and CBT training. Interns seemed happy here.

NJ VA, east orange: Interns were really satisfied with the program, they are split between CBT and psychodynamic staff.

Lincoln hospital: Interns are really happy here. Not sure how CBT they are.

Bronx and Brooklyn VA: tend to be heavily psychodynamic and require the rorschach in order to apply.

Thank you for the insights regarding people's experiences. I am glad to hear that people with CBT training and orientations were happy at the sites you mentioned above. I had heard that the Bronx and Brooklyn VA were heavily psychodynamic. I have to look it more critically. Thanks again.

I applied and interviewed at only one NYC internship--at Bellevue for their forensic track.

I thought the place was amazing but I was honestly exhausted just hearing from the interns regarding their day to day schedules. No matter what track you choose (Adult, Child, Forensic) you still DO IT ALL and you are constantly running around to see kids, adults, families, couples, inpatients, outpatients, supervision, etc. When I was reading over their brochure I remember thinking that didn't even seem possible but after interviewing there and talking to their current interns, I saw why---because they work like 60 hours per week. Don't get me wrong--I'm sure it's a wonderful experience, but the interns did seem....tired.

If you are a type of person that thrives in that sort of environment go for it! I just couldn't see me there.

Wow. 60 hours per week. That is a bit rough. I will to have think about quality of live versus quality of training. It seems that 2012PHD also had friends who expressed concerns.

While I definitely plan on applying there, this information will be good to have when it comes to ranking. Of course, I'll have to see if I even have the opportunity to rank them. Thank you very much for your insights.

 

[2012PhD]

Thank you for the insights regarding people's experiences. I am glad to hear that people with CBT training and orientations were happy at the sites you mentioned above. I had heard that the Bronx and Brooklyn VA were heavily psychodynamic. I have to look it more critically. Thanks again.

To clarify, they are all CBT friendly, except for the bronx and BK VA, which are heavily dynamic. I just added those b/c i had information on those sites.


Wow. 60 hours per week. That is a bit rough. I will to have think about quality of live versus quality of training. It seems that 2012PHD also had friends who expressed concerns.

While I definitely plan on applying there, this information will be good to have when it comes to ranking. Of course, I'll have to see if I even have the opportunity to rank them. Thank you very much for your insights.

I think the NYC area hospitals tend to have longer hours in general, but bellevue may be more on the higher end. Bellevue interns definitely seemed exhausted.

 

[hamsterpants]

I think the NYC area hospitals tend to have longer hours in general, but bellevue may be more on the higher end. Bellevue interns definitely seemed exhausted.

I've heard these things about Bellevue from more than one interviewee.

 

[futurepsydoc]

I've heard these things about Bellevue from more than one interviewee.

I am wondering if that is function of the site, or perhaps, a function of being in such a large metropolitan area. I always feel that the Northeast, in particular, has such a fast paced work, work, work, work attitude.

Nonetheless, its always nice to hear converging evidence on a subject, even if that evidence is not what you were hoping to hear. Thanks for the information.

By the way, I like your handle and the pic that goes along with it.

 

[erg923]

I realize some days its inevitable that one is going to be working 9 hours instead of 8, but it there any evidence that 60 hour weeks (at the internship level) results in more learning, more competency, or overall better clinicians than a 40 hour week would? I'm curious to know if this an actual training philosophy, or simply a matter of using cheap labor to its fullest possible extent.

 

[cara susanna]

Just wanted to chime in that Montefiore seems pretty fantastic.

 

[futurepsydoc]

I realize some days its inevitable that one is going to be working 9 hours instead of 8, but it there any evidence that 60 hour weeks (at the internship level) results in more learning, more competency, or overall better clinicians than a 40 hour week would? I'm curious to know if this an actual training philosophy, or simply a matter of using cheap labor to its fullest possible extent.

I would think that the training program is intense by design, perhaps requiring more hours than most. However, I do believe that increased need for services in a major metropolitan area would lead the system, and the program within in it, to maximize the production of a cheap labor force to meet the demand for services. In short, I think the time commitment its probably the result of both factors. Does that seem plausible or is it too rosy of a view?

In regards to your point, I doubt there is any data suggesting that more face-to-face patient hours leads to more learning. In my opinion, it is the "quality" of those hours not the "quantity" of them. I think quality is difficult to evaluate, at least from an empirical standpoint. Research on this, as well as the development of clinical competence is clearly needed. That is whole other topic I could go on and on about. From what I have heard about Bellevue, the caliber and amount of supervision is high, likely making the extra hours valuable. Though, I think that there is a point where saturation and burnout will be at play. Those issues are really important and too often get overlooked, at least in my opinion.

Just wanted to chime in that Montefiore seems pretty fantastic.

I agree. Its high on my list.

 

[2012PhD]

I would think that the training program is intense by design, perhaps requiring more hours than most. However, I do believe that increased need for services in a major metropolitan area would lead the system, and the program within in it, to maximize the production of a cheap labor force to meet the demand for services. In short, I think the time commitment its probably the result of both factors. Does that seem plausible or is it too rosy of a view?

I think the culture in NYC is just a fast-paced, hectic workaholic culture so the hospitals are just that way as well. The patient flow is really intense because you have 12 million people crammed into all of NYC so the hospital system is really strained and packed everywhere in NYC. The internships in NYC seemed more interested in giving their interns the "tough" cases whereas when interviewing in other parts of the country they stressed that they wanted their interns to have a good work-life balance and encouraged them to go home after a certain hour. Some internships outside of NYC also told me that they give their interns the cases that have a higher chance of getting better as opposed to the cases that have been coming in for 20 years with axis II issues. This was not as stressed in NYC overall.

The quality of training at bellevue is MIXED according to interns there. I think the child interns tend to be more positive. the adult internship is mixed in terms of the quality of the training. There were def. interns that felt that 8 hours of individual supervision was way too much and did not add to the quality of the experience. Plus, they felt burnt out and exhausted so i doubt the quality is that good.

 

[Therapist4Chnge]

I realize some days its inevitable that one is going to be working 9 hours instead of 8, but it there any evidence that 60 hour weeks (at the internship level) results in more learning, more competency, or overall better clinicians than a 40 hour week would? I'm curious to know if this an actual training philosophy, or simply a matter of using cheap labor to its fullest possible extent.

Do you think there would be more value of 60hr at the fellowship level than the internship level? I definitely think there is value in a somewhat longer day, as an 8hr day really doesn't leave much time for reading, reviewing, etc. I'm not sure I'd argue that means 6 10hr days or 5 12hr days, but I put in at least 10hr a day and at least 5-6 hrs a week of reading at home. I feel much better prepared after putting in 50-55hr a week, but that's just me. I think the difference is that the expectation at our site was 40hr, so the "extra" time was on me. If I was required to work 55hr a week on internship, I'd be rather annoyed. At the fellowship level, I knew the expectation was, "whatever it takes to get your stuff done."

As for NYC sites...I wasn't a fan of either the Bronx or Brooklyn VAs. The interns looked overworked, and the pace was what you'd expect in NYC. This was a few years ago, so take that with a grain of salt.

 

[futurepsydoc]

Do you think there would be more value of 60hr at the fellowship level than the internship level? I definitely think there is value in a somewhat longer day, as an 8hr day really doesn't leave much time for reading, reviewing, etc. I'm not sure I'd argue that means 6 10hr days or 5 12hr days, but I put in at least 10hr a day and at least 5-6 hrs a week of reading at home. I feel much better prepared after putting in 50-55hr a week, but that's just me. I think the difference is that the expectation at our site was 40hr, so the "extra" time was on me. If I was required to work 55hr a week on internship, I'd be rather annoyed. At the fellowship level, I knew the expectation was, "whatever it takes to get your stuff done."

As for NYC sites...I wasn't a fan of either the Bronx or Brooklyn VAs. The interns looked overworked, and the pace was what you'd expect in NYC. This was a few years ago, so take that with a grain of salt.

Intrinsic motivation is always better than extrinsic motivation or consequences.

 

[AlaskanJustin]

I've heard these things about Bellevue from more than one interviewee.

Coming from a lineage of Bellevue individuals, having friends currently doing both extern and internships at this site, and having a friend doing it next year, yeah its rough but its also top notch... no question about it. Also its affiliation with Kirby is helpful, great experience at Kirby as well.

 

[AlaskanJustin]

Coming from a lineage of Bellevue individuals, having friends currently doing both extern and internships at this site, and having a friend doing it next year, yeah its rough but its also top notch... no question about it. Also its affiliation with Kirby is helpful, great experience at Kirby as well.

Speaking of Forensic in particular^^^

Oh and full disclosure... attending grad school in NYC makes me NOT want to do an internship in this area... many of the people I meet that want to stay here are those that grew up in this general area... for those of us that are from the West (or far NW) we realize there ARE other great places in the US 🙂.

 

[PerhapsMaybeOk]

Intrinsic motivation is always better than extrinsic motivation or consequences.

try telling that to my ex-wife

 

[LM02]

Hello Everyone,

I am starting this thread to get information about internship sites in NYC. As someone who has a cognitive-behavioral orientation, I am very concerned about matching in the city this coming year. While I have read brochures and information about most of the sites I am considering, I am hoping that additional input could help me narrow down my list a bit. Conversely, it could also broaden my current list to sites I had not fully considered. Either is helpful as far as I am concerned.

Having said that, I was hoping that current interns could share some inside information about sites in this region. This could include information about the site you are currently working at, finished working at, and/or interviewed at. I am geographically bound, a limitation that is quite disconcerting given the current imbalance, and I am trying to do my due diligence and get all the help I can.

I realize that some people might not feel uncomfortable sharing their thoughts/experiences in this way. I completely understand that, especially if you had a bad experience and/or were worried about anonymity. If that is the case, maybe you could PM me instead. All thoughts, suggestions, insights, and comments will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks for taking the time to read this request.

Futurepsydoc

I'm surprised to see that nobody has mentioned Cornell yet... I interviewed there several years ago, and they were "marketing" themselves as being very cognitive-behavioral in orientation. Overall, it seemed like a strong program, especially with its own dedicated CBT Clinic. My major concern, coming from a very strong CBT-oriented program in another part of the country, was that the majority of the interns seemed to be getting CBT exposure and supervision for the first time in their training. As someone who had already had 4 years of CBT practica, this seemed like a bit of a mismatch to me. But nevertheless, it seemed like a good program (they also had subsidized housing at the time, which could be a plus depending on your situation).

 

[2012PhD]

I'm surprised to see that nobody has mentioned Cornell yet... I interviewed there several years ago, and they were "marketing" themselves as being very cognitive-behavioral in orientation. Overall, it seemed like a strong program, especially with its own dedicated CBT Clinic. My major concern, coming from a very strong CBT-oriented program in another part of the country, was that the majority of the interns seemed to be getting CBT exposure and supervision for the first time in their training. As someone who had already had 4 years of CBT practica, this seemed like a bit of a mismatch to me. But nevertheless, it seemed like a good program (they also had subsidized housing at the time, which could be a plus depending on your situation).

Yes, cornell is a reputable internship with good CBT training! I hear that they prefer research oriented PhD students so keep that in mind.

 

[futurepsydoc]

try telling that to my ex-wife

I here you on this one

I'm surprised to see that nobody has mentioned Cornell yet... I interviewed there several years ago, and they were "marketing" themselves as being very cognitive-behavioral in orientation. Overall, it seemed like a strong program, especially with its own dedicated CBT Clinic. My major concern, coming from a very strong CBT-oriented program in another part of the country, was that the majority of the interns seemed to be getting CBT exposure and supervision for the first time in their training. As someone who had already had 4 years of CBT practica, this seemed like a bit of a mismatch to me. But nevertheless, it seemed like a good program (they also had subsidized housing at the time, which could be a plus depending on your situation).

I have looked at this site as well. It sounds fantastic on paper. I have not met anyone and/or spoken to anyone that has worked at this site. I am surprised to here that the people working there had minimal exposure to CBT given what I have read.

I am in a similar boat in terms of my own training, in that I too have taken several CBT practicum over the last few years. What were that aspects that were most appealing to you when you interviewed there?

 

[futurepsydoc]

Has anyone interviewed or interned at the following internship sites:

Elmhurst Hospital
Columbia/NYSPI
Kings County Hospital
Beth Israel Medical Center

If so, could describe your experiences and thoughts on the program?

Thanks

 

[cmd411]

Hi Everyone,

Has anyone interned or know anything about the internship at the School at Columbia U. I am interested in applying, but haven't really heard anything good or bad about the site. Any info would be greatly appreciated! Thanks so much!!

 

[aagman01]

Hi there:

I mainly applied to NYC area internships last fall (which was a mistake, as I didn't land one in round 1, but did get a hospital placement outside of NY in round 2).

I did not apply to the school at columbia, mainly because (1) I did not want a wholly school-based placement and (2) based on what I heard from 2 people who completed internships there.

Basically, from what I was told, its a lot of social-emotional prevention programming, some individual counseling, and some assessment. Not much variety or exposure, breadth or depth of training possible there. Also, because its wholly in a school, you can run into licensure problems in many states.

Good luck though!

Hi Everyone,

Has anyone interned or know anything about the internship at the School at Columbia U. I am interested in applying, but haven't really heard anything good or bad about the site. Any info would be greatly appreciated! Thanks so much!!

 

[cmd411]

Hi there:

I mainly applied to NYC area internships last fall (which was a mistake, as I didn't land one in round 1, but did get a hospital placement outside of NY in round 2).

I did not apply to the school at columbia, mainly because (1) I did not want a wholly school-based placement and (2) based on what I heard from 2 people who completed internships there.

Basically, from what I was told, its a lot of social-emotional prevention programming, some individual counseling, and some assessment. Not much variety or exposure, breadth or depth of training possible there. Also, because its wholly in a school, you can run into licensure problems in many states.

Good luck though!

Thanks this information is really helpful!

 

[aagman01]

Two other things that came to mind about The School....

(A) From what I was told from prior interns, the school is composed 50% of the children/dependents of Columbia faculty and staff and 50% children in the local area (Harlem/Washington Heights). That could be a positive, as it would seem to me that you could at least get some cultural diversity in terms of race/ethnicity, SES, academic skill backgrounds etc.

(B) The internship is an APPIC (not APA) site.

Thanks this information is really helpful!

 

[causeeffect]

A prof (who did her internship 2-3 years ago) told me that she has many colleagues that did their internship at Columbia/NYSPI and they all complained of having "80 hour" weeks.

Does any body have info on having a CBT orientation at Manhattan Psychiatric Center? I know they have a DBT unit/program, but what about the rest of the internship?
thanks.

 

[cmd411]

Good to know! I just assumed it was APA!

Two other things that came to mind about The School....

(A) From what I was told from prior interns, the school is composed 50% of the children/dependents of Columbia faculty and staff and 50% children in the local area (Harlem/Washington Heights). That could be a positive, as it would seem to me that you could at least get some cultural diversity in terms of race/ethnicity, SES, academic skill backgrounds etc.

(B) The internship is an APPIC (not APA) site.

 

[futurepsydoc]

I am glad to see the level of discourse continue on this thread. I was away on vacation for a while and just returned. Thanks for continuing to share thoughts, experiences, and insights. It all extremely helpful.