DSH - Metropolitan LA - Psychology Doctoral Internship:
Program Description
Located in the suburban community of Norwalk, approximately fifteen miles southeast of downtown Los Angeles, DSH-M is a distinguished state psychiatric facility that has been serving around 800 individuals since its establishment in 1916. DSH-M is organized into five treatment programs, which encompass two criminal-commitment (forensic) programs, two Lanterman-Petris-Short (LPS) conservatorship/civilly committed programs, and a skilled nursing facility (SNF) program. These programs are designed to cater to specific age groups, levels of care, and patient needs. The treatment approach may vary based on the patient's legal status, with forensic programs primarily addressing pre- and post-adjudication court-involved patients, while civil programs focus on civilly committed patients with severe and persistent mental illness. Additionally, dedicated units serve patients requiring skilled nursing services.
The program's primary training objectives revolve around achieving competence in various critical areas. These objectives encompass knowledge and skills in the philosophy and techniques of Psychosocial Rehabilitation and Recovery models, proficiency in psychological assessment for treatment planning, including cognitive, diagnostic, personality, risk, and functional behavioral assessments, expertise in providing evidence-based interventions for both group and individual therapy, and the development of advanced treatment planning skills through collaboration within a multidisciplinary Treatment Planning Team.
Our intensive full-time program offers a diverse range of experiences, including individual and group psychotherapy, skills training, cognitive screenings, psychological and functional behavioral assessments, behavior plan development and monitoring, as well as consultation services to the Treatment Team. Interns will engage in two six-month rotations, with possibilities for assignment to LPS (civil commitment) units, Forensic (criminal commitment) units, and specialized off-unit rotations in Neuropsychological or Psychological Assessment. Interns at DSH-M are expected to actively participate in diverse training rotations and assignments, irrespective of their chosen areas of focus.
The program aims to align with the Required Profession-Wide Competencies in health service psychology established by the APA. By the conclusion of the internship year, each intern is anticipated to demonstrate proficiency in essential domains, including research, ethical and legal standards, individual and cultural diversity, professional values, attitudes, and behaviors, effective communication and interpersonal skills, comprehensive assessment, skillful intervention, adept supervision, and effective consultation and interprofessional/interdisciplinary collaboration. In the heart of suburban Norwalk, DSH-M is dedicated to nurturing a new generation of skilled and competent clinical psychologists.
As an Equal Opportunity Employer, DSH-Metro is committed to actively seeking individuals from a wide range of backgrounds. At present, approximately 60 percent of the hospital staff and around 51 percent of the patients identify as racial and/or ethnic minorities, enriching our understanding of the impact of cultural and racial aspects on psychiatric treatment. Ensuring inclusivity, DSH-Metro offers almost complete wheelchair accessibility, accommodating patients, staff, and interns with diverse levels of physical mobility.
Contact Information regarding DSH-M training program may be directed to:
Kajal Sakhrani, Psy.D.
DSH-Metropolitan
Psychology Internship Director and Training Coordinator
Senior Psychologist Supervisor
11401 Bloomfield Ave.
Norwalk, California 90650
Phone: (562) 367-3773
Email: kajal.sakhrani@dsh.ca.gov