On the path toward a VA internship

[simplesimon]

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Folks - I thought that I would start a thread in order to tap into some of the wisdom out there regarding the best path toward getting a VA internship. I am at the very beginning of my PsyD program (which I know many VA's will reject). I am currently in a practicum working with SMI. I have my first publication in press related to trauma, and am currently a research assistant on a large Veteran study, which should give me at least 2 pubs and my dissertation.

Question: What else should I be doing? What kinds of future practicums should I go for, if VA's aren't an option? Who should I be talking to and getting to know?

Anything would be helpful.

Thanks.

 

[Therapist4Chnge]

1. The vast majority of VAs will not disqualify your app for consideration because you are a Psy.D., though some might.

2. Develop strong clinical skills as a generalist. You'll want to gain exposure to EBT treatments (e.g. Prolonged Exposure Therapy and/or Cognitive Processing Therapy for work with PTSD), as well as develop your assessment skills.

3. Learn how to write a solid psych assessment report. It needs to be clear, concise, and provide meaningful information and recommendations to the reader. You may first have to learn to throw in the kitchen sink during your assessment classes, but 'in the real world' that approach is rarely received well.

4. Show research productivity. You don't need to head up a huge study or spend every waking moment crunching stats, but you'll want to have at least a few poster presentations and hopefully at least 1 or 2 publications on your CV by the time you apply for internship. The most recent APPIC stats support the idea that people who present and publish match at a higher rate than those who don't.

 

[IT514]

Well it looks like you're off to a good start. I wouldnt be over concerned about having all your work with a veteran population, but in getting solid assessment experience - 300 hours or more would be nice, and therapy experience with complex issues (substance abuse+spinal injury, for example), which sounds like you have some of already. Experience in EBTs would be helpful. Experience in medical settings where you can work/consult with other disciplines would also be helpful.

This year I applied to 15 VA internships and got 7 interviews, so we'll see how it works out. I'm Psy.D and I feel like it didnt play in that much into where I got interviews, though I tried to avoid places that have not taken a psy.d student if they werent a great match for me. You can find all of that info on the appic directory. I did a VA neuropsych practicum but my pub and posters are in pediatrics and my dissertation is in gero/neuropsych. I have some therapy experience in a health psych/chronic pain type clinic, which was helpful. There is a similar overall structure within the VA, but between them there are a lot of differences in staff orientations, conditions treated, services offered etc., so you will want to research each one in great detail to make sure its a good fit for you. The brochures are really helpful for that and all are available online.

And what t4c said...didnt see your post.

 

[simplesimon]

Thank you both - great advice!

 

[terrybug]

I'm just wondering why you have set decided to specialize already when you're just starting your program - especially when you feel like the internship site you want is going to reject your training?

 

[PsychPhDone]

For those who might have some experience in VA internships, do you know how much VA practica during grad school play into rankings/interview invites? Obviously this will vary by VA. Just curious.

 

[AcronymAllergy]

For those who might have some experience in VA internships, do you know how much VA practica during grad school play into rankings/interview invites? Obviously this will vary by VA. Just curious.

I don't know that anyone not involved in the actual internship selection committee will be able to give you information regarding rankings, but we can certainly chime in when it comes to invites. I applied to a handful of VAs and consortiums (the rest of my sites were pure academic medical centers), and had somewhere around a 50% interview offer rate without any previous VA experience. I ended up matching at a VA/med school consortium.

 

[PsychPhDone]

I don't know that anyone not involved in the actual internship selection committee will be able to give you information regarding rankings, but we can certainly chime in when it comes to invites. I applied to a handful of VAs and consortiums (the rest of my sites were pure academic medical centers), and had somewhere around a 50% interview offer rate without any previous VA experience. I ended up matching at a VA/med school consortium.

AA - if it's okay with you, I'd like to PM you after I'm done with studying this weekend. I really appreciate the info.

 

[O Gurl]

For those who might have some experience in VA internships, do you know how much VA practica during grad school play into rankings/interview invites? Obviously this will vary by VA. Just curious.

As far as our site goes, medical center experience helps an applicant's packet. VA is best, but any medical facility that offers interaction with other health-care disciplines is great. It has more to do with being able to function as a psychologist in a setting that is pretty different from a counseling center, private practice, or prison (for example) than anything else.

 

[Therapist4Chnge]

For those who might have some experience in VA internships, do you know how much VA practica during grad school play into rankings/interview invites? Obviously this will vary by VA. Just curious.

I don't think it is a dealbreaker if you don't have prior VA experience. I think if you don't have any assessment experience, that'd be a larger problem. I didn't have any VA experience, and I received invites to 5 of the 6 VAs I applied.

 

[AcronymAllergy]

AA - if it's okay with you, I'd like to PM you after I'm done with studying this weekend. I really appreciate the info.

Not a problem, and good luck with the studying.

 

[simplesimon]

I'm just wondering why you have set decided to specialize already when you're just starting your program - especially when you feel like the internship site you want is going to reject your training?

Great question - My interest in the VA is more about the training that it offers than about the site itself. I am interested in trauma work and the way that it worked out research-wise has led to a military-focus. I guess that although military work did not interest me originally, I have found myself very drawn toward work with veterans.

Plus, I'm 35 and have children, so I always have an eye on the end-game because : )

 

[terrybug]

Great question - My interest in the VA is more about the training that it offers than about the site itself. I am interested in trauma work and the way that it worked out research-wise has led to a military-focus. I guess that although military work did not interest me originally, I have found myself very drawn toward work with veterans.

Plus, I'm 35 and have children, so I always have an eye on the end-game because : )

If you have actual research experience with a military focus, then you should be in very good shape. I say this because I think it's rare, so it will set you apart as a good fit for VAs when you apply.

 

[simplesimon]

If you have actual research experience with a military focus, then you should be in very good shape. I say this because I think it's rare, so it will set you apart as a good fit for VAs when you apply.

That's affirming. Thank you.