The mission of the Pittsburgh Psychology Internship Consortium (P-PIC) is to train doctoral interns dedicated to serving children and their families. P-PIC is designed to prepare interns for independent practice, in addition to meeting state requirements for certification as a school psychologist. Training prepares interns to provide high quality mental health services in the setting where 70% to 80% of children who receive mental health services access care (Rones & Hoagwood, 2000; Farmer et al., 2003). Experiences include the delivery of prevention programming, at-risk services and treatment for individuals with disabilities along with consultation to families and school personnel. P-PIC provides cross setting collaborations to expand exposure to a variety of interdisciplinary teams, clinical populations and underserved communities. Interns will receive training in the following competency areas:
1. Assessment
Selects and applies assessment methods that draw from the best available empirical literature
Collects relevant data using multiple sources and methods appropriate to the identified goals and questions of the assessment as well as relevant diversity characteristics of the client
Interprets assessment results, following current research and professional standards and guidelines, to inform case conceptualization, classification, and recommendations
Understands and determines special education eligibility
Communicates findings in an accurate and effective manner both orally and in written documents
Demonstrates current knowledge of diagnostic classification systems, functional and dysfunctional behaviors, including consideration of client strengths and psychopathology
Displays an understanding of human behavior within its context (e.g., family, social, societal and cultural)
Demonstrates the ability to apply the knowledge of functional and dysfunctional behaviors including context to the assessment and/or diagnostic process
2. Intervention
Establishes and maintains effective relationships with recipients of psychological services
Develops evidence-based intervention plans
Implements interventions informed by the current scientific literature, assessment findings, diversity characteristics, and contextual variables
Demonstrates the ability to apply the relevant research literature to clinical decision making
Modifies and adapts evidence-based approaches
Demonstrates ability to deliver prevention programs
Demonstrates ability to provide services and treatment to at-risk populations
Demonstrates ability to provide services and treatment to individuals with disabilities
Evaluates intervention effectiveness and adapts intervention goals and methods consistent with ongoing evaluation
3. Consultation and Interprofessional/Interdisciplinary Skills
Demonstrates knowledge and respect for the roles and perspectives of other professions
Applies knowledge about consultation in direct or simulated (e.g. role played) consultation
4. Ethical and Legal Standards
Demonstrates knowledge of and acts in accordance with the APA Ethical Principles and Code of Conduct
Demonstrates knowledge of and acts in accordance with all organizational, local, state, and federal laws, regulation, rules and policies relevant to health service psychologists
Demonstrates knowledge of and acts in accordance with all professional standards and guidelines
Recognizes ethical dilemmas as they arise and applies ethical decision-making processes in order to resolve them
Conducts self in an ethical manner in all professional activities
Demonstrates knowledge of federal and state regulations related to education (e.g. IDEIA; PA Mandated Reporter; PA Mental Health Procedures Act)
5. Individual and Cultural Diversity
Demonstrates an understanding of how one's own personal/cultural history, attitudes, and biases may affect how they understand and interact with people different from themselves
Demonstrates knowledge of the current theoretical and empirical knowledge base as it relates to diversity
Integrates knowledge of individual and cultural differences in the conduct of professional roles
Demonstrate the ability to independently apply their knowledge and approach in working effectively with the range of diverse individuals, student learners, and groups encountered during internship
Demonstrates the ability to work effectively with individuals whose group membership, demographic characteristics, or world views may differ from or conflict with their own
6. Professional Values, Attitudes, and Behaviors
Behaves in ways that reflect the values and attitudes of psychology
Engages in self‐reflection regarding personal and professional functioning
Actively seeks and demonstrates openness and responsiveness to feedback and supervision
Responds professionally in increasingly complex situations with a greater degree of independence as he/she progresses across levels of training
7. Communications and Interpersonal Skills
Develops and maintains effective relationships with a wide range of individuals
Produces and comprehends oral, nonverbal, and written communications
Demonstrates a thorough grasp of professional language and concepts
Demonstrates effective interpersonal skills
8. Research
Demonstrates the substantially independent ability to critically evaluate research
Demonstrates the substantially independent ability to disseminate research or other scholarly activities via professional publication or presentation at the local, regional or national level
Demonstrates the ability to utilize research to inform clinical work
9. Supervision
Demonstrates knowledge of supervision models and practices
Applies knowledge of supervision in direct or simulated practice with psychology trainees or other health professionals
10. School Psychology Practice
Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of federal regulations that govern practice within school settings, including the implications of IDEIA and ADA in schools
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of state regulations the govern practice in school settings (e.g. PA Mandated Reporting of Abuse)