WJCS offers a psychology externship program for psychology doctoral candidates enrolled in APA-accredited clinical, school and counseling programs. Candidates are encouraged to apply. The extern’s placement can be for two or three days a week (approximately 16-24 hours, depending on individual doctoral program requirements) for approximately 12 months (July – June).
Opportunities are available for externs to provide direct clinical services (psychotherapy and psychological assessment) within the WJCS family mental health clinics and specialty programs (e.g., developmental disabilities/autistic spectrum disorders, trauma, forensic, juveniles starting over, Learning Center) to clients of varying ages, as well as diverse cultural backgrounds, diagnoses and clinical needs. Additionally, externs will be encouraged to participate in agency research and program consultation as such opportunities become available within the agency. As part of their professional development, externs will participate in psychology staff meetings, multi-disciplinary clinic or program staff meetings, psychology staff didactics, and WJCS Educational Institute course offerings.
Externs will be closely supervised by licensed psychologists and, as needed, supervisors with specialty training. During the externship placement, the student also will be assigned a doctoral psychology fellow supervisor, whose supervision of the extern will be closely overseen by a licensed psychologist, as well as within a weekly training seminar on the supervisory process.
The psychology externship training year begins in July. In keeping with guidelines established by PSYDNYS (Psychology Internship Directors of NYS) and NYNJADOT (New York/New Jersey Association of Directors of Training), applications from prospective candidates are accepted beginning in mid- January. It is recommended that students apply as early as possible. Offers of externships are made in early March.
Applicants should provide a cover letter, CV, two letters of recommendation and a letter of eligibility for externship from your doctoral program’s director. Applications will be accepted through the Practicum Portal. Please, only apply if you are enrolled in an APA-approved psychology doctoral program.
Contact: Dr. Hanna Cohen, Psy.D., Director of Externship Training (914) 949-6761 x2440; [email protected]
Westchester Jewish Community Services, 141 North Central Avenue, Hartsdale, NY 10530