Updated September 17 th , 2026
individuals with complex medical conditions, applying biopsychosocial and lifespan developmental perspectives to older adults, navigating ethical issues in inpatient care, collaborating effectively within interdisciplinary teams, and utilizing evidence-based assessment and intervention approaches. Trainees gain experience in interdisciplinary consultation; brief/problem-focused and comprehensive psychological, cognitive, behavioral, functional assessments; neuropsychological assessment in older adults with differential diagnosis of conditions such as delirium, dementia, and depression; decision-making capacity evaluations; adaptation of psychotherapy for older adults and bedside care; family and systems consultation; and behavioral interventions for Veterans with advanced dementia. Evidence-based practice opportunities primarily involve brief, problem- focused interventions drawing from ACT, CBT, MI, CPT, DBT skills, and dementia-care models. Training experiences are individualized to trainee interests and goals while providing exposure to serious illness, palliative and end-of-life care, dementia-related behavioral concerns, complex medical conditions, sensory and physical disabilities, and disability-affirming, person-centered care. Supervisors provide ongoing guidance and support throughout the rotation. Trainees are encouraged to approach unfamiliar experiences with curiosity and flexibility, building confidence and competence in caring for Veterans with complex medical, cognitive, and psychosocial needs. The goal is for trainees to leave the rotation feeling supported, more confident, and better prepared for interdisciplinary practice in medical settings.
Note: This is a fully onsite rotation, with limited telework available for non-patient-care activities based on program needs and supervisor approval.
Blind Rehabilitation Center (BRC): Supervisor: Ashley A. Vaillancourt, PhD
The Major Charles Robert Soltes, Jr., O.D., Blind Rehabilitation Center (BRC) is a 14-bed residential, inpatient rehabilitation program. It is one of only 13 VA Blind Rehabilitation Centers nationwide, creating a unique training environment. Our smaller unit feels intimate and dynamic, allowing close connection with each Veteran and offering rich interdisciplinary collaboration. Skills gained here are especially valuable for trainees interested in health, medical, or rehabilitation psychology. We primarily serve Veterans —and occasionally active-duty service members who are legally blind or have functional visual impairments. They are referred from across California and neighboring states, and travel is provided for admission. Patients range in age from their 20’s to over 100, though most patients are older veterans in their 60s to 90s. Vision loss is caused by a variety of conditions, including vascular and autoimmune disorders. A subset of Veterans presents with traumatic brain injuries or other neurological conditions (e.g., stroke, tumors). Cognitive, psychiatric, and substance-use conditions are common, and cognitive impairment is increasingly prevalent in our aging population. The comprehensive rehabilitation training program includes Blind Rehabilitation (Living Skills, Manual Skills, Orientation & Mobility, Visual Skills, Accessible
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