Vantage Point Training Program

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Vantage Point Center for Psychotherapy has a robust training program for psychologists-in-training. We train students at the practicum, intern, and post-doctoral levels. Practicum and post-doctoral trainees should inquire directly about positions with Training Director, Dr. Karen Miller, drmiller@vppsychotherapy.com. Interns can apply through the APPIC system. To obtain the Training Manual, which includes all of our policies and procedures, please contact the Training Director.

At Vantage Point, we utilize a scientist-practitioner model of training. The internship training program is developmental, experiential, and sequential. We do our best to match our trainees with the type of experience they desire, while also challenging and stretching their growth areas to prepare them for independent psychological practice.

Qualified intern applicants must be enrolled in an accredited, degree-granting professional psychology program (i.e., clinical, counseling psychology). Intern applicants must have their dissertation proposal complete by the time of applying. We highly recommend at least 500 direct service hours of previous supervised clinical experience.

We are currently working under a hybrid model, with Interns working 2-3 days in the office and 2-3 days from home. Interns engage in direct individual and group service, individual and group supervision, didactic seminar training, and supervision experience with our practicum students. Interns will conduct individual therapy for about 50% of their training experience. They will have the opportunity to work with a diversity of people aged 12-80. Interns will work with people of all ethnic, SES, religious, sexual orientations, and gender identities during their time at Vantage Point. They can expect to carry a total client caseload of around 20-25 clients. Therapy at Vantage Point tends to be longer term and is determined by presenting problems and discussions with supervisors and clients as to the best needs of the client. Therefore, treatment can be time-limited or longer-term client's best needs

The internship application review committee is looking for the following qualified interns:

1. The breadth of clinical experience with a diverse clientele
2. Various clinical and training activities, including coursework and/or experience in Counseling and Psychotherapy Theories and Practices, Group Counseling, Multicultural and Diversity Counseling, and Supervision.
3. Clarity of emerging theoretical framework.
4. Openness to growth (lifelong learning).
5. Interpersonal relationship skills.
6. BIPOC encouraged to apply

Accreditation Status:

This program is not currently accredited by the APA, though our self-study has been submitted for review. 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 20002                                                                                   

Phone: (202) 336-5979                                                                                                                   

Email: apaaccred@apa.org                                                                                                               

Web: www.apa.org/ed/accreditation

We facilitate the development of psychologists who can practice competently and independently in several domains. Our program emphasizes strengthening skills in areas that are relevant to community mental health in the Sacramento region. This includes developing proficiency in conducting individual and group psychotherapy with teens and adults from different sexual orientations, gender identifications, and cultural and ethnic backgrounds. Interns will be proficient in crisis intervention with diverse populations and communities.

The goal of the program is to also help Interns develop specialized experience in one of the following areas during their training if they so desire: 

1. Eating Disorders
2. OCD/Anxiety Spectrum Disorders 
3. LGBTQIA Clients
   

The specific program aims are as follows:

1. To foster the professional development, identity, and values necessary for effective and ethical practice as a psychologist.
2. To develop the skills and competencies necessary for entry-level professional practice with diverse populations, with an emphasis on the development of professional skills.

This training focuses on increasing Interns' competence in a variety of professional issues and clinical topics, several of which are specific to working with issues such as practice within different theoretical models, practice with a variety of presenting concerns and clinical populations, and ethical and professional development issues. VANTAGE POINT focuses training on issues around diversity and multiculturalism and areas of focus on the center such as Eating Disorders, Trauma, LGBTQIA populations, and Anxiety Disorders.

For more information, please contact , Dr. Karen Miller at:  drmiller@vppsychotherapy.com

• Compassionate, open-minded, positive and collaborative individuals (part or full-time)
• Those passionate about providing mental health services to adults and teens
• Therapists trained in Eating Disorders, Anxiety Disorders & OCD, DBT, Trauma OR motivated to gain specialized training
• Licensed or nearly licensed (in CA) PhD/PsyD psychologist or Masters clinicians
• Inclusive individuals who have experience with, and understand, individuals from very diverse and often under-represented backgrounds, educations, cultures, and orientations including multiculturalism/LGBTQIA populations
• We encourage BIPOC to apply.
• Growth-oriented individuals who have a desire to continue to learn and develop in their practice
• Therapists with specialized training in Trauma or OCD (not required but highly encouraged)
• Those that would like to provide in-person (1-3 days; 1-2 virtual) sessions in our office 
• Those who would enjoy a flexible schedule with the occasional possibility of evening work
• Candidates interested in supervising and leading our trainees (though not required)

• Flexible work schedule/remote and/or in-person
• Collaborative and supportive environment
• Training and consultation groups
• Competitive pay
• Paid medical, dental, vision 
• Retirement benefits and sick time for all employees
• Company IRA contribution (no matching required)
• Paid training and CEU’s
• Opportunity to participate in a growing training program for doctoral students across CA and the nation
• Opportunity to participate in our counseling group and didactic training where our staff can  listen to expert speakers, discuss cases, with peers, and more 
• opportunity to do what you love – therapy – while we handle the rest

• Provide between 15-20 hours of face-to-face therapy hours–individual, couple and/or group
• Supervise psychology interns and practicum students, if desired
• Review cases and notes for legal and ethical concerns, and provide constructive and meaningful feedback to interns and practicum students 
• Assist with some training needs
• Sign-off on student notes
• Possibly assist in the internship program through prospective intern interviews and application reviews
• Provide individual (and possibly group) supervision for doctoral students in our APPIC membership training program, if desired
• Other duties as specified

• Perform all duties listed above
• Carry caseload for full-time (25  direct client hours)
• Preferably run a group (as part of the client hours)
• Document client services, ensuring compliance with Agency policies and procedures
• Attend and participate in program, Agency staff meetings, and related community agency meetings as required/requested

Please send your CV and Letter of Interest to drpolsky@vppsychotherapy.com or apply below!

We are looking forward to talking with you and learning more about you!