Practicum, Internship and Post Doctorate Training Programs

Community Research Foundation (CRF) offers a wide variety of training and supervision opportunities for students at the practicum, internship, and post-graduate levels. Our organization has longstanding relationships with graduate programs at several local universities including, Alliant International University (formerly California School of Professional Psychology and USIU), San Diego State University, University of Phoenix, and National University. Applicants choose either an adult or a child, youth and family program to meet their training requirements. Students who are interested in a practicum or internship placement at a CRF program should follow their university's application procedures. For post-graduate training, please apply directly to the program of your choice. Applications are accepted at any time of year except when limited by a university's application process.

Acute Care Training

Most graduate students obtain their first year of clinical experience at our START programs (see Program Descriptions) and many second and third year interns have found a year working at this level of care to be an essential part of their training experience and clinical development. The START programs follow a highly supportive training model that begins with an extensive orientation followed by ample opportunity to observe experienced staff conducting assessments, individual and group counseling, crisis calls, and community activities. Students are then encouraged to co-lead with staff. Once the students and their supervisors are comfortable with the student's level of experience, the students then conduct sessions on their own. No one is ever alone given that staff and interns always work together as a team. Each START program serves approximately 500 clients per year. Trainees meet and work with over one hundred clients during their training period. There is extensive opportunity to practice assessment and diagnostic skills while acquiring experience and confidence with crisis management. Students can expect to learn the following: mandated CPS and Tarasoff reporting; interventions with clients who have suicidal and/or homicidal thoughts; working with clients who are experiencing psychosis; addressing homelessness, developing community resources, managing crisis calls; group and individual counseling; skills training; and collaboration with clients, doctors, primary counselors, and family members. Spanish speaking interns interested in becoming part of a bilingual-bicultural treatment team are strongly encouraged to apply to Isis Center.

Outpatient Adult Training

Following a placement at a START program, students are encouraged to apply to one of our outpatient programs to gain experience working with adult clients in a long-term treatment setting. These programs include: Douglas Young Clinic, Rural Family Counseling, Professional Community Services Counseling Center, South Bay Guidance Center, and Maria Sardinas Center. Students will have the opportunity to conduct and to further hone their skills in psychosocial/mental health assessments, crisis interventions, group psychotherapy and socialization, limited individual psychotherapy, psychosocial rehabilitation, and in providing information and referrals to community resources.

While all of our programs strive to provide culturally competent services, South Bay Guidance Center and Maria Sardinas Center offer services to the culturally diverse population of San Diego's South Bay Region. Given that both South Bay Guidance Center and Maria Sardinas Center are located near the US-Mexico border, the majority of the clients are Spanish monolingual and/or dominant, and acculturation stressors are highly prevalent. As a result, South Bay Guidance Center and Maria Sardinas Center utilize a cross-cultural model of assessment and intervention provided by a multi-disciplinary and bilingual/bicultural team in order to serve this population in a culturally congruent fashion. Spanish speaking interns interested in becoming part of a bilingual-bicultural treatment team are strongly encouraged to join our South Bay team.

Child, Youth and Family Training

CRF also have programs serving children, adolescents, and their families located throughout San Diego County. Services are provided in a variety of settings, including clinic, schools and homes. Most of the CYF programs accept both practicum and intern level students. Students will learn all aspects of treating and providing other therapeutic interventions for children, adolescents and families. There are opportunities to receive AAMFT approved supervision for MFT students in an approved program. Students will participate in a multidisciplinary team and learn to interact with various systems that youth are involved in, i.e., school, probation, and social services. Students will learn to conduct comprehensive assessments of the family and diagnose the youth with a DSM IV diagnosis. Students will be exposed to treating a range of diagnoses: Adjustment Disorder, Behavioral Disorders, Major Mood Disorders, and Thought Disorders. In addition, specific treatment planning around the needs of the family and youth will be taught. Students will conduct individual, group, and family therapies. At some sites, there are limited opportunities for psychological testing. The students will be guided to performing all duties throughout their tenure. This guidance is tailored to the experience and needs of each student. Spanish speaking interns in becoming part of a bilingual-bicultural treatment team are strongly encouraged to join our team at Nueva Vista.

Paid Post Doctorate or Post Graduate Opportunities

To acquire post-graduate licensing hours trainees can apply for an advertised post-doctorate position. These positions are advertised in the APA Monitor and on this Web site.

An alternate way to acquire licensing hours is by applying for a position (either part-time or full-time) at any CRF program that offers clinical supervision. Full-time management positions, such as Coordinator and Assistant Program Director at an outpatient or START program are highly sought after for the excellent clinical training and leadership experience they offer as well as a competitive post-graduate salary.

Career Paths

We are proud to note that most of CRF management staff began their careers as interns with CRF. The valuable clinical experiences gained early in their careers has helped create an organization in which many of those who have gone on into administrative leadership positions can continue to provide effective, empathic support and leadership for program and clinic staff. Clinicians with aspirations and aptitude for a future career path into administrative and leadership positions are encouraged to take advantage of the many opportunities to grow with the organization.