DSH - Metropolitan LA -
Psychology Doctoral Internship:
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the patient population like at MSH?
Metropolitan State Hospital treats approximately 750 patients committed under four main categories – Conservatorship (LPS), Incompetent to Stand Trial (PC 1370), Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity (PC 1026), and Mentally Disordered Offenders (PC 2972).
The units are largely divided by commitment codes, although in some cases there is a mixture of penal code patients on a unit. There is also two Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) units specifically dedicated to the treatment of medically fragile patients.
What are the rotations available?
The interns are expected to complete two, sixth-month rotations over the course of the year. Ideally, we offer a variety of rotation options, including experiences on LPS (civil commitment) unit, Forensic (criminal commitment) unit, and/or an off-unit rotation in Neuropsychological Assessment, or Psychological Assessment.
We do our best to give all of our interns a broad, generalist experience that includes a wide range of assessments and reports, individual and group therapy, work intimately within a treatment team, and didactics/trainings. Interns attend two hours of didactic training each week. Interns will also be expected to provide three presentations during the year.
How many supervisors do interns have?
Each intern will have one primary supervisor and 2-3 delegated supervisors during each rotation. The primary supervisor will provide 2 hours of individual supervision each week and typically oversee the day-to-day work of the interns. The delegated supervisors provide supportive roles and can fill in during absences of the primary supervisors. Additionally, there are other licensed psychology staff members who can provide consultation, training and other supportive functions for the internship program.
What is the salary for interns? Other benefits?
Interns are DSH-M employees and receive salaries and benefits commensurate with their employee classification and salary range. Interns in the 2021-2022 internship program are to be classified as 9851 CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY INTERN, Salary Range D ($4,116.00 - $4,905.00 per month as of 9/01/2021). Clinical Psychology Interns typically begin in the lower limit of Range D ($4,116.00). Note: Range D is assigned when the intern provides evidence of successful completion of three academic years of graduate work and the comprehensive examinations, language requirements and 500 hours' professional experience toward the Doctoral Degree in Psychology. As a State employee, interns also receive paid vacation/sick time and medical benefits. Compensation may vary year by year depending on the level of training and experience of the intern and the State budget. The stipend for the 2022-2023 internship year is approximately $50,000.
Other benefits include paid vacation/sick time and medical insurance. The full list of benefits and specifics on items such as medical insurance and accrual rates for vacation time will be covered during the New Employee Orientation.
Are there dress code guidelines or attire restrictions?
Interns are expected to dress in a manner which reflects positively on the department, the hospital and their profession. This includes clothing that is considered to be of “suitable” color, fabric and style that reflect a professional status. This is typically referred to as “business casual.” Additionally, the clothing should be clean, neat and in good repair, and allow for the full performance of all duties.
Other considerations include the requirement of hospital-issued name badges and PDAS tags to be worn at all times. There is also the exclusion of neckwear (ties, scarves, necklaces, etc.) and khaki-colored clothing. The full list of dress code guidelines can be found in Appendix B of the internship brochure.