AIDS Care Group (ACG) treats the whole person, bringing together medical and psychological services in a team-based approach to effectively care for individuals with chronic conditions.  We have a few main services within our agency:

• A Ryan White provider, dedicated to medical, dental, psychological, case management services to patients living with HIV and providing Pre-Exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to partners and family members.
• The Center for Integrative Medicine - A designated Center of Excellence by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, dedicated to Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) for patients recovering from opioid use disorder, including medical and psychological services.
• A state-designated STD testing site (testing and treatment, free and confidential for the community).
• Hepatitis C Community outreach (including rehabilitation centers, halfway houses, prison) and medical/psychological treatment.
• Mosaic Medical - medical and psychological services for LGBTQ individuals, works in collaboration with Prysm Youth Center to provide space for meetings.
• Eddystone Speciality Pharmacy 

ACG trains doctoral interns in clinical psychology.  Interns are trained first and foremost as clinical psychologists with the skills to provide psychotherapy to a wide array of underserved and vulnerable populations.  We have a few target populations that we serve, notably individuals recovering from opioid use disorder within our Medication-Assisted Treatment Program, individuals living with HIV, and those who identify as LGBTQ.  We additionally provide short-term therapy for individuals being treated for Hepatitis C.  Individual psychotherapy is the primary treatment modality with the internship program, with training in group psychotherapy as well.  Interns work in an outpatient setting, utilizing a long-term model of psychotherapy. 

ACG's internship program focuses its training on an integrative medical model of practice, meeting the unique needs of individuals dealing with chronic and co-occurring conditions.  In addition to treating a variety of psychological diagnoses, interns gain practic working on an interdisciplinary team, working within a medical setting, and completing intake evaluations to determine the level of care and motivation for treatment for new patients.  The therapeutic techniques utilized will focus on recovery-oriented psychotherapy, including motivational interviewing and relapse-prevention, but students will be encouraged to use integrative approaches when warranted, utilizing other evidence-based treatments depending on client needs, presenting problems, diversity issues, and other client-related factors. 

Other opportunities for training at the clinic include weekly care coordination meetings with medical providers, weekly group supervision of group psychotherapy, weekly didactic sessions led by psychologists and visiting speakers, an opportunity to present a didactic session, weekly peer supervision led by postdoctoral residents, and two hours per week of individual supervision with a licensed psychologist.  Interns will be involved in training and consultation with other professionals.  In addition, opportunities to engage in psychological assessment are available.

This internship provides the opportunity for the trainee to expand on and build skills in health psychology and psychotherapy for a challenging population while expanding knowledge into new areas and while developing skills required for independent practice.

The internship slot may require evening hours (until 7 or 8 pm) no more than two nights per week, depending on the area of clinical interest and best fit within our programs. 

Administrative, Clerical, and Technical Support

The ACG offices are located in a variety of buildings in both Chester, PA, and Sharon Hill, PA, outside of Philadelphia.  The buildings of relevance for interns are:

• 907 Chester Pike, Sharon Hill, PA.  Medical/Dental offices.  Includes reception area, waiting room, and two meeting spaces, one of which has a kitchenette and daily lunch served for patients.  Wheelchair accessible.
• 921 Chester Pike, Sharon Hill, PA.  Four psychology offices, the Director of Integrative Medicine's office, psychology library, and location of administrative staff and waiting room.
• 126 Kenney ave, Saron Hill, PA.  Two psychology offices, one of which is utilized by an art therapist for individuals and groups.  Small kitchenette.
• 904 Chester Pike, Sharon Hill, PA.  Four psychology offices, one of which is used for groups as well.  Sunroom, which is used for meetings and groups.  A large waiting room and kitchen.  Lunch is served daily.
• 940 Chester Pike, Sharon Hill, PA.  Medical provider office, which is used for care coordination meetings, tow exam rooms, a phlebotomy lab, a medication administration room, a reception office with locked file cabinets, and site of the administrative hub for one program. A waiting room and wheelchair accessible.
• 2201 Providence Ave, Chester, Pa.  A waiting area, two psychology offices, a reception office with locked file cabinets, exam rooms, phlebotomy stations, administrative offices.  Wheelchair accessible.

Depending on location, the buildings have both street and designated parking lots available for staff and are located along public transit bus routes.  Some of our buildings, but not all, are wheelchair accessible.  All buildings have at least one bathroom, most have multiple.  Coffee and water are available in every building.  Every building is locked, requiring a proximity card (which we provide) to enter; patients must be granted access by administrative staff.

Each building has a reception area staffed by full-time administrative employees, with the exception of the offices at Kenney Ave, which have a waiting room space but no additional support staff.  Licensed psychologists are positioned throughout each site to provide ample support and crisis response if needed.  All staff is trained in crisis response, notable CPR and the use of naloxone in the case of an overdose.  Staff is additionally trained in de-escalation skills.  We have a staff person designated to provide security on campus. 

Our sites are equipped with internet, phones, fax, printers, copy machines, as well as locked file cabinets for patient records.  We primarily utilize an electronic medical record for the majority of documentation and patient paperwork.  We have designated staff to provide technical support and coordinate agency assets.

Staff employed by this agency include: physicians, physicians' assistants, nurse practitioners, nurses, medical assistants, dentist, dental assistants, psychologist, art therapist, postdoctoral residents, interns from various programs, reception and administrative staff, case managers, a human resource director, pharmacist, pharmacy directors, pharmacy techs, drivers, outreach staff to prisons and community, and additional supportive and administrative staff.

All interns and staff share office space, with an assigned office or meeting space provided at all times.  All interns are provided an agency-owned laptop and cellular phone for work-related duties.  We have video cameras and secure USB drives available for training purposes as needed by the doctoral program.  We do not have psychological assessment materials available but can provide supervisor support and office space for assessments.

COVID-19 Considerations

Due to the current health crisis, the psychology department at AIDS Care Group is operating via telehealth only. No in-person therapy sessions are permitted. AIDS Care Group is closely following federal and local guidelines in order to make an informed decision on when to resume in-person operation.  Once a decision has been made to resume in-person operation, ACG will follow CDC guidelines and those of our state health department to ensure the safety of our employees and interns. At that time, ACG will provide necessary PPE to its employees and interns.

Criminal Convictions and Peaceful Protests

AIDS Care Group has a robust human resources onboarding process. Background checks include SSN trace, national criminal database, sex offender search, domestic watch list, statewide criminal record search, and 7-year county criminal record search. Interns are also required to complete a child abuse search. A 10-panel drug test is also conducted. 

Interns will also gain substantial training in the provision of psychosocial psychoeducational and psychodiagnostic assessment services. In collaboration with their supervisors, interns are responsible for the assessment process from start to finish. As such, they will conduct the initial interview, choose appropriate assessment instruments, administer and score tests, and write comprehensive integrated reports. Interns may also go to schools for observation of clients, as well as for the administration of the tests.  

The CHC-PSC clinic provides the following types of assessment services to children, adolescents, college students, adults, and older adults:

• Learning disabilities
• Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
• Personality
• Behavior disorders
• Intellectual abilities
• Academic achievement
• Clinical/Diagnostic
• Autism spectrum disorder evaluations

Training experiences at CHC-PSC include weekly group supervision of couples and family therapy, participation in a pediatric psychology seminar series, group meetings focused on routine outcomes monitoring, supervision of peer supervision of practicum students, interdisciplinary consultation with referring providers, and community outreach activities. In addition, interns may have the opportunity to engage in research with CHC faculty members, related to testing and/or supervision conducted through the clinic.

This internship provides the opportunity for the trainee to expand on and build skills in assessment and psychotherapy while expanding knowledge into new areas and while developing skills required for independent practice. Interns will be involved in training and consultation with other professionals, program development and enhancement, and community outreach, all within a growing and thriving community health setting.

The internship slots require two evening hours and occasional Saturdays. 

Administrative, Clerical, and Technical Support

The Chestnut Hill College Psychological Services Clinic is located in an office building on Bethlehem Pike in Flourtown, PA, just outside of Philadelphia. The building has ample parking, is wheelchair accessible, and is located near a stop on a public transit bus route. The clinic has a reception desk and a small waiting area. The reception desk is generally staffed by graduate assistants, who are students in the Psy.D. program that earn tuition remission by committing to work for a specified number of hours in a given semester. The front desk area has a computer, a combination printer/copier/fax machine, telephone, and locked file cabinets that contain client records and office supplies. Chestnut Hill College’s Information Technology staff installed the computer system and provides ongoing tech support.

Beyond the waiting area, the clinic contains 9 individual offices. The interns are each assigned individual offices. There is also office space that is shared among clinical supervisors, including the clinic director and associate director, and therapy and assessment practicum clinicians. All of these offices are comfortably equipped for individual therapy. The offices can also be made ready for psychological assessment. The clinic owns several card tables for this purpose.

The clinic’s largest room serves several purposes. It is used for psychological testing, for family therapy sessions, and for clinic team meetings and presentations. It is outfitted with a one-way mirror for direct observation of clinical activities and is newly equipped with video-recording capabilities. Videotaping can also be done in most of the other offices.  There are several smaller rooms used for storage of psychological testing materials and office supplies and available to students for test scoring and report-writing.  The clinic also has a small, but growing, a reference library of books relevant to clinical practice.  Additionally, an amble number of psychological tests and assessment materials are available for cognitive, academic, neuropsychological, and personality assessment materials are available for cognitive, academic, neuropsychological, and personality assessment (for example, Wechsler scales, ADOS-2, MMPI-2, Rorschach).  Finally, there is a small kitchenette, with a microwave, coffeemaker, and tea rejuvenation station.

COVID-19 Considerations

Depending upon the recommended CDC, state and local guidelines regarding safety for COVID-19, we may be offering in-person, remote or hybrid of services at the clinic. Currently, all therapy services provided by the interns are conducted remotely. All individual and group supervision sessions are remote, as well. We are utilizing a hybrid model of assessment. The interns are asked to administer as much of the battery remotely as possible, and in-person testing is conducted for select tests/subtests that cannot be administered online. Appropriate training and supervision will be required to ensure the ethical provision of services. If an intern candidate is immunocompromised, other options for in-person sessions can be explored.

The Psychological Services Clinic has a strict safety protocol for all in-person services, including the limitation of the number of people allowed in the clinic at any given time, the requirement of mask-wearing, distancing, and thorough cleaning after each session. PPE is provided for in-person sessions, including masks, gloves, hand sanitizer, and cleaning supplies.

Criminal Convictions and Peaceful Protests

coming soon...

Administrative, Clerical, and Technical Support

Clerically, NET has assigned staff members who schedule appointments (including psychological evaluations, psychiatric evaluations, and medication follow-up appointments) and verify insurance coverage for all clients on a daily basis. Authorization management/care management staff meet on a weekly basis to review active and expiring service authorizations. Billing of all services rendered is also overseen by specific assigned staff members. NET uses a behavioral health-specific electronic charting and scheduling system. Agency-specific forms (e.g., incident reports, internal referral forms) are maintained in a database. Phone extensions with voicemail, as well as secure email accounts, are assigned to all NET staff members and interns. A Quality Assurance process exists within NET, which includes quarterly chart reviews and client satisfaction surveys. This data is then analyzed statistically and presented in a written report to the Board. Regarding technical support, NET has an in-house IT department that oversees the functionality of the electronic charting system, secure email system, printers/copiers, security cameras, and other related systems.

Regarding training materials and equipment, NET uses a web-based CEU program (called Relias Learning). Interns participate in new employee orientation at the start of the internship, which includes various training opportunities. On-site, open training are held throughout the year. Orientation and other training are held in a specific training room, which includes ample seating and technology. NET is agreeable to interns taking the time to attend relevant off-site training. Regarding equipment, the autism program at NET utilizes a specific set of toys and other props during the administration of the ADOS-2. Outside of that, there is a “community” set of toys, games, and other activities that are available for all therapists and intern use during sessions.

Regarding physical facilities, treatment staff, and interns that are not community-based have assigned offices or cubicles. Treatment sessions and other appointments are always conducted in a private, confidential space (e.g., office or conference room). There are several bathrooms, water fountains, vending machines (food and drink), and a lunchroom with refrigerators for food storage. There are handicap-accessible entrances/exits, bathrooms, and parking spaces. NET has a sizeable cost-free parking lot reserved for staff and clients.

COVID-19 Considerations

During the COVID-19 pandemic, interns are considered essential personnel and may be asked to provide telehealth and some amount of in-person services as appropriate. PPE will be provided as needed. Outside of the pandemic, interns are on-site Monday-Thursday and hours are flexible/negotiable. Office space is shared and will be discussed further at the internship interview. Interns will have a NET phone number/extension/voice mailbox and a NET email account. Interns are strongly encouraged to utilize the benefit time to which they are entitled, and are strongly encouraged to model and practice reasonable self-care. Interns receive weekly individual supervision (2 hours/week) with a licensed psychologist. 

Criminal Convictions and Peaceful Protests

Before interns start at NET, they must provide all relevant clearances (criminal background check, FBI clearances, and PA Child Abuse clearance) and human resources-related paperwork. Early in the internship, the intern must attend NET’s orientation (one day) and First Aid/CPR training (one day). Interns will only be required to complete a drug test if there are concerns the intern is attending work under the influence.

The Behavioral Health and Autism Services Department at SPIN currently employs a team of highly trained and experienced clinical professionals who have a variety of roles working with children and youth with behavioral health disorders, with a specific focus within the practice on the diagnosis and treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).  SPIN has been designated as a Philadelphia Autism Center for Excellence.  Within its licensed outpatient mental health clinic, which serves a broad-ranging population, SPIN provides the following services specifically for individuals with Autism and their families:  high quality, comprehensive diagnostic assessment of individuals at risk for Autism; outpatient medication management and psychotherapy for children, adolescents, and families; social skills treatment groups;  intensive home-, school-, and community-based Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services, Blended Case Management, and ongoing parent support groups/activities.  Each of these services adopts an integrated treatment approach that supports enhanced coordination of care and integration of interventions across all aspects of the patient’s/family’s life.  

The APPIC Internship will be a 12 month, full-time internship within SPIN’s Outpatient Mental Health Clinic and Autism Center for Excellence.  The intern will typically work Monday-Thursday and will be assigned to work two evenings per week until 8:00 p.m.  The internship will prepare professionals to diagnose and support individuals with autism spectrum disorder, as well as gain experience working with children and families with co-occurring neurodevelopmental disabilities, such as autism, and serious behavioral health disorders, and those who have a history of trauma. The primary responsibilities of the intern will be to complete the following responsibilities under the supervision of a licensed psychologist:

• Complete intakes with a variety of patients and in conjunction with the clinical supervisor assign diagnoses and make preliminary recommendations for treatment services.
• Carry an ongoing therapy caseload throughout the year, that may include children, families, or adults. Act as a co-facilitator for social skills treatment groups for children/youth with ASD and other social impairments.
• Perform annual re-evaluations for children receiving prior authorized services to determine ongoing medical necessity.
• Perform comprehensive diagnostic evaluations for individuals (primarily children/youth ages 2-21) at risk for a diagnosis of autism, including writing reports and making treatment recommendations.  This will include being clinically trained in the administration of the ADOS-2, as well as the use of other autism-specific instruments.
• Assist with training and supervision of Masters’ interns or staff within the department.
• Participate in all departmental required meetings, supervision, didactic, and trainings as assigned by their supervisor.

It is expected that the intern will complete this experience with an enhanced degree of specialization in working with children with ASD and their families, as well as gain experience working in a mental health clinic.  Many prior interns have remained with SPIN after the internship to complete a post-doctoral fellowship year. 

Administrative, Clerical, and Technical Support

SPIN has an administrative/clerical support team that coordinates each intern’s schedule, reaches out to families to confirm they will be attending the appointments, and ensures all necessary clinical paperwork is completed. The administrative team also supports the interns with obtaining necessary office supply materials, scheduling confidential meeting spaces, and troubleshooting any other issues that arise on a day to day basis. The administrative team is available Monday-Friday from 7am-8pm for the interns.

With regard to computer/IT support, SPIN has an IT department that supports the intern’s computer, phone, and system access needs. All interns have a phone line, a confidential email login, and a confidential network and electronic medical record login. The IT department is available Monday-Friday 8am-6pm and then on a limited basis over the weekend via an on-call line.

The full-time intern at SPIN has private office space in which he or she can conduct therapy and diagnostic sessions, and this is located in SPIN's licensed outpatient mental health clinic. There are large rooms in which group sessions are conducted. In addition, video equipment is available for recording sessions, as well as video conferencing and the clinic has one two-way mirror for live supervision. With regard to training materials, the interns have a full range of psychological assessment materials available for their use, and these are available for inspection during the site visit if needed. Additionally, a library of reference books and journals are available for their access, as are therapeutic games, toys, and other resources to use with clients. Several behavioral health curricula are available to all clinical staff, including the interns, and interns are offered opportunities to participate in clinical staff training throughout the year. All trainees receive pre-service training and orientation at SPIN, and a full curriculum of these courses can be made available to applicants as necessary.

COVID-19 Considerations

Since Pennsylvania was declared under a state of emergency in March, 2020 due to COVID-19, all staff within the mental health outpatient clinic have moved to providing services virtually via telehealth. Interns, like all staff, have laptops and SPIN phones which facilitate their working remotely and maintain ongoing access to all platforms and programs that operate at SPIN in support of their work. They also have access to secure platforms such as zoom over which to deliver telehealth. Interns are considered essential personnel in that they have a responsibility to their patients and must continue to work remotely. When the state of emergency is lifted, interns will return to providing face-to-face services within the clinic under a careful re-entry program that includes modified offices, social distancing where possible, and the provision of PPE by SPIN. Any intern who has concerns regarding their ability to deliver face-to-face services due to personal circumstances should bring their concerns immediately to the attention of their supervisor.

Given the rapidly changing COVID-19 situation, we are planning for virtual interviews for interns in the class of 2021-2022. We will be able to offer a virtual walkthrough of the facility if applicants desire that as well.

Criminal Convictions and Peaceful Protests

At SPIN, an arrest will not stop someone from being hired. We may ask for information on their hearing and outcome if it is one of the prohibited offenses under Act 169. A conviction may impact an applicant's hiring depending on the charge. If someone is convicted for disorderly conduct or a minor offense as part of a protest or demonstration, it would not prohibit them from gaining employment with SPIN. However, if the protest turned violent and they are convicted of aggravated assault or a more serious crime, it may prevent applicants from being hired. SPIN supports applicants protesting and recognizes they may be arrested in the process. A conviction, however, may interfere with hiring.