Core Competencies

Training for all predoctoral psychology interns is focused within six core competency domains: assessment, intervention/prevention, consultation, professional development, scholarly inquiry/research, and diversity. Issues of diversity and scholarly inquiry and research are central commitments of our department and of our internship program and therefore are cross-cutting core competencies that are embedded in each of the four other core competency domains (Assessment, Intervention/Prevention, Consultation and Professional Development). Training in the core competencies occurs through both didactic and practicum experiences that include participation in department-wide core seminars and colloquia for all interns, as well as in site-specific seminars, in-service training, mentoring, supervision and teaching associated with particular practicum placements/rotations. Individual core competencies are listed below. Core competency training in each of the particular practicum placements/rotations is tailored to the needs of a particular target population being served (e.g., children, individuals whose primary language is not English) or to address aspects of the service delivery setting (e.g., hospital, clinic, school, community) in which a core competency is acquired. Interns’ performance in the core competencies is assessed on an ongoing basis through faculty supervision and formal quarterly assessments completed by individual supervisors and then discussed with the interns by their primary advisor.

Assessment

1. Demonstrates effective clinical interviewing skills.
2. Demonstrates the ability to collect and integrate data from multiple sources.
3. Demonstrates the ability to use an array of assessment tools appropriately.
4. Demonstrates skills in interpreting the results of various types of assessment.
5. Demonstrates knowledge of DSM-IV and psychiatric nomenclature.
6. Formulates clinical case conceptualization based on assessment results.
7. Writes reports clearly, accurately, and in a timely manner.
8. Communicates findings effectively to patients, family members, team members, and collateral providers, as appropriate.
9. Demonstrates culturally-competent assessment skills with diverse populations.
10. Demonstrate the ability to use research to inform assessments

Intervention/Prevention

11. Demonstrates the ability to conceptualize, formulate, and implement an intervention plan, and to make adjustments in the plan as needed.
12. Collaborates effectively with other disciplines and stakeholders in intervention efforts.
13. Demonstrates understanding of relevant theory to guide the intervention.
14. Demonstrates skills in working with a range of clients (including children, adolescents, adults, and/or family members, as appropriate), in intervention and prevention activities.
15. Demonstrates an ability to carry out evidence-based interventions.
16. Establishes and maintains effective relationships with service recipients, collateral providers, and community partners, as appropriate.
17. Evaluates intervention and prevention outcomes effectively, including community program interventions as appropriate.
18. Demonstrates culturally-competent intervention skills with diverse populations.
19. Demonstrates the ability to use research to inform interventions.

Consultation

20. Clarifies requests for consultation appropriately and effectively.
21. Develops effective consultative, and when appropriate technical assistance, relationships with professionals, service recipients, and community stakeholders.
22. Communicates consultation results and recommendations effectively.
23. Demonstrates understanding of systems and organizational issues when providing consultation.
24. Demonstrates effective program development skills.
25. Demonstrates culturally-competent consultation skills with diverse populations.
26. Demonstrates the ability to use research to inform consultation activities

Scholarly Inquiry/Research

27. Demonstrates skills in developing research designs.
28. Demonstrates knowledge of appropriate strategies to analyze data
29. Demonstrates skills in writing and reviewing research manuscripts
30. Demonstrates knowledge of grant application processes.
31. Demonstrates culturally-competent research skills with diverse populations.

Professional Development

32. Demonstrates essential understanding of ethical principles for psychologists.
33. Demonstrates skills in applying ethical principles in research and practice.
34. Able to identify individual professional strengths and limitations.
35. Able to seek and use supervision as appropriate.
36. Accepts and integrates supervisory input in a professional manner.
37. Organizes and manages time and competing demands effectively.
38. Able to work independently as well as with others effectively.
39. Demonstrates skills in adhering to the highest standards of profession conduct with diverse populations.
40. Demonstrates an appreciation for the role of research in clinical practice and consultations.

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