Child Anxiety, OCD, and Tourette's Clinic Practicum

Program Description: This placement is designed to provide supervised experience in the diagnostic evaluation and evidence-based treatment (primarily CBT) of childhood OCD, anxiety, and tic disorders in children and adolescents.  The Child OCD Program is a clinical research and fee for service program in the Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and serves as the site for several NIMH and other externally-funded studies including both psychosocial and psychopharmacological treatment trials. 

Patients seen in the program are aged 6-17 and present with a variety of co-morbid conditions in addition to anxiety, OCD, and tics.  In addition, youngsters with mild, moderate, and severe disorder are evaluated and treated.  Students will provide diagnostic evaluation, ongoing symptoms assessment, and/or cognitive behavioral treatment for children and adolescents with ocd, anxiety and/or tic disorders. 

Practicum trainees typically devote 1-2 full days to participation in treatment and assessment activities but practicum trainees with fewer available hours will be considered for practicum positions.

Current position openings: We currently have 4-6 positions each year.

Resource Allocation: The Child OCD Program and practicum is housed on the first floor of the 300MP and all clinical activity takes place in Child OCD program offices and treatment rooms. Space for practicum trainees to write chart notes and return telephone calls is provided in 300MP.  Telephones, computer, office supplies, and mail service are also available through the Child OCD Program. 

Supervision: All practicum trainees will receive weekly supervision from Drs. Bergman, Chang, Peris, and/or Piacentini, who are licensed clinical psychologists.  In addition, practicum trainees are required to attend weekly group supervision/treatment planning on Monday mornings for 1.5 hours.   In addition, informal supervision (phone calls, emails, etc.) is available when necessary, and all supervisors are available for consultation if an urgent situation arises. The direct clinical supervisor will complete practicum trainee evaluations. Orientation and training occurs in July and is conducted by clinical supervisors and program staff.