Florida International University

The Counseling and Psychological Services Center

 

 

           

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

South Campus:                                                                        Biscayne Bay Campus:

University Park, uhsc 270                                 WUC 320

Miami, Florida 33199                                                   North Miami, Florida 33181

 

Phone No: (305) 348-2434                                       (305) 919-5305

Fax No:    (305) 348-3950                                               (305) 919-5207

 

Email Address:                                                             richardr@fiu.edu

Website:                                                                      http://www.fiu.edu/~psychser.html

Metro Area:                                                                  Miami Metro Area

APA Accredited:                                                      No

Coordinator of Postdoc Training:                                  Raysa C. Richardson, Ph.D.

Training Director:                                                           Cheryl S. Nowell, Ph.D.

Number of staff who is licensed:                                  9

Fringe Benefits:                                                          2 weeks vacation

Stipend:                                                                       $25,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Florida International University

Counseling and Psychological Services Center

Florida International University is located in Miami, Florida.  Miami is a beautiful city which is famous for its tropical and cosmopolitan ambiance.  Miami is considered the gate to the Caribbean and Latin American world.  Florida International University is an urban multicultural/multiethnic academic institution with more than 32,000 students. This is a majority minority institution; 10% of our students are international.  The Psychological and Counseling Services Center is a department within the Division of Student Affairs. It operates at two locations; the University Park Campus and the Biscayne Bay Campus, and is funded by the Student Health Fee. The Center’s goal is to support the University’s academic mission by enhancing the social development and emotional well-being of students. The Counseling and Psychological Services Center trains future psychologists and mental health counselors and offers them the opportunity to work with diverse populations. It is a practicum site for several major university graduate programs, as well as a pre-doctoral internship and a post-doctoral fellowship training site. The training philosophy emphasizes treatment within the matrix of cultural differences. The professional staff is comprised of eight licensed psychologists and one licensed clinical social worker. The staff is from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds, and maintains a wide spectrum of theoretical and psychotherapeutic approaches. The Counseling and Psychological Services Center is a member of the Association of Counseling Center Training Agents (ACCTA). All professional activities and services are governed by Florida State Statutes and adhere to the American Psychological Association Ethical Principles and Code of Conduct.

 

Clinical Services:

·         Individual and Couple Psychotherapy

·         Group Psychotherapy

·         Crisis Intervention

·         Psychological Evaluations

·         Neuropsychological Assessments

·         Biofeedback Treatment

·         Outreach

·         Consultation

·         Referral Services

 

 

Training Focus:

·         Population: Registered Florida International University students.

·         Treatment Modalities: Outpatient Individual therapy, couples therapy, group therapy, crisis intervention, consultation/liaison.

·         Specialty Areas: Brief Psychotherapy, Outreach, Behavioral Medicine, Crisis, Supervision, Administrative, Diversity Administration, Psychological Assessments.

 

Treatment Approach:

The Center offers time-limited, focused psychotherapy. Treatment plans are individualized to reflect the cultural and developmental needs of the students.

 

The Post-Doctoral Psychology Fellowship Training Program:

Admission requirements for the Post-Doctoral Psychology Fellowship Training Program include completion of all professional doctoral degree requirements (either Ph.D. or Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology or Counseling Psychology) from a regionally accredited institution of higher education. In accordance with the Florida Statutes and Administrative Code, Psychology, Part E, Chapter 64B19-11.005, the Fellow must complete at least 2000 hours of Post-Doctoral experience over the course of 52 weeks, no more than 40 hours a week. Nine hundred hours are to be spent in service-related activities.

This program meets the requirement for the 2,000 hours of supervised experience required for licensure in the State of Florida.

Application deadline and starting date may fluctuate from one year to another. Candidates are asked to submit a letter of interest, curriculum vitae, official graduate transcripts, and three letters of recommendation.  A certificate will be granted at program completion.

The Florida International University Counseling and Psychological Services Center is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer. 

 

Philosophy of Training:

The Counseling and Psychological Services Center stresses its strong commitment to training. The post-doctoral fellowship-training program is designed to reflect the Association of Psychology Postdoctoral and Internship Center’s (AAPIC) guidelines. It is geared toward providing an organized, planned, programmed training experience for the Fellow to further develop into a professional clinician capable of functioning successfully and independently in various employment settings. To attain this goal, the Fellow will be required to integrate theoretical, research, and ethical/legal issues in psychology into his/her conceptualization and provision of service delivery as a psychologist.

 

Training Experiences and Methods:

Supervision

Supervision is based on a developmental approach to learning.  Educational goals are individualized to integrate the Fellow’s strengths and own interest with the CPSC clinical and research needs.  Mutual collaboration, respect and appreciation for cultural and diversity issues are an integral part of the program.  The postdoctoral program provides a minimum of two hours per week of regularly scheduled, face to face individual supervision with the specific intent of reviewing the psychological services rendered directly by the Fellow.  The supervisor retains clinical and legal responsibility for cases by co-signing reports and participating in the treatment plan.  Treatment plans are revised regularly.  At least one hour of clinical supervision is provided by the primary supervisor.  Supervision is also provided by psychologists specializing in areas of rotation.  Rotation responsibilities change during the post-doctoral year.  This system enhances the Fellow’s clinical experiences and exposure to different supervisory and theoretical approaches.

 

Curriculum

Orientation Program

To help the Fellow become more proficient in his/her adaptation and functioning within the CPSC.  He/she will be asked to read and become very familiar with the CPSC Policy and Procedures.  Manual as well as with the Post-Doctoral Training Handbook to help the fellow become familiar with general procedures.  An Orientation Program consisting of a full day overview of the CPSC forms, policies, and expectations will be conducted.  Orientation and extended supervision hours will be provided until the necessary proficiency is reached.

 

Florida International University Overview

·         Personnel Policies

·         Sign-on Contracts

·         Sexual Harassment Workshops

·         Computer Ethics Education

·         Public Safety Information

·         Technology/Library

 

Student Affairs Division Overview

Vice President welcome and overview of all departments

·         Division Mission

 

Counseling and Psychological Services Center Overview

·         Policies and Procedures

·         Clinical Services

·         Counseling and Psychological Services – Forms

 

Post-doctoral Program

·         Overview of the program

·         Supervision opportunities and expectations

·         Research opportunities/overview

·         Discussion of Grievances Procedures

 

 

Training Seminar

 

The Training Seminar is an integral part of the clinical training.  Seminars are offered on a weekly basis and attendance is required.  The post-doctoral Fellow assists with the coordination of this program.  The CPSC professional staff, FIU faculty and community mental health professionals conduct these seminars.  Discussions regarding ethical, legal, and clinical issues are held within a multicultural matrix.  Topics of conferences include behavioral medicine, diversity issues, eating disorders, brief psychotherapy, chemical dependency, issues of identity, the therapeutic relationship, rape treatment and post-traumatic stress disorder.  Advanced psychosocial skills and psycho-cultural assessment are also taught.  Each year the trainees select the seminar topics for the Spring and Summer semesters based on their specific interests. 

 

Group Supervision is offered once a month for practicum students.  Practicum students present on-going cases to be discussed in a group supervision format.  The sessions provide an opportunity to expand their clinical experience and to review current literature in cultural and psychological theories.  The post-doctoral Fellow, and the CPSC staff and interns actively participate in this training.  Diverse perspectives are valued and appreciated.

 

 

Professional Development

 

The postdoctoral Fellow will participate in:

·         CPSC administrative meetings and clinical staffings

·         Conferences offered by the CPSC staff

·         Professional research activities

·         Departmental, Division, or University-wide committees i.e., Martin Luther King Program

·         Mentorship and Administrative Activities

·         Independent study

·         Clinical staffing

 

Grand Rounds Participation

 

Professional conferences are offered iin conjunction with the medical staff at the Student Health and Wellness Center, FIU.  Grand rounds are offered biannually.

 

MAJOR PROGRAM COMPONENTS

Direct Services

 

At least 70% of the Fellow’s time is spent in provision of direct professional, clinical, and psychological related services.  A licensed psychologist is on site during hours when clients are scheduled.  Problems addressed range from developmental/transient issues to several characterological disorders.  This includes anxiety and mood disorders, phobias, relationship concerns, self- esteem issues, general adjustment issues, academic problems, gender and identity issues, cultural adjustment, and family conflicts.

 

Psycho-educational Programs

 

The clinical staff of CPSC serve as psycho-educators to the university community.  These workshops or workshop series are designed to enhance the social, academic, and emotional well-being of FIU students.

 

 

 

Research Opportunities

 

The Counseling and Psychological Services Center participates in areas of research related to retention, treatment outcomes, and psychocultural factors in psychotherapy.  Other areas of interest are explored on an individual basis.  The post-doctoral Fellow is required to contribute to at least one research publication.

 

Supervisory Experience

 

Opportunities to give supervision to practicum students are provided.  Responsibilities will be based on the post-doctoral Fellow’s proficiency in all areas of clinical interventions.

 

GOALS FOR THE POST-DOCTORAL TRAINING

          Goals and objectives for the Post-doctoral Fellowship Program are based on  Florida International University mission which supports diversity and multiculturism.    This program will enhance previous training and will reinforce competencies necessary for the independent practice of psychology in a university counseling center.  The training values a collaborative effort in which the Fellow and the supervisors facilitate professional growth.

            Core training experiences will focus on the provision of psychotherapy, psychosocial assessments, crisis management, educational programming and supervision..  Areas of specialty include behavioral medicine, neuropsychological and psycho-educational testing, research and administrative skills.  Specialty rotations are selected by the Fellow during Orientation.  The Fellow is expected to participate in at least three rotations.  The Fellow will have at least one primary supervisor and will work with at least two supervisors in the areas of specialty.       

 

Psychotherapy

Goal

To increase the Fellow’s proficiency in the effective use of a broad range of clinical interventions within a university setting.

 

Objective

            To advance the Fellow’s use of effective interventions in individual and group-based psychotherapy.

 

Objective

            To enhance the Fellow’s skills in assessment and case conceptualization through diagnostic interviewing.

 

Objective

            To increase the Fellow’s proficiency in multicultural counseling by providing the opportunity to work with a very diverse cultural/ethnic and gender orientation university population.

 

Objective

            To increase opportunities for the Fellow to refine ethical considerations in all areas of conduct and clinical services provision.

Objective

            To provide structured and supervised clinical intervention experiences.  Supervision will be conducted in a regular and structured manner.  The Fellow will be encouraged to actively participate in his own professional development and supervisory experience.  Bibliotherapyl, case conceptualization, diagnosis, and therapeutic process is conducted in an open format.

 

            The Fellow is expected to research those clinical areas in which he/she may need to strengthen his/her skills.

 

            The Fellow will increase proficiency in multicultural counseling by acquiring information about the client’s cultural identity through different sources of information.

 

Objective

            The Fellow is also to increase proficiency in brief psychological treatment.  Opportunities will be provided to increase knowledge about community resources to refer those clients who do not meet the criteria for brief psychological treatment.

 

OUTREACH ROTATION

Goal

            To increase expertise in all areas related to outreach activities for university students.

 

 

Objective

            To increase proficiency in the delivery of relationships and/or couples workshop and seminars.

 

Objective

            To increase expertise in designing and participating in grand rounds, conferences, presentations and in-service training.

 

Objective

            To increase proficiency in activities requiring education and consultation for outreach purposes, e.g., Depression Screening, Wellness Fair, Career Fair, Orientation, and Freshman Experience.

 

Objective

            To enhance proficiency in the implementation and delivery of outreach programs, such as Personal and Academic Success Strategies (P.A.S.S.), a workshop series.

           

TESTING ROTATION

Goal

            To increase proficiency in all areas related to psychological, psycho-educational, and neuropsychological assessments.

 

Objective

            To increase proficiency in the selection/administration, scoring, interpretation and integration of neuropsychological assessment.  Skills will be developed through a process of observation, supervised administration, scoring, and interpretation.  The Fellow will also research testing hypotheses using current literature.

 

Objective

            To increase understanding of the ethics and laws governing psychological/neuropsychological testing.  The Fellow will research ethics and legal issues, complete appropriate paperwork, take measures ensuring confidentiality and test security consistent with legal standards.

 

 

 

Objective

            To increase proficiency in understanding and interpreting test results under the supervision of psychologists who are trained to interpret test protocols.  Provide test results to students under the supervision of a licensed psychologist.

 

BEHAVIORAL MEDICINE ROTATION

Goal

            To increase proficiency in the area of behavioral medicine by increasing resident’s skills and training in areas such as, biofeedback training, hypnosis, and the development of psychotherapeutic protocols.

 

Biofeedback Training

Objective

            The Fellow will become familiar with biofeedback equipment and techniques and its application in the treatment of behavioral medicine cases.

Hypnosis Training

 

Objective

            The Fellow will become proficient in hypnotic inductions and the application of hypnosis with behavioral medicine cases.

 

Psychotherapeutic Protocols

Objective

            Individual Therapy:  The Fellow will develop specific theory and research based               psychotherapeutic protocols directed towards the accomplishment of specific

            goals with the purpose of increasing levels of physical and emotional

            functioning, e.g., restore patient’s control over perceived levels of anxiety.

 

            Group Psychotherapy:  The Fellow will develop specific theory and research-

based protocols within a group setting to provide psycho-education, support and

            coping skills to optimize patient’s levels of physical and emotional functioning,

            e.g., stress management, smoking cessation.

 

            Seminars:  The Fellow will develop specific theory and research-based protocols

            in the development of psycho-educational seminars to raise patient’s awareness

            on topics related to behavioral medicine, e.g., anger management.

 

Anger Management Workshops

            The Fellow will assist in the development and delivery of anger management

            workshops.  The post-doctoral Fellow will assist with the development of

            research goals and with the administration and interpretation of behavioral

            medicine goal.  The Fellow will assist in writing articles, or grants related to

            anger management.  The Fellow will coordinate and maintain appropriate data

            for the Anger Management Program.  The Fellow will act as liaison with the

            Judicial and Mediation Program for referrals.

           

Crisis Intervention

Objective

            The post-doctoral Fellow will receive clinical training and supervision in

            Procedures related to crisis intervention, debriefing, and acute stress

            management.

Standardized Forms and Psychometric Instruments

Objective

            The Fellow will develop standardized form protocols to measure specific

            behaviors, e.g., number of cigarettes smoked.  Number of standardized relax-

            ation exercises practiced.  The Fellow will become familiar with standardized psychometric

            instrument available to gain a full portrait of behavioral medicine cases, e.g., The

            State Trait Anxiety Inventory, MMPI, SCL90, Bender, Rorschach, Halstead-

            Reitan, etc.

 

Supervision Rotation

 

Goal

 

To increase proficiency in functions and responsibilities related to supervision of practicum students and/or interns in individual or group setting.

To increase proficiency in administrative responsibilities necessary to manage a counseling ce