Overview
The Psychology Department at WMMHC offers a limited number of openings for
students desiring Psychology Practicum opportunities. Psychology Practicum
students may choose from a wide range of training experiences in adult
inpatient treatment, child/adolescent inpatient treatment, and forensic
services.
Adult Inpatient Units: The Adult Inpatient Units at WMMHC provide care and
treatment for patients needing acute inpatient hospitalization and longer term
inpatient hospitalization. Patients’ presenting problems include psychosis,
suicidal behavior, affective disorders, substance abuse, and severe personality
disorders.
Child Inpatient Unit:. The Child Inpatient Unit at WMMHC serves primarily as an
acute treatment milieu for seriously emotionally disordered children and
adolescents. The unit also occasionally serves as an intermediate treatment
milieu for patients requiring longer-term hospitalization for stabilization
and/or determination of placement.
Forensic Services: Staff in this program perform court ordered pretrial
evaluations on defendants that address issues of competency to stand trial and
criminal responsibility. Additionally they conduct evaluations to offer an
opinion as whether and individual should be classified as a Sexually Violent
Predators.
Components of the Psychology Practicum
Practicum Student Activities:
If they chose to work on an adult or child inpatient unit, Psychology Practicum
students, depending on their training and experience, may participate as
members of a multi-disciplinary treatment team and, under supervision, provide
Psychological services including diagnostic interviewing, Psychological
Testing, Individual Therapy and Group Therapy. In Forensic Services the
Psychology Practicum student may observe and participate in the process of
conducting Forensic Evaluations.
Supervision
Practicum students will receive at least one hour of individual weekly
supervision from a licensed doctoral level Psychologist, Postdoctoral
Psychology Resident, or Predoctoral Psychology Intern. A formal evaluation of
the Practicum student will be completed in accordance with the requirements of
the student’s University. Residents also receive a minimum of one hour group
supervision each week.
Practicum Schedule
Practicum students are typically accepted for a 6 month rotation on one of the
above units/services, beginning in the fall or spring. Students must be able to
be on site approximately 12 to 16 hours per week.
Application Procedure
Preference is given to applicants from Clinical or Counseling
Psychology, APA-accredited doctoral programs. However, applicants from other
programs will be considered. Applications should include: statement of training
interests and goals; curriculum vita; and copies of graduate program
transcripts. Applicants chosen for an interview will be invited for an on site
visit to meet with Psychology Staff members and potential supervisors.
Upon acceptance to the Psychology Practicum students will be expected to
complete 1-2 days of orientation at WMMHC. Additionally, an affiliation
agreement between WMMHC and the student’s University will need to be completed.
Inquiries can be made to Steve Baich, Psy.D.; 816/512-7126;
steve.baich@dmh.mo.gov. Submit application materials to: Department of
Psychology, Western Missouri Mental Health Center, 1000 E 24th Street, Kansas
City, Missouri 64108.