Columbia VA Health Care System Psychology Internship Training Program: preparing the next generation of psychologists
COLUMBIA, S.C. -- The Columbia VA Health Care System (CVAHCS) Psychology Internship Training Program was reaccredited by the American Psychological Association (APA) in August reaffirming full and unrestricted program accreditation for a period of 10 years, the maximum level of accreditation.
The program offers a robust, hands-on training experience for aspiring psychologists, fostering a multidisciplinary approach within the Mental Health Service Line (MHSL).
This program integrates various professionals such as psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, nurses, clinical pharmacists, and addictions therapists to provide a comprehensive training environment for interns.
“This achievement reflects our ongoing commitment to providing the highest quality training for the next generation of psychologists, who will play a vital role in delivering exceptional mental health care to our Veterans,” said Mr. Oscar G. Rodriguez, acting medical center director. “The reaccreditation is a testament to the dedication of our staff, the strength of our program, and our continued investment in the well-being of those who have served our country.”
With a strong commitment to quality patient care, education, and research, the program adheres to the Practitioner-Scholar Model, emphasizing both academic training and practical application.
The Columbia VAHCS predoctoral internship program was established in 2011 and has been APA-accredited since 2014. This prestigious accreditation signifies the program's adherence to high standards of training and education, ensuring that interns develop both the professional and scientific competencies necessary for success in the field.
“Veteran’s mental health is important when it comes to VA healthcare and we are one of 125 internship programs within the VA system who are working to fulfill this priority by training the next generation of psychologists,” said Dr. Lyndsey Zoller, the training director and Dr. Amy Untied, the assistant training director for the psychology internship and post-doctoral residency programs. “The internship requires a one-year, full-time training commitment beginning approximately the first week of August and ending approximately the last week of July the following year. Interns will work 40 hours a week on-site and participate in co-leading and leading groups, serving as individual therapists, attending staff meetings, as well as a day dedicated to didactics, training, and overall growth of the trainee.”
Since its inception, the Columbia VAHCS Psychology Internship Training Program has graduated 39 interns, with 26 of those continuing their careers within the VA system. Several graduates have gone on to hold leadership positions, highlighting the program’s success in developing skilled psychologists committed to serving Veterans.
Zoller added, “As part of their training, they are preparing to work in a variety of settings, but many interns trained at VAs are later hired as VA staff psychologists. Additionally, this has led to many trainees being retained as staff within the Columbia VAHCS.”
The training program prepares interns to work in various settings by providing opportunities to co-lead and lead groups, serve as individual therapists, and gain hands-on experience.
The Columbia VAHCS Psychology Internship Training Program stands as a vital part of the VA system’s efforts to train the next generation of psychologists, providing critical mental health services to those who have served our country.
APA accreditation is a rigorous process that confirms the program meets the highest standards for preparing psychologists. This multi-step review involves completing a detailed self-study, undergoing an intensive site visit, and addressing any feedback from the APA's Commission on Accreditation.
Accreditation not only validates the program’s commitment to training competent psychologists but also ensures that its interns can be funded by the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Applicants for the program must be U.S. citizens enrolled in an APA, Canadian Psychological Association, or Psychological Clinical Science Accreditation System accredited Ph.D. or Psy.D. programs in clinical or counseling psychology. Typically, students apply in their fourth or fifth year of doctoral training.
The Columbia VAHCS Psychology Internship Training Program participates in the National Matching Services (NMS) system through the Association of Psychology Postdoctoral and Internship Centers (APPIC). Only applicants participating in this Matching Program will be considered for a position. Prospective interns must apply through APPIC's online system, with further details available through the NMS website.
Additional program details can be found on the Columbia VAHCS website.