Virginia Treatment Center for Children doctoral internship in health service psychology is accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA). Information on accreditation is available at the Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation, American Psychological Association, 750 First Street NE, Washington, D.C. 20002-4242, by phone at (202) 336-5979, by email: apaacred@apa.org, or Web: www.apa.org/ed/accreditation.

Accredited since 1975, the internship program at the Virginia Treatment Center for Children, or VTCC, provides robust training in a continuum of care for treating children and adolescents with serious emotional disturbances and complex pediatric presentations. Up to four funded positions are available each year, with the program beginning on July 1 and ending on June 30.

Well known within the field of children’s mental health care, the VTCC is comprised of a diverse, dedicated staff of psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, educators and occupational, recreational and art therapists. We provide acute inpatient therapy, pediatric consultation and medication management services for children, adolescents and their families.

Interns report an average workweek of 40-45 hours, with a minimum of 1,800 hours required for completion of the program.

Through exposure to a wide range of presenting problems in a diverse client population, our program provides each intern with the opportunity to develop professional skills and awareness of cultural and familial influences on children’s development. Interns are exposed to and receive supervision on implementing evidence-based treatment and assessment to address the health and psychological needs across our care continuum. Interns also gain a working knowledge of the varied service systems designed to address the needs of children and adolescents and their families and develop the skills to influence those systems on the child’s behalf.

Each intern is assigned a preceptor who serves as a primary support, providing supervision, mentoring and evaluation feedback throughout the year. Training occurs in multiple formats and multidisciplinary environments, with significant emphasis placed on effective functioning as a team member and adapting one’s approach to the clinical setting.

We participate in the Association of Psychology Postdoctoral and Internship Centers’ match program, and applications are available through National Matching Services. Interviews take place during January, with virtual interviews offered.

Applicants selected for the interview process are provided with a group overview of the program with the training director, two interviews with faculty members and postdoctoral fellow, a virtual tour of the facility, and a meet-and-greet with current interns.

For an updated version of the training internship brochure or any additional information, please view here: VTCC Doctoral Internship Brochure 2024-2025