Philosophy & Aims

The Division of Psychology Mission

  • Providing evidence-based behavioral health services to adults, children, and families while creating a healthy environment where all people are treated with dignity, respect, and courtesy
  • Training and educating students, interns, residents, and fellows
  • Conducting clinically based research focused on improving treatment outcomes and advancing the field through dissemination

Training Philosophy 

Our faculty all graduated from scientist-practitioner programs; therefore, we highly value evidence-based practices and strive to stay at the forefront of behavioral interventions. Housed in the Department of Psychiatry, we have many opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration and seek to provide comprehensive interventions for our patients. We ensure that our trainees are held in the same regard as the medical residents and fellows in our department. 

Aims for Postdoctoral Training

There is a national shortage of psychologists with expertise in the three specialty programs we offer: OCD, Anxiety & Related Disorders, Autism Spectrum Disorders Assessment & Intervention, and Parent-Child Interaction Therapy & Childhood Disruptive Behavior Disorders. To address these needs, our training program seeks to provide a balance of education and patient care. We are focused on professional development and readiness to enter independent practice to serve these high-need groups.  

Aim 1: The Postdoc will develop expertise in their specialty area.

GOAL 1: Post-docs will respect scientifically derived knowledge and understand research, research methodology, techniques of data collection and analysis, biological bases of behavior, cognitive-affective bases of behavior, and development across the lifespan.
  • OBJECTIVE 1: Post-docs will independently apply scientific methods to practice, demonstrates advanced level knowledge of core science, and independently applies knowledge and understanding of scientific foundations to practice
  • OBJECTIVE 2: Post-docs will generate research that contributes to the professional knowledge base and/or evaluates the effectiveness of various professional activities

Aim 2: The Postdoc will hone their professional identity and demonstrate readiness to enter independent practice. 

GOAL 1: Post-docs will be competent to practice in the field of clinical psychology at the completion of their training.
  • OBJECTIVE 1:  Post-docs will integrate research and clinical expertise in the context of patient factors
  • OBJECTIVE 2: Post-docs will assess and diagnose problems, capabilities, and issues associated with individuals, groups, and organizations.
  • OBJECTIVE 3: Post-docs will apply interventions designed to alleviate suffering and promote health and well-being of individuals, groups, and/or organizations
  • OBJECTIVE 4: Post-docs will provide expert guidance or professional assistance in response to a client’s needs or goals
Goal 2: Post-docs will reflect the professional values and attitudes of the field of psychology.
  • OBJECTIVE 1: Post-docs will conduct themselves with integrity, deportment, accountability, and concern for others
  • OBJECTIVE 2: Post-docs will have a solid sense of their identity as a psychologist within the field of psychology as a whole
  • OBJECTIVE 3: Post-docs will be sensitive and skilled in working professionally with diverse individuals, groups, and communities
  • OBJECTIVE 4: Post-docs will apply ethical concepts and show awareness of legal issues regarding professional activities with individuals, groups, and organizations
  • OBJECTIVE 5: Post-docs will practice with personal and professional self-awareness and reflection, with awareness of competencies, and with appropriate self-care.
  • OBJECTIVE 6: Post-docs will manage difficult communication and possess advanced interpersonal skills
  • OBJECTIVE 7: Post-docs will use verbal, nonverbal, and written communication that is informative, articulate, succinct, sophisticated, and well-integrated; they will demonstrate a thorough grasp of professional language and concepts

Aim 3: The Postdoc will contribute to the field of psychology through a combination of practice, education, research, and advocacy in a manner consistent with their professional identity. 

GOAL 1: Post-docs will promote the education of others in the field through teaching and supervision.
  • OBJECTIVE 1: Produce clinicians who are able to provide instruction, disseminate knowledge, and evaluate acquisition of knowledge and skill in professional psychology.
  • OBJECTIVE 2: Produce clinicians who are able to supervise and train in the professional knowledge base of enhancing and monitoring the professional functioning of others.
GOAL 2: Post-docs will develop a strong understanding of the systems in which psychologists work, including the role of other professionals, administration and advocacy.
  • OBJECTIVE 1: Post-docs will understand key issues and concepts in related disciplines by identifying and interacting with professionals in multiple disciplines.
  • OBJECTIVE 2: Post-docs will manage the direct delivery of services and/or the administration of organizations, programs, or agencies.
  • OBJECTIVE 3: Post-docs will target the impact of social, political, economic or cultural factors to promote change at the individual, institutional, and/or systems level through advocacy efforts.
GOAL 3: Post-docs will establish, develop, and maintain effective interpersonal professional relationships with clients, supervisors, supervisees, faculty, peers, support staff, allied professionals, organizations, and communities.
  • OBJECTIVE 1: Post-docs will develop and maintain relationships with a wide range of clients, colleagues, organizations, and communities