The Psychotherapeutic Externship Program in Clinical Psychology at Virtual Connections Academy has been designed to help Externs refine their clinical skills in key areas of practice, all while functioning as a valued member of a Multidisciplinary Team.  This team is comprised of Special Education Teachers, Program Assistants, an Art Therapist, Music Therapist, Occupational Therapist, Speech & Language Pathologist, Marriage & Family Specialist, and Psychiatrist.  There is an emphasis on training in fundamental clinical skills with a primary focus on Individual, Group, Family & In-Home Therapy, and Crisis Intervention. The training program is designed and organized in a way that it provides Externs with a planned, programmed sequence of training experiences – one that assures breadth and quality of training.

 

Externs are provided with opportunities to work with high-risk children, adolescents and their families. Individuals who are struggling with mild to severe: mood, anxiety, behavior, substance-related, psychotic, developmental, and personality disorders; and who are diverse in age, culture, ethnicity, race, religion, socioeconomic status, gender identity and sexual orientation.  All of this work is done under the careful supervision of the Clinical Director, and other members of our dynamic Clinical Training Staff.

 

Ultimately, the main training goal/objective is to promote the Extern’s professional growth in such a way that, by the end of the training year, they feel confident in their ability to competently function as a Clinician, with the ability to practice in accordance with the highest standards of care.