Intern Expectations

General Expectations

Interns are expected to accomplish the aims, objectives, and learning elements of the internship program. Interns are also expected to abide by the requirements of the OSH-PIP training program, the policies and procedures of Oregon State Hospital, and the APA Code of Ethics.

Additionally, OSH-PIP has a comprehensive due process procedure which outlines the processes for addressing concerns about intern performance as well as interns’ concerns about training. Related procedures and protocols are provided in hard copy to all interns during orientation via the OSH-PIP Handbook.

Supervision, Didactics, and Additional Training Activities

Supervision

Interns receive a minimum of 4 hours per week of supervision. Interns receive 1.5 hours with their major rotation supervision, 1 hours per week with their minor rotation supervisor, and between .5 and 1 hour with their assigned Training Director. Interns will also receive 1 hour of weekly group supervision.

Co-Supervision of Practicum Students

Interns are also involved in the group supervision of several practicum students working toward their doctoral degrees (PhD/PsyD) in clinical psychology. These students are in the third or fourth year of doctoral training. Starting the third week in September, each intern completes about a four-month rotation co-facilitating practicum group supervision with an OSH licensed psychologist. Interns also receive supervision of supervision and training in the Integrative Developmental Model (IDM) of supervision.

Didactic Trainings

Interns participate in weekly didactics presented by members of the Internship Training Committee and guest speakers. Didactics are designed to build upon prior academic preparation and clinical training and to complement interns’ experiential clinical training based on the aims, profession-wide competencies, and learning elements of the training program. Didactics prepare interns to face a wide variety of clinical and professional circumstances they are likely to encounter throughout their careers.

Current didactic topics include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Psychosis I and II, Finding a Postdoc, Trauma-Informed Care, Declarations of Mental Health Treatment (Psychiatric Advanced Directives), Extreme Emotional Distress, Sexual Offending Evaluations, Positive Behavior Support Plans, LGBTQ+ Affirming Treatment, Trans Health and Wellness, Sovereign Citizens, Methamphetamine Use and Serious Mental Illness.

Case Presentations

Interns complete two (2) 90-minute case presentations to the Internship Training Committee throughout the training year, presenting one assessment case and one therapy case, and addressing each concept area within each case presentation. Interns should aim to have their presentation completed within 60 minutes leaving 30 minutes for discussion of their consultation questions for a total of 90 minutes. Feedback is given to interns via the Case Presentation Form, which are completed by those in attendance, including fellow interns, and submitted to the Training Director(s). Intern will have the opportunity to address any identified areas of growth. Interns receive training in case formulation and case presentations prior to presenting.

Multicultural Orientation Group

Interns will participate in a 1-hour Multicultural Orientation Group co-facilitated by adjunct internship facility twice per month. The Multicultural Orientation Group’s goal is to empower interns to integrate patients’ identities into their therapeutic approaches confidently. We actively encourage self-reflection and introspection into personal biases concerning various facets of identity, aiming to foster a deeper understanding. Opportunities for cultural growth, comfort, and humility will be emphasized throughout the process. Interns will be invited to share topics they wish to explore further, facilitating a tailored and enriching learning experience. The expectations for participation are centered on the intern’s capacity for self-reflection, demonstrating respect towards others, sustaining a high level of professionalism conducive to both ensuring safety during discussions on complex subjects and upholding our ethics code, program protocols, and OSH and OHA policies.

Other Training Opportunities

Program Evaluation/Research

Opportunities to engage in program evaluation or a research project in a state hospital setting are available through OSH and the OSH Psychology Department. Psychologists in state hospitals provide many services, including conducting program evaluation and research, to improve the services that are offered in these settings and contribute to knowledge that benefits society. If you are interested in participating in research opportunities at OSH, contact your assigned Training Director supervisor for more information.

Trainings/Conferences

Interns can attend weekly Psychiatry Grand Rounds, weekly psychiatry Journal Club meetings, and other trainings provided by OSH through the Education Development Department. Additionally, interns receive 40 hours of educational leave during their internship year to attend local and national conferences (e.g., American Psychological Association, American Psychology – Law Society, etc.).