Neuropsychology Practicum Program

Our Psychology Training Program at VA Long Beach Healthcare System is committed to close supervision and competency-based training in a highly collegial setting. We endorse the scientist-practitioner model of psychology, and the training experience is organized accordingly. We are guided by both the original Boulder Model (Raimy,1950) and the update of the scientist-practitioner model as articulated at the 1991 Gainesville conference (Belar & Perry, 1992). The Neuropsychology Practicum also follows the Houston Conference Guidelines. 

Neuropsychology practicum trainees are expected to be developing a solid grounding in the science of psychology. We can teach the foundations of clinical neuropsychological assessment and tailor our program to meet the individual training needs of each neuropsychology practicum trainee, but we have to assume that our trainees come with the underlying scientific rigor that can only be provided by their undergraduate and graduate programs. Although the overall psychology training program believes training at the doctoral level should be broadly based so that trainees can immerse themselves in new areas of clinical endeavor to prepare them for internship and beyond, the practicum is focused on clinical neuropsychology training. 

The program follows a traditional one-to-one apprenticeship model in which the trainee works closely with and often literally alongside their assigned supervisor. Primary areas of skills are in clinical assessment and intervention, consultation, research and other scholarly inquiry, and awareness of and sensitivity to professional, ethical, legal, and diversity issues. 

Accreditation Status

The psychology internship and postdoctoral fellowship programs at VA Long Beach Healthcare System are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of the American Psychological Association. Questions related to the program’s accredited status should be directed to the Commission on Accreditation:

Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation
American Psychological Association
750 1st Street, NE, Washington, DC 2002

Phone:    e-mail: apaaccred@apa.org
Internet: APA Accreditation

Accreditation does not have bearing on neuropsychology or other practicum trainees, although it does reflect the high quality of training our program will provide. 

The Neuropsychology Practicum starts on July 27, 2026 and ends on July 23, 2027. Neuropsychology practicum trainees are expected to be available for 20-24 hours per week under the clinical supervision of their primary supervisor. This includes Tuesdays from 1:00-4:00 p.m. (virtual) that are required for Functional Neuroanatomy Didactics, Neuropsychology Seminar, and Case Conference. Neuropsychology practicum trainees will complete a full 52 weeks of training in the Neuropsychology Clinic. We currently follow a hybrid model with most patient appointments onsite and all other activites may be conducted from home with a VA-issued laptop. Accommodations can be made for neuropsychology practicum trainees who need to travel for internship interviews, complete practicum early to leave for internship, or dissertation defense. 

Each neuropsychology practicum trainee will have one primary supervisor throughout the year who is responsible for the training experiences. Trainees can expect at least 1 hour of individual supervision per week. Also, there are opportunities to receive supervised supervision by a fellow or intern and group supervision during case conferences. The degree of responsibility given the neuropsychology practicum trainee and the amount of structure provided depends on their level of prior experience and grasp of clinical neuropsychology. The program also includes educational opportunities such as lectures, seminars, and case conferences. 

*For information on the adjustments we have made to training during COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, please see the addendum on at the end of this brochure. We have no way of knowing whether or how the pandemic will impact training during the 2026-2027 training year, but please know we prioritize trainee and Veteran health and safety, and have been flexible in adapting to changes as they are needed while maintaining a high quality training program that addresses trainee goals and needs. We plan to continue to be flexible as the situation evolves and appreciate the flexibility of our potential applicants, interviewees, and trainees as we navigate this together.

Supervisors:  Spring Flores Johnson, Ph.D., Christine Kim, Ph.D., & Erin Moniz, Ph.D.

Program: The overarching goal is for trainees to obtain entry-level skills with specialization training in Clinical Neuropsychology that prepares them for applying to psychology doctoral internship training in medical and/or academic settings. This is accomplished through selecting neuropsychology practicum trainees with specialized interest and an academic foundation in neuropsychology, providing clinical services under an apprenticeship model, and holding year-long didactic seminars.   

Gaining experience evaluating a wide variety of Veterans with neurological, psychiatric and/or concomitant disorders and exposure to multiple diagnostic tools are the core strengths offered at this program. The Neuropsychology Clinic provides outpatient neuropsychological assessment for Veterans across the adult lifespan. A bimodal distribution of referrals for both younger, OEF/OIF/OND Veterans and older, Vietnam Era and Korean War Veterans is received. Veterans have a broad range of injuries, disabilities, and chronic health conditions. These may include mild cognitive impairment, Alzheimer’s disease, vascular cognitive impairment, Parkinson’s disease, Lewy body disease, other causes of dementia, encephalopathy, stroke, epilepsy, mild traumatic brain injury (TBI), polytrauma, motor disorders, other CNS neurological disorders, and related disorders. Veterans often also have comorbid mental health, substance abuse, and/or other medical conditions. Primary sources of referrals are, primary care, neurology, psychiatry, and TBI rehabilitation. 

Neuropsychology practicum trainees will gain experience on the ways identity variables, such as race, religion, sexual orientation, education level, SES, military experiences, and cognitive status may intersect with aging and disability. The trainee will also gain experience in understanding how diversity factors can affect neuropsychological test selection, administration, and interpretation and how such factors influence impressions and treatment recommendations. Further, there will be opportunities to discuss the intersectionality of diversity factors of the trainee, the supervisor, and the Veteran to better understand how these factors contribute to the overall level of care provided.

Functional Neuroanatomy Didactics: This didactic is required for neuropsychology practicum trainees. It is held weekly on Tuesdays from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. via Teams. This didactic involves reviewing structural and functional neuroanatomy, and neuroimaging techniques. 

Clinical Neuropsychology Seminar: This seminar is required for neuropsychology practicum trainees. It is held weekly on Tuesdays from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. via Teams The formal didactics mainly focus on clinical, academic, professional and research that is relevant in the field of Clinical Neuropsychology. This forum encompasses topics such as behavioral neurology; neuroanatomy (brain-behavior relationships), diagnostic syndrome analysis (e.g., aphasia, dementia etc.), cultural consideration for test selection and interpretation, and ABPP board certification. 

Clinical Neuropsychology Case Conference: This case conference is required for neuropsychology practicum trainees. It is held weekly on Tuesdays from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. via Teams. The case conference/group supervision involves case presentation from each neuropsychology trainee and may involve fact-finding format. Journal article review will also be conducted during the seminar. 

Psychology Training Provided: Each neuropsychology practicum trainee will typically have one neuropsychological evaluation case per week. The neuropsychology practicum trainee can expect to be exposed to the entire continuum of a neuropsychological evaluation from chart review to feedback sessions. They can expect to be exposed to a wide variety of test batteries for neuropsychological assessment using a fixed-flexible approach. By the time the trainee has completed the rotation, they can also expect to understand the processing behind selecting an appropriate testing battery based on the referral question and patient's likely neuropathology and history. Information obtained from the assessment is used to answer diverse referral requests, e.g., identifying the presence, localization, and nature of brain lesions or dysfunction; establishing baseline functioning; and identifying the pattern of neuropsychological and personality strengths and weaknesses. This information is used to aid in establishing diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation planning, and prognosis. 

Neuropsychological Assessment Protocol Offered: VA Long Beach has access to a significant number of tests.  Below are a few examples of tests/batteries and/or questionnaires available. By no means is this list exhaustive.

• Performance Validity Measures (ACS Word Choice, Dot Counting, TOMM, VSVT)
• Premorbid Intelligence Estimates (TOPF, OPIE-IV)
• Intelligence Testing (WAIS-IV, WAIS-5)
• Aphasia/Dementia Screening Batteries (BDAE, MoCA, NAB, RBANS, DRS-2)
• Memory Testing (BVMT-R, CVLT-3, HVLT-R, WMS-IV)
• Executive Functioning (D-KEFS, WCST)
• Social Reasoning/ Behavioral Questionnaires (Brief-A, FrSBE, ILS, Iowa Gambling Task, TOP-J)
• Psychological Functioning (BAI-II, BDI-II, BSI, CES, GDS, PCL-5)
• Psychological and Personality Testing for select complex cases (MMPI-3, PAI)

Research Opportunities: Involvement with research in existing projects is available, but not mandatory in this clinic. Students may work on posters and/or papers for publication as an extracurricular activity. 

Before neuropsychology practicum trainees start the program, their prior training experiences are carefully reviewed to identify areas of strength and needed growth. This process facilitates the development of an individualized training program to meet the specific training needs of each neuropsychology practicum trainee. Trainees are encouraged to expand their areas of clinical competence by using new assessment instruments and perhaps working with new patient populations within the neuropsychology clinic. 

Neuropsychology practicum trainees will complete a full 52 weeks of training in the Neuropsychology Clinic. We currently follow a hybrid model with most patient appointments onsite and all other activities may be conducted from home with a VA-issued laptop. Accommodations can be made for neuropsychology practicum trainees for internship interviews, complete practicum early to leave for internship, or dissertation defense. 

It is expected that upon completion of the program, all neuropsychology practicum trainees will demonstrate competence as defined by the APA Commission on Accreditation. Trainees are evaluated by primary supervisors at two points throughout the year at 6-month and 12-month intervals.  The supervisors will use the doctoral program’s specified evaluation form. 

Neuropsychology practicum trainees should let their supervisors know at the beginning of the training year if additional forms are required by their doctoral program (e.g., Time2Track verification of hours, training agreements, etc.).

Trainees are provided with office space and secure networked computers necessary for patient care and administrative responsibilities. They have access to the VA Medical Library services such entire text databases like Ovid and PubMed, as well as VA Intranet and Internet resources for clinical work and research. Within the Psychology Department there is a comprehensive Psychology Assessment Lab, which includes a wide variety of psychological assessment instruments and test scoring programs. Each neuorpsychology practicum student will also be given and VA-issued laptop to work from home when possible. 

Nondiscrimination Policy and Respect for Diversity: VA Long Beach Healthcare System highly values cultural and individual diversity. We are an equal opportunity employer, and prohibit discrimination based on race, religion, gender, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, or status as a parent. We avoid any actions that would restrict program completion on grounds that are not relevant to success in training. In addition, we aim to foster a training environment that supports trainees in gaining greater competence in issues of diversity as they relate to patient care. 

Reasonable Accommodations: It is the policy of VA to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants and employees with disabilities in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). 

Liability Protection for Trainees: When providing professional services at a VA healthcare facility, VA-sponsored trainees acting within the scope of their educational programs are protected from personal liability under the Federal Employees Liability Reform and Tort Compensation Act 28, U.S.C.2679 (b)-(d).

Due Process: All trainees are afforded the right to due process in matters of insufficient competence and/or problematic behavior as well as grievances. Our due process document is distributed to every trainee during orientation and reviewed with them subsequently. A copy of our due process policy is available on request. 

Privacy policy: We collect no personal information from you when you visit our web site.

Self-Disclosure: We do not require trainees to disclose personal information to their clinical supervisors except in cases where personal issues may be adversely affecting a trainee’s performance and such information is necessary to address these difficulties.

VA Eligibility Requirements:

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) adheres to all Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action policies. As a Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Health Professions Trainee (HPT), you will receive a Federal appointment following the selection process, and the following requirements will apply prior to that appointment. 

1. U.S. Citizenship. HPTs who receive a direct stipend (pay) or WOC status must be U.S. citizens. 
2. U.S. Social Security Number.  All VA appointees must have a U.S. social security number (SSN) prior to beginning the pre-employment, on-boarding process at the VA.
3. Selective Service Registration.  Male applicants born after 12/31/1959 must have registered for the Selective Service by age 26 to be eligible for U.S. government employment, including selection as a paid or WOC VA trainee. For additional information about the Selective Service System, and to register or to check your registration status visit Selective Service System. Anyone who was required to register but did not register before the age of 26 will need to apply for a Status Information Letter (SIL) and request a waiver. Waivers are rare and requests will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis by the VA Office of Human Resources Management. This process can take up to six months for a verdict.
4. Fingerprint Screening and Background Investigation. All HPTs will be fingerprinted and undergo screenings and background investigations. Additional details about the required background checks can be found at the Office of the Federal Register (OFR): Executive Order 10450--Security requirements for Government employment.
5. Drug Testing. Per Executive Order 12564, the VA strives to be a Drug-Free Workplace.  HPTs are not drug-tested prior to appointment, however, are subject to random drug testing throughout the entire VA appointment period. You will be asked to sign an acknowledgement form stating you are aware of this practice. See item 8 below.
6. Affiliation Agreement. To ensure shared responsibility between an academic program and the VA there must be a current and fully executed Academic Affiliation Agreement on file with the VHA Office of Academic Affiliations (OAA). The affiliation agreement delineates the duties of VA and the affiliated institution. Most APA-accredited doctoral programs have an agreement on file.  More information about this document can be found at Office of Academic Affiliations (see section on psychology internships).
7. TQCVL. To streamline on-boarding of HPTs, VHA Office of Academic Affiliations requires completion of a Trainee Qualifications and Credentials Verification Letter (TQCVL). An Educational Official at the Affiliate must complete and sign this letter. Your VA appointment cannot happen until the TQCVL is submitted and signed by senior leadership from the VA facility.  For more information about this document, please visit Office of Academic Affiliations 
   1. Health Requirements.  Among other things, the TQCVL confirms that you, the trainee, are fit to perform the essential functions (physical and mental) of the training program and immunized following current Center for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines and VHA policy. This protects you, other employees and patients while working in a healthcare facility. Required are annual tuberculosis screening, Hepatitis B vaccine as well as annual influenza vaccine. The flu vaccine is mandatory for all VA trainees and staff, except in the rare case of a documented medical exemption or deeply held religious beliefs that precludes being vaccinated.
   2. Primary source verification of all prior education and training is certified via the TQCVL.  Training and Program Directors will be contacting the appropriate institutions to ensure you have the appropriate qualifications and credentials as required by the admission criteria of the training program in which you are enrolled.
8. Additional On-boarding Forms. Additional pre-employment forms include the Application for Health Professions Trainees (VA 10-2850D) and the Declaration for Federal Employment (OF 306).  These documents and others are available online for review at Office of Accademic Affiliations. Falsifying any answer on these required Federal documents will result in the inability to appoint or immediate dismissal from the training program.
9. Proof of Identity per VA. VA on-boarding requires presentation of two source documents (IDs). Documents must be unexpired and names on both documents must match.

Additional information regarding eligibility requirements for appointment as a VA psychology HPT can be found at the following links: 

• Psychology Training-Eligibility
• Psychology Training-Eligibility.PDF