APA-Accredited Predoctoral Psychology Internship Program 2012 ...

APA-Accredited
Predoctoral Psychology Internship Program
2012– 2013
National Match Code-120 911

TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE
SETTING………………………………………………………………………………………………. 2
THE HOSPITAL……………………………………………………………………………….………. 2
PSYCHOLOGY SERVICES……………………………………………………...………….………. 3
INTERNSHIP PROGRAM………………………………………………………………………….... 3
MAJOR ROTATIONS…………………………………………………………………………….…... 4
MINOR ROTATIONS……………………………………………………………...……………….…..4
SUPERVISION……………………………………………………………………………..…………. 4
EVALUATION……………………………………………………………………………..….……….. 5
PERSONNEL POLICIES…………………………………………………………………..………… 6
LIVING ARRANGEMENTS…………………………………………………………………..……… 7
PSYCHOLOGY STAFF……………………………………………………………………….……... 7
REQUIREMENTS FOR INTERNSHIP……………………………………………………………..14
APPLICATION DOCUMENTS……………………………………………………………….……...15
PREVIOUS INTERNS……………………………………………………………………….……….16
DIRECTIONS TO THE HOSPITAL……………………………………………………….………...19
MAP OF THE HOSPITAL…………………………………………………………………….……...22

NORTHEAST FLORIDA STATE HOSPITAL
PREDOCTORAL PSYCHOLOGY INTERNSHIP PROGRAM
SETTING
Northeast Florida State Hospital (NEFSH) is located in Macclenny, Florida. Relaxed
and friendly, Macclenny is a small town where people enjoy a peaceful and quiet
atmosphere. Located approximately thirty miles west of Jacksonville and sixty miles
northeast of Gainesville, Macclenny is ideally positioned for those who appreciate a more
rural lifestyle with big city conveniences nearby.
THE HOSPITAL
NEFSH is one of five state inpatient psychiatric facilities in Florida. It is operated by
the Department of Children and Family Services (DCF) and serves patients (referred to as
residents) from thirty-three of Florida’s sixty-seven counties. The hospital’s catchment area
encompasses three of the four major metropolitan regions including Orlando, Tampa, and
Jacksonville.
Our 613 - bed hospital sits on 310 acres with 44 major buildings. In keeping with the
hospital philosophy of person-centered treatment, residents can be seen moving freely
about campus during grounds access unless they are attending treatment activities. An
area frequented by residents is called the "Mirage Mall." A canteen, beauty shop, bank,
boutique, library, music room, and craft room can all be found in this area. The campus also
includes a chapel, gym, large recreational field, resident-staffed recreation room ("The
Eagle's Nest"), and a plant nursery.
Most residents are involuntarily committed to the hospital under civil commitment statutes.
Some forensic residents are placed at NEFSH based on an adjudication of Incompetent to
Proceed (ITP), meaning they are unable to participate in their legal case because of their
mental illness. Others have been adjudicated Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity (NGI).
Some of the forensic residents have been transferred from a more secure forensic facility,
having been determined appropriate to move to a less restrictive environment. Forensic
residents live among the general population rather than on separate treatment units.
The age of persons served ranges from approximately eighteen to ninety years of age and
most have a severe and chronic mental illness. Common diagnoses include different forms
of schizophrenia, mood disorders, organic disorders, and secondarily, substance abuse and
Axis II personality disorders.
Residents live on one of four living areas on campus. These include Cypress Village,
Walden Village, Moss Grove Village, and Shady Oaks Village. There are also several
community crisis stabilization beds located at NEFSH. These patients usually remain at the
hospital for about a week.
Should residents require acute medical care or continuing medical treatment and special
monitoring, they are treated in a more traditional hospital setting referred to as Lemonwood
Village. Residents are also sent here for follow-up after returning from surgery or other
medical procedures performed outside this hospital.
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PSYCHOLOGY SERVICES
The mission of the Psychology Department is to provide comprehensive
psychological, substance abuse and mental health assessments and treatment to
individuals with severe mental health disorders. These services will include a wide range of
scientifically established techniques provided by qualified psychologists and mental health
counselors, aimed at assisting residents of NEFSH to return to the community as
expediently as possible.
The Psychology Department is composed of ten full-time licensed psychologists, one
licensed neuropsychologist (contracted to provide approximately twenty-four hours of
training and service per week), four doctoral level mental health providers, two mental health
counselors, one social worker (forensic discharge services) and the psychology interns.
One full time secretary devoted solely to the Psychology Department supports these
positions.
The Psychology Department provides multiple services to the hospital. Staff are responsible
for performing psychological assessments and evaluations, providing individual therapy,
group therapy, and psychosocial skills training, participating in and representing psychology
in each resident's treatment plan meeting, and providing the court system with forensic
assessments as required by the forensic commitments.
INTERNSHIP PROGRAM
The NEFSH Predoctoral Psychology Internship Program was inaugurated in
September 1993. The program is accredited by the American Psychological Association.
The mission of this internship is to provide quality training necessary to facilitate the
transitional process from student to professional psychologist possessing core knowledge
and skills to work with a primarily severely mentally ill (SMI) adult population. Our Training
Model is the Scientifically Informed Practitioner Model. This model emphasizes service
delivery based on the integration of scientific principles, research, clinical judgement, and
patient values. The APA Presidential Task Force on Evidence-Based Practice defined
“evidence-based practice in psychology (EBPP)” as the integration of the best available
research with clinical expertise in the context of patient characteristics, culture, and
preferences. Training is designed to provide a supervised environment in which interns
continue to develop and refine their skills and abilities and gradually assume increased
clinical responsibility. They are encouraged and supported in cultivating their own
professional style as they progress toward the role of autonomous psychologist. While
opportunities increase for decision-making as the intern demonstrates greater clinical
proficiency, the role of the intern is clearly defined to be that of a trainee.
Training objectives are realized through supervised experiences in a variety of clinical
settings. Training is structured such that interns complete two six month long major
rotations and optional minor rotations. Major and minor rotations run concurrently. These
assignments are negotiated with knowledge of the intern's training goals, needs, and
preferences. While variability in assignments allows for some degree of individualization of
the internship, this is a facility for the adult seriously mentally ill, so in-depth experience in
some areas (such as pediatrics or families) is not possible. Individuals who will benefit the
most from this internship are those interested in working with the severely mentally ill and
those wanting a solid foundation in the basic skills of clinical psychology. All major and
minor rotations are subject to change.
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MAJOR ROTATIONS
Opportunities are available for interns to do a General Major Rotation providing direct
coverage as a member of a treatment team. The Geriatric Rotation serves individuals in a
specialized setting emphasizing residents over age 65 and/or with significant neurological
impairments. The Forensic Rotation serves individuals throughout the hospital who have
been found Incompetent to Proceed or Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity. A Forensic Major
Rotation cannot be guaranteed. A determination of specific major rotation sites for each
intern is made at the start of the intern training year based on hospital resources and intern
interests. Interns will have a variety of training experiences. They will maintain a caseload
of approximately six to eight individuals with whom they will engage in psychotherapy.
Groups are an important component of treatment and, therefore, interns will initially observe,
serve as co-therapist and ultimately lead various types of psychoeducational groups.
Interns will also have the opportunity to co-lead a DBT group throughout the year.
Residents are evaluated on admission and discharge and every six months while
hospitalized. Thus, interns will administer both structured and unstructured mental status
exams, conduct clinical interviews and determine diagnoses. To clarify diagnostic issues
interns will administer, score and interpret psychological assessments. Interns will learn to
write meaningful reports to aid the team in treatment planning.
Multidisciplinary treatment team meetings are held for all residents on a regular schedule.
Interns will participate in these meetings and learn how to present relevant information about
the resident to include progress in therapy and assessment results. Interns will also learn
how to suggest additional treatment strategies and assist the resident in understanding
issues discussed during the meeting.
Approximately twenty-five percent of the hospital's population is classified as forensic. As
previously mentioned these residents have been adjudicated by a state criminal court as
either ITP (Incompetent to Proceed) or NGI (Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity).
Opportunities are available to lead both ITP and NGI groups.
MINOR ROTATIONS
Minor rotations may be selected for four to six month intervals. These rotations are
scheduled for six-eight hours per week. Minor rotation assignments are negotiated based on
the intern's professional goals, needs, and preferences. Available minor rotations at the
hospital include neuropsychology with the severely mentally ill, neuropsychology with
medical conditions, and forensics. Should an intern have some other specific interest,
attempts will be made to accommodate training in that area, if possible. Minor rotation
supervisors will offer training and supervision.
SUPERVISION
Interns should anticipate spending a minimum of four hours per week in clinical
supervision with internship faculty and other members of the Psychology Department and
hospital staff. Interns will receive two hours per week of individual face-to-face clinical
supervision with the rotation supervisor on their major rotation. Interns will find that they
receive much additional informal supervision and training as they work with their rotation
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supervisors on a daily basis. Interns will receive a minimum of one half hour per week of supervision
from the rotation supervisor on their minor rotation.
Interns also meet on a weekly basis throughout the year for two hours of Group Supervision
with the Director of Intern Training. During Group Supervision the interns make therapy
case presentations to include diagnosis, case conceptualization, and therapeutic
interventions based on individuals from their caseload. Interspersed with these
presentations are facilitated discussions regarding professional and ethical issues.
All major rotation and minor rotation supervisors are licensed psychologists in Florida.
Rotation supervisors practice with a variety of theoretical orientations including cognitive,
behavioral, dynamic, interpersonal, and eclectic. Supervision is provided through various
modes including didactic, observation, modeling, case review, discussion, and conjoint work.
SEMINAR SERIES
A year-long didactic seminar series is scheduled for one and a half hours every week.
The seminar series is designed to promote professional development as psychologists,
increase professional knowledge, and provide increased understanding of specialized topics
(i.e., issues specific to working in a state hospital setting). Past seminar topics have
included diagnosis and medication, trauma, forensics, civil commitment, recommitment
testimony, substance abuse assessment and treatment, sexual offender evaluation and
treatment, neuropsychology, crisis intervention, and post internship issues, among others.
Part of the seminar schedule includes a series of seminars on multicultural competence
training including 1) an awareness of one’s own assumptions, values, and biases, 2)
understanding and knowledge of different world views, and 3) culturally appropriate
intervention strategies. Interns also take field trips to relevant professional conferences, a
state Board of Psychology meeting, local professional association meetings, and a forensic
hospital. Other topics and/or field trips may be arranged based on the interest of the interns
and the availability of a seminar leader.
ADDITIONAL TRAINING EXPERIENCES
Interns may gain additional training through case discussions with other hospital staff,
and opportunities to participate in hospital meetings and inservice programs offered by
hospital staff or presented by staff external to the hospital.
EVALUATION
The internship evaluation process is continuous and mutual. Interns' performance
during both major and minor rotations is formally assessed at the midpoint and termination
of each rotation. Interns also rate the sufficiency of their training experience at the end of
each rotation, after each seminar, and in a general written exit survey.
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PERSONNEL POLICIES
Benefits
This internship is a full time 40-hour per week position to be completed within twelve
consecutive months. Leave time may be arranged for attending school and dissertationrelated
activities and professional conferences. Interns receive time off for nine state
holidays and one personal day.
Training Stipend
The hospital provides a salary of approximately $21,000 for one full year of clinical
internship. Interns are paid biweekly. Florida has no state income tax. Interns can be
covered by the state's health insurance policy for an additional monthly fee if desired.
Training Year
The starting date for the 2012-2013 internship is Friday, August 17th 2012. The
completion date is Thursday August 15th, 2013.
Physical Examinations
A physical examination is required of all new employees (including interns) before
their first day of work. NEFSH will provide this service at no expense to interns. Physicals
are done in two parts, on the Monday and Wednesday before the first day of internship.
Other Requirements
All employees, including psychology interns, must complete certain required courses
offered by NEFSH at the start of the internship year. These include Cardiopulmonary
Resuscitation and First Aid, among others. Additional requirements for all employees,
including psychology interns, are possession of physical abilities allowing for stooping,
bending and lifting up to 10 pounds, contact with residents who may become verbally and
physically aggressive, prolonged walking and sitting, mobility around a large campus setting
including exposure to weather elements typical of Florida, and sight and auditory
interactions with residents, family members and staff. NEFSH is subject to the Americans
with Disabilities Act and reasonable accommodations for covered employees will be
considered in accordance with this Act.
Successful applicants will be required to sign an affidavit of good moral character and a
release of information to the sheriff in the county of the applicant’s current residence for a
background check. They will be fingerprinted at the hospital after which the prints are sent to
the FBI and Florida Department of Law Enforcement in Tallahassee, Florida, as part of the
background check. Fingerprinting must be done at the hospital two weeks before the start of
internship.
Northeast Florida State Hospital is an equal opportunity employer ensuring each
applicant without regard to race, sex, religion, creed, national origin, political affiliation, age,
marital status, or disability, except as provided by law, an equal opportunity with respect to
recruitment, examination, appointment, training, compensation, retention, or any other
personnel action (OP 13-01-16).
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The Predoctoral Psychology Internship Program endeavors to recruit from diverse
universities and geographical areas. Variations in experience and theoretical approaches
are welcomed. Minority applications are strongly encouraged. Students from
correspondence or self-study programs will not be considered.
LIVING ARRANGEMENTS AND SURROUNDING COMMUNITIES
Most hospital staff reside in Macclenny, Jacksonville, or Gainesville. Although a
small town, Macclenny has duplexes or houses that may be leased. Many previous interns
have commuted from Jacksonville where apartments are plentiful and moderately priced.
Jacksonville has a population of approximately one million people in the metropolitan
area and was ranked as one of the "Top Ten Best Places to Live" by Money magazine in
1997. Leisure and recreational activities are plentiful. Water sports enthusiasts and nature
lovers will enjoy both the St. Johns River and beaches. Jacksonville is home to many sports
teams such as the NFL Jaguars and a baseball franchise. Cultural offerings include a
symphony orchestra, numerous museums, and a monthly downtown “art walk”.
Gainesville is located about an hour's commute from Macclenny and is home to the
University of Florida (the largest university in the south with over 45,000 students) and the
UF Gators. Within the university community there are many cultural and sporting
opportunities including music, drama, dance, and museums. Gainesville also enjoys major
art galleries, a professional ballet company and both state and community theatres. For
those who like outdoor activities, Gainesville is home to many nature parks, a botanical
garden, and a large state preserve.
PSYCHOLOGY STAFF (in alphabetical order)
Anita J. Avakian, Psy.D.
Dr. Avakian is a 2006 graduate of the University of Indianapolis where she earned
her degree in Clinical Psychology. She completed her internship at NEFSH and also did her
postdoctoral training here. She is licensed in Florida. Professional interests include
individual therapy, anxiety disorders, and severe mental illness. Outside of work, she enjoys
traveling, listening to music, and spending time with friends and family. Dr. Avakian works
on Cypress Village.
Theresa Baker, Psy.D.
Dr. Baker is a 1998 graduate of the University of Northern Colorado where she
earned her degree in Counseling Psychology. She completed her clinical internship and
postdoctoral training in forensic psychology at Florida State Hospital. As a licensed
psychologist, Dr. Baker has performed over 500 forensic evaluations, testified over 100
times, and has been qualified as an expert witness in forensic psychology, mental
retardation and mental illness. In addition to her forensic specialization, Dr. Baker's area of
special interest is the interplay of personal ethics with the delivery of psychological services.
Outside of work, she loves gardening and bird-watching.
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Aron Bell, M.S., M.Ed.
Mr. Bell received his Masters Degree from the University of North Florida in Mental
Health Counseling. He has worked at the hospital first as a Rehabilitation therapist and now
as a Clinical Counselor with the Psychology Department. He has experience as a Forensic
Psychological Specialist in corrections. He has a Systemic approach to counseling and is
licensed as a Mental Health Counselor. In his words, “We have a Department that
genuinely cares about the well being of the people we serve and staff”. In his spare time, he
enjoys watching basketball and going to football games. Mr. Bell works on Cypress Village.
Henry Benson, Ph.D.
Dr. Benson is a 2000 graduate of Florida State University where he earned his
doctorate in Counseling and School Psychology. He completed his internship and
postdoctoral training at NEFSH and is licensed in Florida. Professional interests include the
study of emotions, research, complex trauma, Borderline Personality Disorder, and severe
mental illness. Outside of work, he enjoys hiking and photography. Dr. Benson works on
Moss Grove Village.
Katherine Donnelly, Psy.D.
Dr. Donnelly is a 2008 graduate of the University of Hartford where she earned her
degree in Clinical Psychology. She completed her predoctoral internship and postdoctoral
fellowship at NEFSH. She is licensed as a psychologist in Florida. Professional interests
include individual therapy, psychological assessment, Borderline Personality Disorder/DBT,
trauma informed care, and suicide assessment/prevention. Outside of work she enjoys
travel, reading, and the beach. Dr. Donnelly works on Moss Grove Village and Oak Leaf
Village.
Anne Downing, B.S.W.
Ms. Downing has worked at NEFSH since 1992 and is currently the Forensic
Discharge Coordinator. She works hospital wide to discharge forensic individuals. She
received her social work degree from the University of West Florida and has completed
course work toward her MSW through Florida State University. During her free time she
enjoys travel, the beach, boating, and spending time with her three children and four
grandsons.
Jane Echterling, Ph.D.
Dr. Echterling received her Ph.D. degree in Clinical Psychology from Nova
Southeastern University in 1999. She is currently licensed in Florida. Her professional
interests include geriatrics, the psychotherapeutic process, and disability issues. Outside of
work she enjoys plays, cuddling with her two cats, folk and acoustic music, sushi, and
Philadelphia Phillies baseball. Dr. Echterling works on Shady Oaks Village.
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Darah Granger, Psy.D.
Dr. Granger received her doctorate from Argosy University-Atlanta in 2008. She
completed both her internship and postdoctoral residency at NEFSH. She is licensed as a
psychologist in Florida. Dr. Granger currently coordinates the forensic services at the
hospital and performs competency evaluations, violence risk assessments, and forensic
evaluations on individuals found Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity throughout the hospital.
Her research interests
include malingering, psychopathy, and violence risk assessment. She is also an adjunct
professor at Florida State College at Jacksonville. When not working she enjoys cooking,
traveling, and spending time with friends and family.
Shonda L Hart, M.S.
Ms. Hart received her master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling from Nova
Southeastern University in 2004. She is a Florida Licensed Mental Health Counselor. She
has worked with the severely mentally ill at NEFSH since 2001 and with the DBT program
since 2005. She was previously an adjunct professor at Lake City Community College. Her
hobbies include photography, scrapbooking, genealogy, and spending time with family and
friends. Ms. Hart works on Walden Village.
Anna King-Del Villar, Psy.D.
Dr. King-Del Villar is a 2006 graduate of Nova Southeastern University where she
earned her degree in Clinical Psychology. She completed her internship at NEFSH and also
completed her postdoctoral training here. She is licensed in Florida. Professional interests
include individual therapy, psychological assessment, Borderline Personality Disorder/DBT,
and the study of relationships. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, relaxing at the beach,
and spending time with friends and family. Dr. King is the Director of Intern Training and
works on Walden Village. She also serves as membership chair of the local FPA chapter.
Meghan McBrearty, Ph.D.
Dr. McBrearty received her PhD from Seattle Pacific University in 2011. She currently
is working on 2 male living areas in the hospital where she is conducting therapy,
psychological assessments, and group therapy. Dr. McBrearty completed her internship at
NEFSH (two general major rotations, one forensic minor and one neuropsychology minor),
and is currently working on completing her post doctoral hours. The things she likes most
about working at NEFSH are being a part of a treatment team, and working with the
population that she loves.
Abigail Patterson, Psy.D.
Dr. Patterson is a 2009 graduate of Nova Southeastern University where she earned
her degree in Clinical Psychology. She completed her internship and post doctoral training
at NEFSH. She is currently licensed in Florida. She is the assistant director of internship
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training and one of the general major rotation supervisors. Professional interests include
severe mental illness, trauma, individual therapy, and dialectical behavior therapy. She is a
member of FPA where she serves as the representative for early career psychologists.
Outside of work she enjoys reading, traveling, cooking, and spending time with friends and
family. Dr. Patterson works on Moss Grove Village and hospital wide with the forensic
population.
Jennifer McManus, Ph.D.
Dr. McManus graduated from the California School of Professional Psychology at
Alliant International University in 2011 with a degree in Clinical Psychology. She completed
her pre-doctoral internship at NEFSH and is currently a post-doctoral resident at NEFSH.
Her professional interests include the integration of psychology and music, Dialectical
Behavior Therapy, Trauma Informed Care, psychodynamic theory, psychological
assessment, research, and writing. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, the arts, and
spending time with loved ones. Dr. McManus works on Cypress Village.
William Meadows, Ph.D.
Dr. Meadows received his Ph.D. degree in Clinical Psychology from Florida State
University in 1995. He subsequently completed a post-doctoral fellowship in forensic
psychology at the Harvard Medical School. He has served as an expert witness in state and
federal courts, testifying on psychological issues related to competency to proceed, insanity
defense, violence potential and sexual dangerousness, substance abuse, child custody, and
juvenile delinquency. Dr. Meadows is in private practice in Jacksonville and currently
provides consultative forensic evaluation services for NEFSH. He enjoys Gator football,
golf, fishing, and weight lifting.
Ruth Parnas, Psy.D.
Dr. Parnas is a 1987 graduate of Florida Institute of Technology. She is licensed in
Florida and worked in the Florida Department of Corrections prior to coming to NEFSH in
1997. Her special interests are assessment and therapy of inpatients. She likes exploring
thrift shops and garage sales and playing with her animals. Dr. Parnas works on Walden
Village.
Susan Reedy, MA
Ms. Reedy received her M.S. in Clinical Psychology from Augusta University in 1986.
Susan is A.B.D. from Ball State University's Counseling Psychology program. She
completed her doctoral internship here and then remained to work on the female admissions
unit for several years post-internship. Ms. Reedy has recently returned to NEFSH and
currently works on Walden Village. Some of her professional interests are: Bowenian
family systems theory, depression, personality disorders, diagnosis, treatment planning, and
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individual psychotherapy. Susan enjoys movies/films, art of all types, crafts, time spent in beautiful,
peaceful places, and time spent with the special people and pet in her life.
Harry J. Reiff, Psy.D., J.D.
Dr. Reiff is the Director of Psychological Services. He is a 1990 graduate of the
Chicago School of Professional Psychology and a 2001 graduate of the Florida Coastal
School of Law. Dr. Reiff is licensed in Florida and admitted to the Florida Bar. He has
special interests in forensic psychology, psychological assessment, and policy issues as
applied to psychology and mental health. He served as President of the Florida
Psychological Association (FPA) in 2004, and is a former co-chair of FPA’s Legislative
Affairs and Public Policy Board. In 2008, he received a gubernatorial appointment to the
Florida Board of Psychology, where he currently serves as Chair. Based on hospital
regulations, Dr. Reiff is considered the direct supervisor for all members of the Psychology
Department staff including interns. He enjoys reading, cooking, and hiking in the mountains
of North Carolina.
Amanda Simmons, Psy.D.
Dr. Simmons is a 2011 graduate of La Salle University in Philadelphia, PA, where she
earned her degree in Clinical Psychology. She completed her internship at NEFSH in 2011
and is completing her postdoctoral training here. Her professional interests include positive
psychology, geropsychology, and mindfulness-based psychological interventions. Outside
of work she enjoys reading, trips to the beach, and spending time with her dog. She works
on Shady Oaks Village.
Karen Steingarten, Ph.D.
Dr. Steingarten graduated from the University of Georgia in 1977 with a degree in clinical
psychology. She is a board certified neuropsychologist who has both served as Secretary
for the American Board of Professional Neuropsychology as well as a board examiner. She
has also been active at the state level having held several offices in the Florida
Psychological Association including President. She enjoys bridge, rooting for the Jaguars,
and parenting her parrot. She provides clinical instruction for interns who wish to do a minor
rotation in neuropsychology.
Administrative Staff
Kenneth Vest
Mr. Vest holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Telecommunication Operations and
Management from the University of Florida’s College of Journalism and Communications.
He earned the degree in 1993 while working full-time in public television; his profession for
twenty years. In 2000 he came to work at Northeast Florida State Hospital as a Publication
Production Specialist. In 2009 he was named NEFSH Employee of the Year. His outside
interests include astronomy, history, guitar, travel, and photography. Mr. Vest currently
serves as Senior Clerk for the NEFSH Psychology Department.
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OTHER HOSPITAL STAFF
Hospital administrators, psychiatrists, primary care physicians, social workers, treatment
team coordinators, rehabilitation therapists, nurses, and consultants provide additional
contact throughout the year to psychology interns. Much of this is in the form of case
discussions, clinical problem solving, and hospital wide service delivery issues. Interns
are encouraged to use these additional contacts as further training opportunities.
REQUIREMENTS FOR INTERNSHIP
Applicants for internship training at NEFSH are required to meet each of the following
criteria:
Student in clinical or counseling psychology from a regionally accredited academic program.
Preference will be given to applicants from APA accredited programs.
Completion of all of the academic portions of the doctoral program prior to internship
(excluding dissertation or research requirements).
Endorsement from the applicant's director of graduate training or department chair that
she/he is prepared for a predoctoral internship.
Minimum of 1000 hours of supervised clinical experience.
Completion of all practicum experiences required by the applicant's program.\
Possession of a Master's degree in Psychology. Students with master’s degrees in
social work or pastoral counseling will not be considered. Master’s Degree must be
conferred by date of interview in January.
Applicants must be United States citizens.
APPLICATION DOCUMENTS AND DEADLINE
The complete application for internship consists of the following elements:
1. We require a completed AAPI Online application which may be accessed at
www.appic.org, click on “AAPI Online”, which includes:
1) cover letter,
2) vitae
3) complete application including Director of Clinical Training verification of eligibility
and readiness
4) all graduate transcripts and
5) three letters of recommendation.
Please note: NEFSH's APPIC Program Code Number is 120911.
2. Attach to the AAPI Online application the supplemental material of one full battery
psychological assessment. No forensic reports for this requirement.
3. Transcripts of undergraduate training are not required.
4. The three letters of recommendation must be from psychologists.
Deadline for application: All applications must be posted and available by November
5th.
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APPLICATION PROCESS
We will advise you if more information is needed to confirm your application. After a
review of your materials, individuals still under consideration will be invited for a site visit.
This time will be an opportunity to see our facility, meet our internship faculty and current
interns, and discuss our internship program. Selected applicants will be contacted by
December 15 to arrange a site visit to take place in January. Applicants will also be notified
by this time should they no longer be under consideration.
A site visit is required for this internship.
Correspondence concerning the internship should be sent to:
Email: anna_king@dcf.state.fl.us
Anna King-Del Villar, Psy.D.
Director of Intern Training
Psychology Department
Northeast Florida State Hospital
7487 South State Road 121
Macclenny, Florida 32063-9777
Telephone: (904) 259-6211, ext.1543
Fax: (904) 259-7195
NEFSH will participate in the APPIC computer matching system for intern selection
for the coming year. Applicants must obtain an Applicant Agreement and register for the
Match in order to be eligible to match to our program. You can download an Applicant
Agreement from the Matching Program web. site at www.natmatch.com/psychint , or
request that an Agreement be mailed to you by contacting NMS at 595 Bay Street, Suite
501, Box 29, Toronto, Canada M5G 2C2. Notification of your final status relative to this
internship will be through the APPIC Matching Service. This internship site agrees to abide
by the APPIC Policy that no person at this training facility will solicit, accept or use any
ranking-related information from any intern applicant prior to Match Day. Use the email to
ask questions or request information about the internship.
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PREVIOUS INTERNS- Our internship program began in 1993. We have listed some of our
previous interns and included information at last contact.
1997-1998 Rhaina Smeds (California School of Professional Psychology - Fresno)is
licensed in Florida. She completed her postdoctoral year of training at NEFSH
and is presently in the process of opening a private practice.
1998-1999 Manuel Raposo (Howard University) is licensed in Maryland and has worked
as program coordinator in an intervention program with child victims of
domestic violence and as a consultant in a program targeting delinquency
prevention and intervention with school age children.
1999-2000 Vigita Reddy (Illinois School of Professional Psychology) is licensed in
New York and is working on an inpatient child and adolescent unit.
1999-2000 Trevor Parr (Texas A&M) is licensed in Texas and is working in the school
system and has a part time practice evaluating SMI adults.
1999-2000 Cynthia Glines (John F. Kennedy University) is licensed in New York and
Idaho. She is presently working in a correctional setting.
2000-2001 Gail Kibiger – (University of Indianapolis) is licensed in Indiana and is
program manager at a private mental health clinic.
2000-2001 Kathleen Herron Rossetter (Illinois School of Professional Psychology) is
licensed in Florida and completed her postdoctoral year at NEFSH .She is
presently working in central Florida with Developmental Services.
2000-2001 Leslie Case (University of South Dakota) is licensed in Florida and is working
in private practice.
2001-2002 Shirley (Fisk) Watkins (Forest Institute of Professional Psychology) has
completed her dissertation and has been working with individuals diagnosed
with cancer.
2001-2002 Kristen Hudacek (Argosy University/Tampa) has completed her post doctoral
year and is licensed in Florida and Virginia. She supervises a regional program
that partners with several jails, community mental health centers, and the
maximum security state hospital in central Virginia. She is currently the
President for Richmond Academy of Clinical Psychologists.
2001-2002 Mary Rolison (University of Oklahoma) is licensed in Oklahoma and is the
lead Psychologist for a mental health unit in the Oklahoma Department of
Corrections and is supervising psychological interns and practicum students.
2001-2002 Diana Garcia (Marywood University) is licensed in Ottawa, Ontario Canada
and is working in independent practice.
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2002-2003 Ilisa (Brumer) Kaufman- (Nova Southeastern University) is licensed in Florida
and is working in a private practice setting.
2002-2003 Elizabeth (Hacker) Magro (Florida School of Professional Psychology)
completed her post doctoral year in the area of special education with
severely emotionally disturbed children and adolescents. She is currently
studying for the licensure exam.
2002-2003 Rachel Salerno (Nova Southeastern University) is licensed in the state of FL
and is currently the clinical supervisor of outpatient services at Camillus
House, a nonprofit clinic for dual diagnosis in a homeless and indigent
population.
2002-2003 Jackie Scheff (Xavier University) is licensed in Florida and is currently
working as a senior psychologist in a correctional setting.
2003-2004 David Cannon (University of Alabama) received his degree in 2004 and is
currently working as a Senior Trial Consultant in California. He is co chair of
the pro bono public and awards committee for the American Society of Trial
Consultants and in 2009 was elected to the Board of Directors for the
American Society of Trial Consultants.
2003-2004 Mathieu Kamburian (Nova Southeastern University) received his degree in
2004 and is currently a psychological resident at Thompson Academy a
private agency in the juvenile justice system.
2004-2005 Anita Avakian (University of Indianapolis) received her degree in 2006, is
licensed in Florida and working as a psychologist at NEFSH.
2004-2005 William Anzalone (Nova Southeastern University) received his degree in
2005, is licensed in Pennsylvania and is currently coordinating the Luzerne
County Mental Health Court and has a forensic private practice.
2004-2005 Carissa Goldbeck Bokelberg (Argosy/Atlanta) is licensed in Louisiana and is
currently working in a child/adolescent developmental neruopsychiatric
outpatient unit in New Orleans and is serving the underserved population of
the greater New Orleans area.
2005-2006 Anna King-Del Villar (Nova Southeastern University) received her Degree in
2006, is licensed in Florida and working as a psychologist and internship
training director at NEFSH.
2005-2007 Anna King-Del Villar (Nova Southeastern University) received her Degree in
2006, is licensed in Florida and working as a psychologist and internship
training director at NEFSH.
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2005-2006 Darah Granger (Argosy University-Atlanta) is licensed in Florida. She is the
Coordinator of Forensic Services at NEFSH and is her local FPA chapter’s
representative to the Legislative Affairs and Public Policy Board. She is also
an adjunct professor at Florida State College at Jacksonville.
2005-2006 Elizabeth Layton Depelteau (Florida Institute of Technology) is licensed in
Florida and is working as a psychologist in a community mental health setting.
2006-2007 Cynthia-Michelle Brown (Nova Southeastern University) is presently
working in a correctional setting.
2006-2007 Jennifer Mc Manus (Alliant International University) has completed her
dissertation and is working on her postdoctoral residency here at NEFSH.
2006-2007 Michael Wiltsey (Drexel University) is presently working as a psychological
resident in a private practice setting in New Jersey.
2007-2008 Lari Meyer (Marquette University) is licensed in Florida and Ohio. She is
currently working in Ohio in private practice.
2007-2008 Tracy Clemans (Argosy/Tampa) worked as a psychological resident at Brooks
Rehabilitation Hospital in Florida and received her degree in 2010. She is
currently working in Texas.
2007-2008 Katherine Donnelly (University of Hartford) received her degree in 2008 and
is licensed in Florida. She is working at NEFSH with civil and forensic
residents and is a member of her local state psychological association.
2007-2008 Krista Puente Trefz ( Florida Institute of Technology) is licensed in
Florida and working in a community mental health center and as an adjunct
professor at FIT.
2008-2009 Kiana Wright (Argosy-Atlanta) is licensed in Georgia and is working as
An outpatient evaluator for Georgia jails.
2008-2009 Abigail Patterson (Nova Southeastern University) is licensed in Florida
and working at Northeast Florida State Hospital. She is the assistant director
of internship training.
2008-2009 Susana Lozada-Murray (Argosy-Tampa) has completed her dissertation and
is presently working as a psychological resident in a Florida school district
and in a private practice setting with Spanish speaking clients.
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2009-2010 William Bruer (Argosy Atlanta) is licensed in the state of Georgia. He is
working as a Clinical Psychologist in private practice and is an adjunct
professor at Argosy University Atlanta.
2009-2010 Elizabeth Burns (Florida Institute of Technology) is licensed in the state of
New York and is working in a state hospital.
2010-2011 Allison Gunderson (Argosy Hawaii) has completed her dissertation and
Is working as a Forensic Coordinator in Kailua, Hawaii.
2010-2011 Jessica Karle (Nova) has completed her dissertation and is working as a
psychological resident in a community mental health setting in Florida. She
has just passed the EPPP.
2010-2011 Meghan Mc Brearty (Seattle Pacific University) has completed her
dissertation and is working as a psychological resident with civil and forensic
residents at NEFSH.
2010-2011 Amanda Simmons (La Salle) University has completed her dissertation and is
working as a psychological resident with geriatric residents at NEFSH.
**All former interns listed have given written permission to use their names and information
for the purpose of this brochure
Directions to Northeast Florida State Hospital
From Jacksonville: This trip will take about 45 minutes to an hour (if you are coming from
the airport). Get on 95 South leading to 295 South. Pick up I-10 West and continue until
you see Exit 335. You will be getting on State Road 121 South. Take this exit and turn right
(going south). You are now about one mile from the hospital. You will pass Renaissance
West (on the left). Immediately past that you will see our hospital on the left. Turn in and
stop at the information booth. You may tell the security guard that you have an appointment
to see Dr. Reiff and you will receive a visitor's pass. Proceed past the information booth and
turn right. You will drive for a short distance before coming to a sign indicating
"Administration." Turn left on to Audubon Circle. You may park anywhere in this area.
Enter the lobby and someone from the Psychology Department will meet you.
From Tallahassee: This trip will take about two and a half to three hours. Get on I-10 East.
Look for Exit 335. You will be getting on State Road 121 South. Exit and take a left (going
south). You are now about one mile from the hospital. You will see the state hospital
entrance on the left. Turn in and stop at the information booth. You may tell the security
guard that you have an appointment to see Dr. Reiff and you will receive a visitor's pass.
Proceed past the information booth and turn right. You will drive for a short distance before
coming to a sign indicating "Administration." Turn left on to Audubon Circle. You may park
anywhere in this area. Enter the lobby and someone from the Psychology Department will
meet you.
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From Gainesville: This trip will take about one hour from the northeast most section of
Gainesville. You will get on State Road 121 and follow signs for SR 121. The hospital will
be located on the right side of the road. Turn in and stop at the information booth. You may
tell the security guard that you have an appointment to see Dr. Reiff and you will receive a
visitor's pass. Proceed past the information booth and turn right. You will drive for a short
distance before coming to a sign indicating "Administration." Turn left on to Audubon Circle.
You may park anywhere in this area. Enter the lobby and someone from the Psychology
Department will meet you.
From Miami: Go north on I-95 all the way to I-295 near Jacksonville. Take I-295 to I-10 and
go west on I-10. Proceed on I-10 to State Road 121 (the second Macclenny exit). You will
be getting on State Road 121 South. Take this exit and turn right (going south). You are
now about one mile from the hospital. You will see our hospital entrance on the left. You
may tell the security guard that you have an appointment to see Dr. Reiff and you will
receive a visitor's pass. Proceed past the information booth and turn right. You will drive for
a short distance before coming to a sign indicating "Administration." Turn left on to Audubon
Circle. You may park anywhere in this area. Enter the lobby and someone from the
Psychology Department will meet you.
Directions from Interstate 10 and State Road 121
N
Macclenny, FL
From Tallahassee
From Jacksonville (I-95/I-295)
W
INTERSTATE 10
S.R. 121
E
From Gainesville
S
Northeast
Florida
State Hospital
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APA Committee on Accreditation
*Questions related to the program’s accredited status should be directed to the Commission
on Accreditation:
Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation
American Psychological Association
750 1st Street, NE, Washington, DC 20002
Phone: (202) 336-5979
Email: apaaccred@apa.org
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7487 South State Road 121
Macclenny, FL 32063
(904) 259-6211