Department of Human Services

APA Accredited Psychology Internship Program

The Department of Human Services, Psychological Services Division, has provided psychology internship training since 1981. The internship program is accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA) and is a member of the Association of Psychology Postdoctoral and Internship Centers (APPIC). Additionally, training has been provided for graduate psychology practicum students since the mid-1970.

Training in psychology is administered by the Director of Psychology Training who is also the Director of the Psychological Services Division. The Psychology Internship Training Committee, consisting of the Training Director, Assistant Training Director, licensed staff psychologist and departmental licensed professionals in the mental health field, meets regularly to review student progress and assist in the continued development of the program. A total of three doctoral level psychologists licensed in the State of Florida provide the supervisory base for student training in psychology.

The psychology staff adheres to the American Psychological Association's Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Standards for Educational and Psychological Testing; keep up-to-date with policy statements relevant to standards for professional services as issued by the Association; and conform to relevant statutes established by federal, state, and local governments.

All psychology interns are assigned in the Psychological Services Division to a full-time, 2000 hour (one year) placement in a major rotation with preschool children and a minor rotation with adults. Student's placement is based on their background, knowledge, area of needed training, and supervisor/supervisee match.

The psychology staff works in partnership with social workers, occupational therapists, preschool teachers, speech pathologists, and other professionals in addressing the needs of clients. The interns receive advanced training designed to address a range of mental health problems. Intern selection occurs as psychology students complete their academic requirements and obtain greater clarity regarding career objectives. Responsibility is assumed by the psychologists within the Psychological Services Division for the daily clinical and administrative supervision of the interns in their work and professional development.

Intern training takes place via a Mentor-Practitioner training model and is designed to produce competent professionals in psychological assessment, intervention, and consultation with children and/or adolescents and their families. The minor rotation provides an opportunity to work with the adult population. Therapeutically, emphasis is mainly eclectic, applying family systems, behavioral, existential, nondirective, and cognitive and other principles of psychology. Multi-faceted aspects of the program allow for training in individual, group, and family therapies; psychological and psycho educational assessment; consultation; and case management.

ACCREDITED BY THE AMERICAN PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION
Commission on Accreditation
750 First Street NE,
Washington, D.C. 20002-4242
(202) 336-5979

For more information, please contact Ana M. Faraci, Ph.D., LMFT at  laj@miamidade.gov.