DSH-Metropolitan Clinical Psychology Doctoral Internship: What to Expect

What to Expect

Interns at DSH-Metropolitan can expect to have a robust and exciting training experience. The internship is challenging but rewarding due to the workload, the complex population we serve, and the natural trials of transitioning from student to professional practitioner. We take pride in providing careful guidance and support for our interns while also supporting them in developing independence and assertiveness, with consideration for their emerging professional identity. The most successful interns are motivated, self-sufficient, and collaborative; self-driven learners and critical thinkers have the most rewarding internship experiences at DSH-M.

We take the safety and security of our interns seriously and encourage our interns to prioritize their safety above all else.

Sample Of Weekly Schedule for Treatment Unit Rotation

Time Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
8:00-9:00 Morning Report w unit staff Morning Report w unit staff Morning Report w unit staff Morning Report w unit staff Morning Report w unit staff
9:00-10:00 Treatment conference Check in with patients Treatment conference Check in with patients Check in with patients
10:30-11:30 Testing administration Group therapy Testing administration Group therapy Group therapy
11:30-12:00 Testing administration Notes and paperwork Testing administration Notes and paperwork Notes and paperwork
12:00-1:00 Lunch Lunch Lunch Lunch Lunch
1:00-2:00 Individual therapy Group therapy Individual therapy Group therapy Individual therapy
2:00-3:30 Individual supervision Didactic presentation Group supervision Administrative services Report writing
3:30-4:30 Professional development, reading Didactic presentation Group supervision Report writing and notes Report writing
4:30-5:00 Administrative tasks Administrative tasks Administrative tasks Administrative tasks Administrative tasks


Sample Of Daily Schedule for Patient Treatment

Time Monday
7:00-8:00 Breakfast & morning hygiene
8:00-9:00 AM medications
9:00-9:30 AM free time (Treatment plan meetings)
9:40-10:30 AM Group 1
10:40-11:30 AM Group 2
11:45-12:30 Lunch
12:30-1:30 PM free time
2:30-3:30 PM medications
3:40-4:30 PM Group 1
4:30-5:00 PM free time (Patio break)
5:00-5:30 Dinner
5:30-7:30 PM hygiene & personal time
7:30-8:00 PM medications
8:00 Lights out


Sample Didactic Topics

Clinical Interviewing

Forensic Report Writing

Competency Evaluations

Malingering Assessment

Criminal Responsibility Evaluations

Behavioral Plans

Violence Risk Assessment

Suicide Risk Assessment

Cognitive Screening Tools

Mild Traumatic Brain Injury

Expert Witness Testimony

Personality Assessment

Sex Offender Risk Assessment

Preparing for Postdoctoral Fellowships

Transitioning From Internship to Career

Conducting Culturally Informed Assessments