Updated September 17 th , 2026
for Assessment and Intervention with Persons with Disabilities (2022). The program fulfills requirements for clinical psychology licensure and board certification in Rehabilitation Psychology. Fellows spend at least 80% of their time in supervised clinical care, with 50% dedicated to working with individuals with disabilities receiving rehabilitation services, and their families, and care teams. The Postdoctoral Fellowship in Rehabilitation Psychology was granted Specialty Accreditation by the American Psychological Association (APA) Commission on Accreditation in 2020. The next site will be held in 2028. Fellows gain expertise in evidence-based practices through direct supervision, experiential assessment and treatment of patients, active participation in care team meetings, and interdisciplinary didactics provided by faculty across disciplines. Fellows will work alongside their supervisors within a developmental model gradually gaining autonomy to practice independently. Specifically, at the beginning of the first year, Fellows are expected to be entry-level clinicians, demonstrating good generalist skills, and gradually achieve the level of skills, critical thinking, and judgment specifically within Rehabilitation Psychology competencies where supervision is not needed (but maintained due to training program requirements) and the focus becomes using supervision as consultation on complex cases and discussing advanced topics. Supervision methods may include direct observation, review of notes, audio/video, and group supervision discussion. Fellows are expected to provide supervision to Psychology practicum or intern students under the supervision of a licensed staff member. Fellows will also complete a postdoctoral project relevant to Rehabilitation Psychology during the two-year duration of the program. Fellows’ skill levels, interests, and goals are taken into account in the development of individualized training plans across the two years. Training activities are selected to address trainee skills and development needs, while allowing for increased experience in areas of strength as well as emerging interests. NOTE: This position may require Fellows to traverse long distances within the facility throughout the day as part of their regular duties. If you have mobility limitations or require reasonable accommodations to perform these functions, please inform the Training Director so that appropriate supports can be discussed and provided in accordance with VA policy and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Training Settings: Spinal Cord Injury/Disorder (SCI/D) : Supervisors: Sarah Brindle, PhD; David Kerner, PhD; Jeffrey Shulze, PhD; Judy Su, PhD The Spinal Cord Injury/Disorder (SCI/D) Health Care Group at VALBHCS is the largest SCI Center in the United States. Patients in this setting present with a broad spectrum of SCI/Ds, from the newly injured individual facing a catastrophic life change, to the individual injured many years ago who is now coping with decreased functional ability as a result of the aging process. SCI/Ds can result from traumatic injury such as gunshot wounds or motor vehicle accidents, or from a variety of non- traumatic causes such as Multiple Sclerosis. Persons with spinal cord injuries are classified as either tetraplegic or paraplegic. SCI/D rehabilitation and treatment demands a broad interdisciplinary
9
Made with FlippingBook flipbook maker