Clinical Forensic Internship Training Program

Overview:
The Dorothy B. Hersh Child Protection Center (DBH-CPC) offers a pre-doctoral internship training program for psychology doctoral students. The program provides supervised direct service training in pediatric and clinical child psychology to prepare interns for entry-level psychology practice.

Program Details

• Host Organization: Dorothy B. Hersh Child Protection Center, associated with Saint Peter's University Hospital
• Program Type: Pre-doctoral psychology internship
• Duration: One academic year
• Time Commitment: 40 hours per week
• Geographic Scope: Serves seven diverse counties in central New Jersey

Program Focus

• Evaluation and treatment of children and families affected by child abuse
• Medical, emotional, physical, and sexual abuse
• Trauma-focused treatment and assessment
• Forensic evaluation training
• Clinical child psychology skills development

Services & Training Provided

• Supervised direct service in assessment, case conceptualization, and psychotherapy
• Weekly individual supervision (minimum 2 hours per week)
• Weekly group supervision
• Weekly didactic presentations on topics including:

- Cultural diversity
- Assessment of risk
- Treatment modalities
- Vicarious trauma
- Legal process and child maltreatment legislation

• Participation in weekly pediatric grand rounds
• "Finding Words New Jersey" week-long forensic interview training
• Opportunities to attend relevant conferences and trainings
• Caseload of approximately 15-20 hours of direct patient services weekly
• Approximately 6 weekly therapy clients per intern
• Exposure to Trauma-focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)
• Research opportunities available

Supervision & Learning Environment

• Supervision provided throughout training year
• Individual therapy supervision (pre-service, concurrent, and post-service)
• Access to trained licensed psychologists at all times
• Welcoming learning environment
• Case presentation requirements (minimum 2 presentations during internship)

Cultural Diversity Training

• Training on diverse populations served (race, religion, ethnicity, socioeconomic status)
• Individual and group supervision focused on cultural competency
• Required case presentations addressing cultural impact on maltreatment and therapy

Mission

To provide outstanding clinical opportunities for doctoral psychology students to understand the dynamics of child maltreatment and apply knowledge in evaluative and treatment services to families within the community. DBH-CPC is one of four legislatively supported regional diagnostic and treatment centers for child maltreatment and family violence in New Jersey.

Contact Information

• Dorothy B. Hersh Child Protection Center
• Saint Peter's University Hospital
• 254 Easton Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ 08901
• Phone: 732-745-8600

Application Procedure

Application Process:
The application process is available online through the Association of Psychology Postdoctoral and Internship Centers (APPIC) website.

Application Deadline:
December 21 (based on historical information; current year deadline should be verified)

Required Application Materials:
1. Completed APPIC Application of Psychology Internship (AAPI) online application form
2. Brief cover letter
3. Current vitae/resume
4. Transcripts of all graduate work
5. Three letters of recommendation from professionals familiar with counseling/clinical experiences and skills
- At least one letter should be from a supervisor of recent clinical experience

Application Portal:
ASSOCIATION of Psychology Postdoctoral and Internship Centers (APPIC) website

Policy Compliance:

The DBH-CPC internship site abides by the APPIC Policy that no person at the training facility will solicit, accept, or use any ranking-related information from any intern applicant prior to Uniform Notification Day

Notification of selection strictly adheres to APPIC guidelines regarding internship offers and acceptances

Eligibility:

Applicants must be doctoral (PhD or PsyD) psychology students

Applicants should have counseling/clinical experience

Recent clinical experience preferred