Components of the Internship Program
At the beginning of the internship year, interns select a sequence for
involvement in three four-month rotations. The rotations at Western Missouri
Mental Health Center (WMMHC) include (a) one (1) of two (2) inpatient adult
acute units, or one (1) inpatient adult intermediate unit, (b) an inpatient
child/adolescent unit (c) and an outpatient forensic evaluation department.
Interns spend approximately 25 hours per week on rotations
Research
Interns are allowed four (4) hours a week to be used strictly for working on
their dissertation. The time of these hours during the week is negotiated with
the internship director and rotation supervisor.
Supervision
Interns receive at least two hours of individual weekly supervision. One hour
of supervision is provided by the rotation supervisor and one hour is provided
by the intern’s mentor who will supervise the intern throughout the training
year. Interns also receive a minimum of two hours group supervision each week.
Specifically, they attend up to two case conferences per week, and meet with
the internship director on a weekly basis for approximately one hour. At the
beginning of the training year, interns formally establish their individual
training goals based on clinical and professional strengths and areas for
improvement. Additionally, interns and their respective rotation supervisor
establish rotation specific goals at the beginning of each rotation. Interns
are evaluated by their rotation supervisor at the midpoint and end of each
rotation. The intern’s mentor and the training director also evaluate interns
throughout the year so feedback and progress can be closely monitored and
communicated in a timely fashion. A semiannual and final evaluation is sent to
the intern’s university training director.
Mentor
At the beginning of the internship year, interns meet with all psychology staff
and select a mentor. The role of mentor is to provide continuity in guidance
and support throughout the year, and the mentor will be involved in cross
coverage when a rotation supervisor is unavailable. In addition, the mentor
will provide guidance for interns with the following: Preparing for case
conferences and in-service presentation; Assisting with participation in
committees; Addressing issues related to professional development; Support in the
completion of dissertation; Supervision of outpatient psychotherapy provided to
residents of group homes in Alternative Services of WMMHC; Supervision of
clinical interventions provided to patients in the Emergency Observation Unit
of WMMHC; and Supervision of consultation or education provided to Alternative
Service group home staff.
Wellness Program
Interns will co-lead inpatient groups in the Wellness Program while on the
adult inpatient rotation. The Wellness Program is an off unit treatment program
which among other current activities (rehabilitation activities/acupuncture)
offers the following groups: Emotional Regulation,
Co-Occurring Issues and Symptom
Awareness.