Kansas City VA Medical Center

Clinical Psychology

Postdoctoral Residency Program

Kansas City VA Medical CenterDirector, Psychology Training Program (MH-116A3)

4801 Linwood Blvd.Kansas City, Missouri 64128

800-525-1483, x:52641

Director of Postdoctoral Training: Kristen Davis, Psy.D.kristen.davis-durairaj@va.gov

816-861-4700, x:55320

Accreditation StatusThe clinical psychology postdoctoral fellowship at the Kansas City VA Medical Center is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of the American Psychological Association. The site visit was

This document may contain links to sites external to Department of Veterans Affairs. VA does not endorse and is not responsible for the content of the external linked websites.

Application Due Date: January 5, 2020 11:59pm ESTResidency Start Date: August 17, 2020

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conducted by APA in January 2018; the program has been reaccredited for ten years with the next site visit scheduled for 2028.

Commission on Accreditation (CoA) Office of Program Consultation and AccreditationEducation DirectorateAmerican Psychological Association750 First Street, NEWashington, DC 20002-4242202-336-5979 www.apa.org/ed/accred.htm

This document may contain links to sites external to Department of Veterans Affairs. VA does not endorse and is not responsible for the content of the external linked websites.

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Application and Selection Procedures 5

Eligibility Requirements 5Stipend, Benefits and Application Information 5Online Application Procedure 6Post-Application Process 6

Commitment to Diversity 7

Kansas City VA Medical Center Psychology Setting 7

Postdoctoral Training Model and Program Philosophy 8

Training Competencies and Objectives 9Trainee Evaluations and Rating Scale 11Minimum Levels of Achievement 12

Structure of Postdoctoral Residency Program 12

Major (Primary) Rotations 12Mental Health Clinic (GMH Track) 12Substance Use Disorders Clinic (GMH Track) 13Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Clinic (GMH Track) 13MHICM/PRRC (SMI Track)

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Minor (Elective) Rotations 15Mental Health Intensive Case Management (MHICM) 15Psychosocial Rehabilitation and Recovery Center (PRRC) 15Home-Based Primary Care (HBPC) 15Neuropsychology Evaluations 15Primary Care-Mental Health Integration (PC-MHI) 15Mental Health Clinic (MHC) 16Assessment 16Integrated Pain Clinic (IPC) 16

Sample Postdoc Schedule – General Mental Health Track 17

Sample Postdoc Schedule – Serious Mental Illness Track 18

Other Training Requirements 19

Psychological Evaluations 19Program Development and Administration 19Didactic Training Seminars 19Psychology Staff Meeting 20Psychology Consultation Meeting 20Monthly Training Meeting 20Multicultural Journal Club 20Group Supervision 20Requirements for Completion 21

Evidence-Based Trainings 21

Mentorship Program 21

Kansas City VA Medical Center Benefits 22

Training Staff 23

Previous Trainee Information 29

Kansas City Area Information 30

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Application and Selection Procedures

PLEASE NOTE: Our clinical psychology training program has two separate training tracks: 1) General Mental Health track with emphasis in PTSD and substance use disorder treatment and 2) Psychosocial Rehabilitation and Recovery Center/Mental Health Intensive Case Management (PRRC/MHICM). The General Mental Health track will accept two residents; the PRRC/MHICM track will accept one resident for the training year. Applicants are encouraged to apply to one or both tracks as it fits with training and professional development goals. Please let us know in your Letter of Interest which track you are applying for, or whether it is for both tracks.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must have completed an APA or CPA accredited doctoral program in clinical or counseling psychology, including an APA or CPA accredited internship, prior to the residency start date. We especially encourage applications from students with knowledge and experience in diversity issues. Applicants are required to have a strong interest in mental health issues and treatment with long-term goals to provide service and contribute to this area in psychology. In addition, applicants should be interested in using evidence-based treatment models in addition to traditional psychotherapy approaches.

Applicants considered for admission to the postdoctoral training program must meet the following entrance requirements prior to the start date:

1. Be a graduate of an APA or CPA accredited doctoral program in clinical or counseling psychology.

2. Have completed an APA or CPA accredited psychology internship in clinical or counseling psychology. Graduates from n ew VHA psychology internship programs that are in the process of applying for APA accreditation are acceptable in fulfillment of the internship requirement, provided that such programs were sanctioned by the VHA Central Office Program Director for Psychology and the VHA Central Office of Academic Affiliations at the time that the individual was an intern.

3. Be a citizen of the United States. 4. Be able to accept a full-time appointment for a one year training period.

Stipend, Benefits, and Application Information

Residents are currently paid a stipend of $46,394 for the full-time, one year training program. The training year starts on or about August 17, 2020 and ends August 17, 2021. These dates are slightly flexible depending upon the start and end dates of internships. VA training programs offer health and life insurance benefits.

The Kansas City VA Medical Center maintains a policy of equal employment opportunity in resident recruitment and retention. All recruitment processes are consistent with existing federal laws, guidelines, and policies. As a federal employee, drug screens and background checks are routine. The Department of Veterans Affairs, and consequently this medical center, adheres to the Americans With Disabilities Act and will provide reasonable accommodations for an individual who informs us that s/he has a disability. If you are a retired federal employee, before you apply to this postdoctoral residency program, you should contact the Human Resources department to determine whether or not you may accept a funded position as a postdoctoral resident with the VA Medical Center.

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Online Application Procedure

Interested candidates who meet the above eligibility requirements may apply by using the APPA CAS System. Please be prepared to submit the following in support of your application:

1. Letter of Interest, including the following elements:a. Reasons you are interested in the KCVA postdoctoral clinical psychology residencyb. Which training track(s) you are applying for: General Mental Health and/or Serious

Mental Illness (MHICM/PRRC)c. Educational, clinical, and research experiences relevant to your area(s) of interest for

further trainingd. Your personal goals for the residency yeare. Your career goals and ways the residency will assist in reaching such goals.f. Dissertation status

2. A copy of the completed APPI used for internship application (Please do not make updates to this document.)

3. Curriculum Vita, including references related to your graduate program and your internship training

4. Copies of graduate transcripts (Copies are acceptable. If accepted into the postdoctoral training program, official copies of the transcript may be requested at that time.)

5. Three letters of recommendation

THE DEADLINE FOR RECEIPT OF ALL MATERIALS IS JANUARY 5, 2020 at 11:59pm EST. (No faxes please).

All applications received after this date will be considered only for unfilled positions after the initial application pool has been notified and interviewed by KCVA staff.

*For additional information, please contact:

Kristen Davis, Psy.D. OR Amber Hinton-Dampf, Ph.D.Postodoctoral Psychology Training Director Internship Psychology Training DirectorKristen.Davis-Durairaj@va.gov Amber.Hinton-Dampf@va.gov

Kansas City VA Medical Center 4801 Linwood Blvd (116) Kansas City, MO 64128 816-861-4700, x:55320

Post-Application Process

All members of the psychology staff at KCVA are invited to participate in the resident selection process. Each application is read, reviewed, and scored by at least 3 staff members. The Training Director will participate in this process and also will compile and rank order the staff application ratings. Preference will be given to applicants who have completed their dissertation by the application deadline. After all applicants have been reviewed and rank ordered, the top 10-15 applicants will be offered interviews. Interviews are required to be considered for a postdoctoral residency position. Applicants not selected for interviews will be notified (by e-mail) by January 15, 2020 that they are no longer candidates for the KCVA postdoctoral residency program.

Tentatively, on-site interviews will be scheduled for around February 7-9, 2020. While on-site interviews are encouraged and preferred, a telephone/skype interview may be arranged for those unable to schedule an on-site interview.

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Following the last scheduled applicant interview, the psychology staff will meet again with additional information gathered during the interviewing process and will rank order the respective candidates. There will be no notification for candidates who are no longer under consideration.

Offers will be made via telephone starting February 24, 2020 in accordance with APPIC guidelines and the Uniform Notification Date. The Psychology Postdoctoral Residency Program at KCVA strongly adheres to APPIC Postdoctoral Selection Guidelines.

Following verbal confirmation of acceptance by selected residents, the Training Director will e-mail the applicant to request a written statement officially accepting and committing to the residency training program. An offical acceptance letter will be sent to the selected resident soon after.

Commitment to Diversity The Department of Veterans Affairs and the Kansas City VA Medical Center is an equal opportunity employer and follows all EEOC policies on fair recruitment and other personnel practices. All applicants receive consideration without regard to race, religion, color, sexual or gender orientation, national origin, non-disqualifying mental or physical disability, age, sex, political affiliation, or any other non-merit factor.

Training staff recognize the impact of race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, age, disability, culture, and gender across all levels of psychological theory, research, practice, and education. We seek both staff and trainees who are strongly committed to diversity and who are supportive of providing a welcoming work and training environment. We welcome members of underrepresented groups including women and minorities and encourage them to apply for positions. The training staff at KCVA believes that we provide a safe and encouraging environment for the exploration of multicultural and diversity issues. To help celebrate and further educate on important diversity issues, residents will engage in monthly mutlicultural journal discussions and will participate in a few multicultural outings throughout the training year.

Kansas City VA Medical Center Psychology Setting The Kansas City VA Medical Center (KCVA) is a general medical, surgical, psychiatric, and ambulatory care facility located on a 37-acre site just six miles from downtown Kansas City, Missouri. The Medical Center places special emphasis on maintaining its role as a major teaching hospital. Training programs in virtually all medical and associated health specialties are offered through affiliation with many universities throughout the country. The primary medical school affiliation is with the University of Kansas Medical Center. Numerous other university affiliations provide for the training of social workers, audiologists, dentists, occupational and physical therapists, chaplains, recreational therapists, pharmacists, etc.

Mental Health

Mental Health is composed of psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, nurses, pharmacists, addiction therapists, and medical administration staff. Mental Health serves a culturally diverse group of young, middle-aged, and older adults who have a broad range of mental health diagnoses. In the Mental Health Clinic, the outpatient program, Veterans can be assigned a treatment team, comprised of a full array of mental health professionals, that is responsible for coordinating all aspects of mental health care required to meet patients' needs. Many other mental health treatment components are available to fully assist the

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patient in his/her recovery. The other Mental Health Programs that are available include: 1) Acute Inpatient Psychiatry, 2) Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Clinical Team (PCT), 3) Psychosocial Rehabilitation and Recovery Center (PRRC), 4) Substance Use Disorder Treatment (includes the SUD Residential and SUD Outpatient Treatment Program), 5) Compensated Work Therapy, 6) Mental Health Intensive Case Management (MHICM), 7) Primary Care-Mental Health Integration (PC-MHI), and 8) Healthcare for Homeless Veterans Program (HCHV). Numerous services are performed by psychologists in various roles and programs, and most are available as primary or secondary rotations for post-doctoral interns.

Psychologists are also working in other service lines in the medical center, including Geriatrics and Extended Care (GEC) and Primary Care, such as Home Based Primary Care (HBPC) and Integrated Pain Clinic (IPC).

Postdoctoral Training Model and Program Philosophy Clinical Psychology Postdoctoral Residency Training Program Description

Training Philosophy And Model

The primary purpose of the Clinical Psychology Postdoctoral Residency Training Program at the KCVAMC is to prepare residents to function autonomously as practicing clinical or counseling psychologists in a broad range of applied, teaching, and research settings. Our program includes two training tracks, including emphasis in generally mental health, with special focus in substance abuse recovery and post-traumatic stress disorder, as well as a specialized track in populations with serious mental health issues (MHICM/PRRC). Areas of training include individual and group psychotherapy, psychological evaluation, consultation, supervision, and program development and administration. Other training opportunities include neuropsychological evaluation, program evaluation, intensive mental health case management, and additional professional issues. Therefore, the primary goal is to provide more intensive and advanced training in the practice of psychology in a VA Medical Center setting, while also providing opportunities for training in a variety of activities.

The postdoctoral program is designed to develop advanced practice competencies and expertise based upon sound scientific and professional practice foundations. The training integrates clinical, scientific, and ethical knowledge in the development of attitudes and skills basic to professional psychology. The philosophy of training offered by the KCVAMC is best described as a "scholar-practitioner" model. The training experiences have a strong clinical focus. Knowledge and use of empirically supported processes and interventions and models of evidence-based practice are expected and encouraged in all aspects of the program.

The anticipated end result of the postdoctoral program is that residents develop a professional identity that is appropriate for an autonomous professional psychologist working within multidisciplinary treatment settings. The training program will allow residents opportunities to interact appropriately and effectively with a wide range of health care professionals. Therefore, they will be able to develop an understanding and appreciation of the roles and specific expertise that is unique to psychology, as well as an appreciation and understanding of roles of other health care professions.

We believe that an autonomous psychologist maintains the highest ethical standards and exercises critical thinking and sound judgment in the provision of all psychological services. In addition to possessing professional practice skills, the autonomous psychologist is flexible and has personal resources that permit generalization of skills to new situations.

The KCVAMC provides services to diverse populations. The Medical Center strives to create a therapeutic environment for, and ensure ethical treatment of, patients with diverse backgrounds and

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characteristics. Thus, an important goal of the postdoctoral program is to increase residents’ knowledge and skills in working with a wide range of clients from different cultural backgrounds.

Postdoctoral residents are expected to have a strong motivation to learn, and the ability to accept supervision in a professional manner. Postdoctoral training is an extension of academic and resident training, but not a substitute for it. Therefore, students are expected to have acquired proficiency in the administration, scoring, and interpretation of standard intelligence and personality tests. In addition, writing ability is expected to be well-developed, as evidenced by useful, accurate, concise and thorough report writing skills. Experience in counseling and/or psychotherapy with adults, including older adults, is required.

We encourage a collegial relationship between psychology staff and residents, in which the principal differences between teacher and learner are breadth and depth of knowledge and experience. While residents are expected to accept as much professional responsibility as their current knowledge and skills will allow, all clinical work is reviewed and supervised by staff psychologists. Clinical responsibilities are assigned to residents with their learning goals in mind. While the service needs of treatment units are important, they are secondary criterion for assignment of clinical activities. Selection of training experiences and assignment of clinical responsibilities are made with the active participation of the resident. The resident and supervisor, in consultation with the Training Committee, identify training goals specifying the rotation activities that will maximize the achievement of these goals.

Training Competencies and Objectives

The postdoctoral residency program at KCVA aims to provide a training experience that prepares postdocs for independent practice upon graduation from the program. Residents must demonstrate competence in nine profession-wide competencies: A. Research, B. Ethical and Legal Standards, C. Individual and Cultural Diversity, D. Professional Values, Attitudes, and Behaviors, E. Communication and Interpersonal Skills, F. Assessment, G. Intervention, H. Supervision, and I. Consultation and Interprofessional/Interdisciplinary Skills. These competencies, as well as how each is measured, is described in detail below.

A. Research1. Resident will integrate current research and literature into clinical practice.2. Resident will demonstrate critical thinking skills when presenting/discussing research relevant

to clinical practice.

B. Ethical and Legal Standards1. Resident will demonstrate knowledge of the current version of the APA Ethical Principles of

Psychologists and Code of Conduct and will consistently apply them appropriately, seeking consultation as needed.

2. Resident will demonstrate an awareness of all regulations, relevant laws, rules, and policies governing health service psychology at the organizational, local, state, regional, and federal levels.

3. Resident will demonstrate awareness of how the above impact his/her professional work, including patients’ rights, release of information procedures, informed consent to treatment, limits to confidentiality in VA, management of suicidal/homicidal behavior, and child/elder abuse reporting policies.

4. Resident will be able to recognize ethical dilemmas as they arise and apply ethical decision-making processes in order to resolve the dilemmas.

5. Resident will conduct him-/herself in an ethical manner in all professional activities.

C. Individual and Cultural Diversity1. Resident will be able to recognize and therapeutically address cultural and/or individual

differences particular to him-/herself that might impact how he/she understand and interact with patients and staff different from him-/herself.

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2. Resident will be able to recognize and therapeutically address pertinent cultural, and/or individual differences specific to the patient’s background that might impact the presenting problem, diagnosis, or patient’s ability to effectively engage in the therapeutic relationship or process.

3. Resident will be able to recognize potential cultural themes and sensitivities pertinent to the particular populations of focus (i.e., Veterans, older adults, rural, LGBTQ, etc.).

4. Resident will demonstrate ability to apply knowledge and approach to working effectively with a range of diverse individuals in clinical practice (i.e., assessment, case conceptualization, treatment plan, & intervention).

D. Professional Values, Attitudes, and Behaviors1. Resident demonstrates a receptivity to supervision and life-long learning.2. Resident is well prepared for supervisory meetings and will use supervision effectively.3. Resident maintains professional boundaries.4. Resident demonstrates awareness of own competence and limitations5. Resident recognizes how personal characteristics impact clinical work.6. Resident demonstrates concern for the welfare and general well-being of others.7. Resident possesses an appropriate level of confidence.8. Resident manages all assigned workload within the given timeframes without sacrificing

quality of work.9. Resident demonstrates accountability, dependability, and responsibility.10. Resident takes initiative.

E. Communication and Interpersonal Skills1. Resident communicates with patients and families in a manner that is clear and

understandable by them.2. Resident communicates psychological information to other professionals in a manner that is

organized and understandable to them.3. Resident’s written documentation demonstrates a thorough grasp of professional language

and concepts.4. Resident demonstrates effective interpersonal skills and the ability to manage difficult

communications well.

F. Assessment1. Resident demonstrates effective diagnostic interviewing skills.2. Resident shows competence with differential diagnostic skills and knowledge of DSM-5.3. Resident communicates clarification of referral question and appropriate selection of

assessment approaches.4. Resident demonstrates competence with administration and scoring of psychological tests.5. Resident demonstrates accurate interpretation and conceptualization of assessment results

based on integration of clinical interview, chart review, and testing data.6. Resident delivers organization, integration, and conciseness of reports.7. Resident formulates well conceptualized recommendations.8. Resident demonstrates awareness of and adherence to APA ethical guidelines and ethics in

assessment.9. Resident demonstrates sensitivity to issues of diversity and individual differences in

assessments.

G. Intervention1. Resident establishes and documents therapy goals and development of a treatment plan,

patient progress, outcomes, and termination.2. Resident formulates a useful case conceptualization from a theoretical perspective.3. Resident establishes and maintains an effective therapeutic alliance.4. Resident demonstrates effective and flexible application of therapeutic strategies. Resident

also responds appropriately to patient crisis when it is appropriate.5. Resident maintains personal boundaries with awareness of personal issues.

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6. Resident is sensitive to issues of diversity and individual differences in treatment.7. Resident uses clinical communication skills and effective structure to improve group

functioning.8. Resident creates a safe environment to promote group cohesion and manages group

process/conflict effectively.

H. Supervision1. Resident demonstrates knowledge of theory and scientific literature in supervision.2. Resident works well with resistance, boundary issues, and cultural awareness while providing

supervision as observed in role-playing exercises.3. Resident provides constructive feedback.

I. Consultation and Interprofessional/Interdisciplinary Skills 1. Resident effectively and independently consults with psychologists and professional from

other disciplines in the care of their patients.2. Resident demonstrates knowledge of and respect for the unique roles of other professionals

in a collaborative treatment approach.3. Resident demonstrates timely communication of assessment and intervention results to team,

referral source, patient and/or family in a responsive and responsible manner that supports a team approach to the maintenance of health and the treatment of mental health condition.

4. Resident effectively understand principles of team dynamics, and apply interdisciplinary facilitation skills, in various team roles to plan and deliver patient/population-centered care that is safe, timely, efficient, effective and equitable.

5. Resident provides effective supervision when required for trainees to follow aforementioned standards of care.

Trainee Evaluations

Evaluations will be completed by supervisors in the competency areas that are relevant to their specific rotation at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months. The competency ratings are based upon how much supervision is required by the resident to perform the task competently, as well as resident performance. Our evaluation procedure involves mid-rotation and mid-year assessments where feedback about resident progress is shared verbally with the intern, as well as relevant rotation supervisors.

Rating Scale

1 Fellow is unable to perform this skill even with close supervision. Competency for this skill is at a beginning intern level and a Performance Improvement Plan is necessary.

2 Fellow is able to perform this skill only with moderate supervision. Competency for this skill is at the level expected at the entry of a rotation for a Postdoctoral Resident. A Performance Improvement Plan may be necessary.

3 Fellow independently performs this skill in typical cases with occasional consultation. Fellow requires closer supervision in more complex or unusual cases. Competency for this skill is at the level beyond the start of the fellowship training year but below that expected at the conclusion of the fellowship year. This is the level expected on all skills by conclusion of the first rotation.

4 Fellow independently performs this skill in both typical and more complex situations with occasional consultation. Competency for this skill is at the level expected at the conclusion of the training year or end of rotation (expected fellow exit level).

N/O No opportunity to observe this skill.

Evidence (used to determine rating on each competency)

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Direct Observation (including co-facilitation of clinical intervention) Review of Audio Recordings Discussion in Individual Supervision

Minimum Levels of Achievement

First Rotation: At conclusion of first rotation, a fellow must achieve ratings of “3” or higher on all competency items in all competency domains. Any ratings of “2” or lower will result in development of a Performance Improvement Plan.

Second Rotation (Fellowship Completion): By the conclusion of the training year, a fellow must achieve a rating of “4” for every competency skill in each competency domain, indicating that the fellow has demonstrated competency for this skill at the level expected at the conclusion of the postdoctoral training year.

Structure of Postdoctoral Residency Program The emphasis of the clinical psychology postdoctoral training program is general mental health, with focus on post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and substance use disorders (SUD). The required rotations include: 1) Mental Health Clinic, which includes individual, couples, and group psychotherapy, medical evaluation, and diagnostic intakes (16 hours/week), 2) Substance use disorder Treatment Outpatient Program (STOP), which includes individual and group psychotherapy, diagnostic evaluations, and multidisciplinary team meetings (16 hours/week; 6 months of the year) 3) Post Traumatic Stress Disorder PTSD Clinic Team (PCT), which includes diagnostic evaluations, individual and group psychotherapy (16 hours per week; 6 months of the year) 4) Elective Training, which is chosen from Neuropsychology, Primary Care/Mental Health Integration, Home Based Primary Care, Mental Health Intensive Case Management, Psychosocial Rehabilitation and Recovery Center, Assessment, Integrated Pain Clinic, Psychology Administration, or others as available or designed for the resident’s training goals (4 hours per week; one choice first 6 months, another choice second 6 months).

Additional structured activities include Program Development and Administration (1-4 hours/week), weekly didactics on a variety of topics, a minimum of two hours per week of individual supervision by licensed psychologists, and supervision of the provision of supervision (residents will be responsible for some hierarchical supervision of psychology interns or practicum students; 1-2 hours/week).

Major (Primary) Rotations

Mental Health Clinic (General Mental Health Track Residents)

The rotation in the Mental Health Clinic provides the opportunity to function as part of a multidisciplinary team, including psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, and nurses. The focus of the rotation is individual and group psychotherapy, with opportunities for couples psychotherapy. There is also a focus on psychodiagnostic assessment. There are a wide range of patient needs, including, but not limited to, substance use disorders, PTSD, depression, anxiety, grief, anger, sexual abuse history, personality disorders, and adjustment to illness, divorce, or other stressors. Evidence-based practice is emphasized in training and delivery of group and individual interventions, with specific training opportunities in evidence-based psychotherapy modalities. Residents have the opportunity to co-facilitate evidence-based psychotherapy groups with licensed psychologists. Consultation may be provided to other clinic providers regarding the appropriateness of individual therapy, as postdocs participate in interdisciplinary team meetings. Residents may also supervise psychology interns as part of their training year.

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Residents benefit from the expertise of staff in differing theoretical orientations and clinical approaches. The resident will have a primary MHC supervisor who will provide a minimum of one hour of face-to-face supervision weekly. Supervisors will request audio recording of therapy sessions in order to provide specific feedback on therapy skills and contribute to case conceptualization.

Substance Use Disorders (General Mental Health Track Residents)

Given that substance use disorders treatment is a focused area of practice, postdoctoral residents will have differing levels of competencies when they begin this rotation.  Therefore, utilizing a developmental training and supervision model, the training goals for each postdoctoral resident will be individualized rather than having a common end point for all.  All residents will be expected to achieve a minimal level of competency in substance use disorders to include basic knowledge about SUD, SUD diagnosis, recovery planning, and individual and group psychotherapy specific to substance use disorders. Competency in the SUD evidence-based treatments of cognitive behavioral approaches to recovery and relapse prevention, as well as mindfulness based sobriety, is expected for all residents.

Depending upon entry level competencies and the time it takes the resident to acquire the specific SUD knowledge and skills, the resident could develop more advanced training goals in the SUD rotation.  These more advanced skills would include the possibilities of providing group therapy either by him/herself and/or providing training and guidance to co-therapists in the groups (such as with psychology practicum students, social workers, addiction therapists, nurses), providing in-services for the rest of the SUD team or other medical center staff, and working with more complex co-occurring treatment needs of Veterans.  In particular, the resident could acquire competencies in screening and diagnosis of co-occurring PTSD, integrated recovery planning, and coordination of care. Competencies in additional evidence-based treatments are available to the residents who are at a more advanced level. These include motivational interviewing and enhancement therapy, contingency management, and 12-step facilitation. 

The psychology postdoctoral substance use disorders training rotation will primarily consist of conducting individual and group psychotherapy through the Substance use disorder Treatment Outpatient Program (STOP) clinic; however, options may be available to see patients through the Substance Abuse Recovery and Residential Treatment Program (SARRTP) clinic for additional dynamics in SUD training.

Residents work with a multidisciplinary treatment team to serve a diverse population to include Veterans with co-occurring disorders.  Each resident will spend 2 days per week over a 6-month semester on this rotation.  While on this rotation, the resident will have a primary supervisor that provides a minimum of one hour of face-to-face supervision weekly.  Residents may also engage in hierarchical supervision of interns and/or practicum students.

Supervision is provided by staff psychologists in the SUD program. Residents obtain advanced knowledge and skills based on clinical, theoretical, and empirical substance use disorder practices provided through experiences in outpatient substance treatment.

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (General Mental Health Track Residents)

The PCT rotation includes the following activities:

Individual, and possibly couples, psychotherapy with patients who have post-traumatic stress disorder with an emphasis on utilization of evidence-based treatment for PTSD (e.g. Cognitive Processing Therapy, Prolonged Exposure Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia); facilitation of psychoeducational groups and psychotherapy groups (e.g., Cognitive Processing Therapy), and diagnostic evaluations for PTSD.

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Each resident will spend 2 days per week over a 6-month semester on this rotation.  While on this rotation, the resident will have a primary supervisor that provides a minimum of one hour of face-to-face supervision weekly. Supervision of the PCT rotation, as well as didactic training, is provided by staff psychologists in the PCT Clinic.

MHICM/PRRC (Serious Mental Illness Track Resident)

Mental Health Intensive Case Management (MHICM)/Psychosocial Rehabilitation and Recovery Center (PRRC) Postdoctoral Residency

One full-time postdoctoral psychology residency position is offered in Mental Health Intensive Case Management (MHICM)/Psychosocial Rehabilitation and Recovery Center (PRRC). These programs are under the umbrella of services available to veterans diagnosed with serious mental illness. This is a specialty-focused postdoctoral residency track, which is distinct from the two generalist postdoctoral residency positions at KCVA. The emphasis of this specialty postdoctoral residency is training in working with veterans diagnosed with serious mental illness.

The MHICM/PRRC postdoctoral psychology resident will spend 32 hours per week for the entire training year in the MHICM/PRRC programs, with 16 hours per week devoted to each program. This resident will also participate in two minor elective clinical rotations, spending 4 hours per week for 6 months in each minor rotation. The resident will receive at least one hour of individual supervision per week from Dr. Baich, psychologist in the MHICM/PRRC programs. Additionally, the resident will receive individual supervision from a supervisor in the minor rotation, one hour of postdoctoral resident group supervision per week from the Training Director, and one hour of didactics per week.

In the MHICM program, a multidisciplinary team provides comprehensive, community-based case management, psychiatric treatment, rehabilitation, and support to veterans diagnosed with serious mental illness. MHICM program goals are recovery-based and include improving veterans’ quality of life and psychosocial functioning, increasing independence, and decreasing need for inpatient psychiatric treatment. MHICM follows the VA’s modified version of Assertive Community Treatment, an evidence based practice. Residents are integrated into the MHICM multidisciplinary team, which is also comprised of psychologists, social workers, nurses, psychiatrists, and a peer specialist, many of whom serve as case managers. MHICM interventions are varied, tailored to each veteran’s needs, and include activities such medication management, encouraging compliance with treatment, assistance in learning daily living skills, assistance with housing and benefits issues, transportation, coordination with veterans’ families and other supportive resources, community reintegration activities, and coordination of care. Residents will develop skills in working with the seriously mentally ill population, community-based provision of services, multidisciplinary team functioning, and administrative aspects of the MHICM program.

In the PRRC program, a multidisciplinary team provides group and individual interventions on an outpatient basis to veterans diagnosed with serious mental illness. Programming also includes community reintegration group activities that take place in natural settings. PRRC program goals are recovery-based and focus on enhancing veterans’ understanding of and ability to cope with life’s challenges; improving quality of life and psychosocial functioning; and increasing independence. The PRRC multidisciplinary team consists of a psychologist, a psychology resident, a social worker, a nurse, psychiatrists, and a peer specialist. Ancillary staff, including a recreation therapist and chaplain, also offer group and individual services to veterans. The resident will develop skills in working with the seriously mentally ill population through outpatient group and individual interventions, assessment, consultation, and administrative aspects of the PRRC program.

Also applicable to the MHICM/PRRC postdoctoral residency are the core competencies and competency evaluations previously described, as well as the requirements for completion noted below.

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Option for Other Major Rotation for SMI : SMI fellow may have the option for a 2nd major rotation for the last 6 months of the year with a focus on SMI in another clinic/focus, if space and clinical supervision is available. This option is not guaranteed nor required. Trainee would continue to have a 16-hour MHICM/PRRC Major Rotation if this option is chosen. This must be approved by the Training Director and Executive Training Committee.

Minor (Elective) Rotations

Residents choose one elective per 6-month rotation and participate in elective activities approximately 4 hours per week. The options for electives include, but are not exclusive of, the following:

Mental Health Intensive Case Management (MHICM) (Option for GMH Track Residents)

In this program, a multidisciplinary team provides comprehensive, community-based psychiatric treatment, rehabilitation, and support to veterans with severe and persistent mental illness. MHICM program goals include increasing veterans’ quality of life and decreasing need for inpatient psychiatric treatment. MHICM follows the VA’s modified version of Assertive Community Treatment, an evidence based practice. The MHICM team is comprised of a psychologist, social workers, nurses, and psychiatrist, most of whom serve as case managers. MHICM interventions are varied, tailored to each veteran’s needs, and include activities such medication management, encouraging compliance with treatment, assistance in learning daily living skills, assistance with housing and benefits issues, transportation, coordination with veterans’ families and other supportive resources, and coordination of care. Residents will participate in MHICM multidisciplinary team meetings and accompany the MHICM psychologists into the community on MHICM visits. Residents will develop skills in working with the severe and persistent mentally ill population, community-based provision of services, and multidisciplinary team functioning. The opportunity to participate in MHICM administrative experiences may also be available.

Psychosocial Rehabilitation and Recovery Center (PRRC) (Option for GMH Track Residents)

In this program, the resident will gain experience working with severe and persistent mental illness on an outpatient basis through group and individual interventions. Structured therapeutic and psychoeducational activites involving multiple disciplines are also available. Assessment and consultation activities are integrated into this opportunity.

Home-Based Primary Care Program

In this program, multidisciplinary care is provided to patients who are primarily homebound, with medical and behavioral health services provided. Care is provided in the patient's home and includes neuropsychological screening, brief psychotherapy, consultation, and environmental interventions.

Neuropsychology Evaluations

In this rotation, residents complete one assessment per week. The experience includes test selection, test administration (a psychology technician may be available for some testing needs), scoring, interpretation, and report writing. This process may also involve providing direct feedback to referring providers and/or Veterans and family members.

Primary Care-Mental Health Integration

PC-MHI offers brief, solution-focused care as part of the primary care team. The resident works alongside the PC-MHI psychologist in an apprenticeship model. Residents will be trained in conducting functional assessments, triage, measurement-based care, and targeted interventions. Residents will gain experience consulting and collaborating with primary care providers, nurses, and pharmacists to provide

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comprehensive healthcare.  Interventions target concerns related to physical ailments (e.g., chronic pain, treatment compliance), behavioral interventions for healthier lifestyles (e.g., smoking cessation, weight loss, sleep issues, etc.), and mild to moderate mental health symptoms. Residents will have the opportunity to implement specific interventions like Motivational Interviewing, Problem Solving Therapy, and Prolonged Exposure in Primary Care.

Mental Health Clinic (Option for SMI Track Resident)

This elective option provides the resident on the PRRC/MHICM track opportunity to gain exposure to general mental health populations. This rotation may include a combination of individual, group, and couples therapy, as well as possibility for additional assessment experience.

Assessment

The assessment elective provides the Postdoctoral Resident an opportunity to increase exposure to psychological assessment. This rotation will be in addition to the required 10 assessments expected of all Postdoctoral Residents. The resident will have the opportunity over the course of this 6-month rotation to complete 6-12 additional reports. Potential testing referrals (depending on availability and clinical need) include personality assessment, differential diagnosis, presurgical/transplant evaluations, brief cognitive screens, and transgender evaluations for surgery and/or hormone therapy.  The Assessment minor rotation will primarily take place in the Mental Health Clinic.

Integrated Pain Clinic

This rotation has exposure to CBT-CP, CBT-I, and ACT. Initial rotation involvement is a structured 8-week group protocol, a biopsychosocial approach, for various chronic pain-related self management goals; mindfulness/relaxation, anger management, physical pacing/activation, insomnia, engagement in pleasurable activities, and goal formation theory. The postdoctoral fellow will then deliver this framework to the individual clinic to formulate customized treatment plans within an interdisciplinary and interdepartmental context. Additional IPC experiences can include biofeedback, program development, program improvement research, and interdisciplinary treatment planning.

Elective Based on Personal Training Goals

In collaboration with the Training Director and supervising Staff Psychologist, the resident can engage in other clinical activities to meet personal training goals.

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Sample Postdoc Schedule – General Mental Health Track

12-month major rotation: Mental Health Clinic (MHC)6-month major rotation: Post-traumatic stress disorder clinical team (PCT)6-month major rotation: STOP

First 6-monthsTime Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

8:00-12:00

MHC Rotation PCT Rotation MHC Rotation

1st Minor Rotation

PCT Rotation

12:15-13:00Group

Supervision

13:00-14:00 Admin time/didactics

14:00-15:00 Didactics

15:00-16:00Psychology Meetings

16:00-16:30 Admin time

Second 6-monthsTime Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

8:00-12:00

STOP Rotation MHC Rotation STOP Rotation

2nd Minor Rotation

MHC Rotation

12:15-13:00Group

Supervision

13:00-14:00 Admin time/didactics

14:00-15:00 Didactics

15:00-16:00Psychology Meetings

16:00-16:30 Admin time

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*Please note – all schedules are subject to change

Sample Postdoc Schedule – Serious Mental Illness Track

12-month major rotation: MHICM & PRRC

First 6-monthsTime Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

8:00-12:00

MHICM/ PRRC

MHICM/ PRRC

MHICM/ PRRC

1st Minor Rotation

MHICM/ PRRC

12:15-13:00 Group Supervision

13:00-14:00 Admin time/didactics

14:00-15:00 Didactics

15:00-16:00Psychology Meetings

16:00-16:30 Admin time

Second 6-monthsTime Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

8:00-12:00

MHICM/ PRRC

MHICM/ PRRC

MHICM/ PRRC

2nd Minor Rotation

MHICM/ PRRC

12:15-13:00 Group Supervision

13:00-14:00 Admin time/didactics

14:00-15:00 Didactics

15:00-16:00Psychology Meetings

16:00-16:30 Admin time

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*Please note – all schedules are subject to change

Other Training Requirements Psychological Evaluation Component

During the rotation in the Mental Health Clinic, residents provide consultation services to health care providers throughout the Medical Center. Training activities include diagnostic evaluations and medical evaluations, with neuropsychology as an elective. If residents have specific interest in Compensation and Pension examinations, opportunities to conduct these examinations can be made available. Mental health assessment consists of clinical interviews and the use of various psychological tests to evaluate psychopathology. Primary tests include the PAI, MMPI-2, and self-report instruments. Cognitive assessment consists of clinical interviews, intelligence testing and neuropsychological screening and evaluation with the use of a variety of measures. The experience includes the entire evaluation process; i.e., test selection, test administration and scoring, clinical interviewing, test interpretation, diagnostic formulation, treatment recommendations, report writing, and providing direct feedback to the referral source, as well as to patients and family members. Residents are required to complete a minimum of 10 evaluations during the training year.

Competencies that are obtained and evaluated in the Psychological Evaluation Component of the residency include professional/ethical issues, assessment/diagnosis, and supervision. Emphasis is placed on the understanding of human diversity issues in psychological assessment. (Note that this residency does not meet the specialty training criteria for clinical neuropsychology.)

Program Development and Administration

Residents design, implement, and oversee at least one programmatic intervention aimed at improving patient care, psychology management activities, or medical center administration. This is an opportunity to develop a product or engage in quality improvement that will benefit the fellow as a developing psychologist, as well as improve functioning/patient care for the medical center.

Residents adopt an integrated approach to the activity that is based on empirically supported interventions. The specific projects that the residents develop are determined by the residents' professional interests and areas of expertise, the supervisor of the project, and approval by the training committee. Examples of activities completed by previous residents include integrating and assessing a motivational enhancement component into the Substance Abuse Residential Recovery Treatment Program; developing, conducting and evaluating a stress management program for the Kansas City VA employees; and conducting a program evaluation of the smoking cessation program.

Residents will work with one staff member who will be responsible for overseeing appropriate design, implementation, completion, and evaluation of this project. Other staff or programs may be involved in the intervention as well and may contribute input toward evaluation. Residents will be expected to present on their findings (often in poster format) near the end of the training year.

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Didactic Training Seminars

Psychology trainees are required to participate in weekly didactics that are presented by KCVA staff, both psychologists and non-psychologists. A schedule for these presentations will be provided during orientation week and may be adjusted as the training year progresses, if needed. These presentations include didactics that are designed to address specific multicultural issues. Each postdoctoral resident is required to present one professional presentation in the training year for psychology staff and trainees. This presentation will reflect a topic of the resident’s choosing after being approved by the Postdoctoral Training Director.

Psychology Staff Meeting

This monthly meeting takes place the first Thursday of each month from 1500-1600. The meeting is facilitated by the Psychology Executive and involves presentation and discussion of information of general interest to the psychology staff. All trainees are expected to attend this meeting.

Psychology Consultation Meeting

This monthly meeting takes place the second Thursday of each month from 1500-1600. The meeting is generally facilitated by the EBP coordinator or the psychology executive. Psychology staff and trainees meet to discuss specific cases, both psychotherapy and assessment and provide feedback/consultation. This includes formal case presentations for interns (2 per intern for the year), as well as a goal directed informal case consultation requirement for the postdoctoral residents (1 per postdoc for the year). Trainees have the opportunity to participate in these discussions, as well as listen to how staff discuss difficult cases and model consultation. Specifics about the VA EBP Program are also discussed here, as appropriate.

Monthly Training Meeting

This monthly meeting takes place the third Thursday of each month from 1500-1600. This meeting is co-facilitated by the Director of Postdoctoral Psychology Training and Director of Internship Psychology Training. All training staff are recommended to attend in order to discuss issues directly related to training. All trainees are expected to attend the majority of this meeting; however, the last portion of the meeting is saved for discussion of trainee progress, and trainees are excused at that time.

Multicultural Journal Club

This monthly meeting takes place the fourth Thursday of each month from 1500-1600. Psychology trainees are required to participate in a monthly multicultural journal discussion facilitated by a staff member. As much as possible, trainees will receive the materials to be used in discussion prior to the meeting. Trainees are expected to review these materials prior to the meeting, whenever possible. These materials and meetings are aimed at helping facilitate discussion about multicultural issues in clinical practice.

Group Supervision with the Training Directors

The Postdoctoral and/or Internship Training Director meets with all trainees (interns and postdoctoral residents) weekly, or more often if needed, in order to assure the smooth operation of the training program, to assist the trainees with any programmatic difficulties or questions, and to provide guidance towards professional development. Residents and Interns will have conjoined group supervision 3 out of 4 of the weeks, and then will meet separately for the other week of the month. Additionally, we may focus on supervision theory during these meetings, such as including role-playing supervision exercises, didactics, and processing of supervision cases.

Co-Therapy with Staff Psychologists

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Trainees have opportunities to co-facilitate group psychotherapy with staff psychologists.

**Other structured learning activities may be built into the training program over the course of the training year.

Requirements for Completion

In order to successfully complete the post-doctoral residency, residents must participate for the full designated year. In addition, the above competencies, program development project, clinical documentation and assessments, and required readings and assignments are expected to be completed.

The program expects all applicants to adhere to the highest professional standards and the current Ethical Standards published by the American Psychological Association.

Evidence-Based Trainings Throughout the training year, residents will be offered expanded three-day trainings to gain and/or strengthen competence in the following evidence-based treatments:

1. Cognitive Processing Therapy2. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia3. Prolonged Exposure Therapy4. Cognitive Bheavioral Therapy for Chronia Pain

Additional individual training in specific evidence-based treatments may be available upon request based on supervisor experience and approval.

Mentorship Program The Mentorship Program at the Kansas City VA Medical Center is designed to augment a trainee’s experience by providing an additional opportunity for support and professional development. Mentorship differs from supervision in several important ways. First, mentorship is intended to be non-evaluative. This has the benefits of ensuring a safe environment in which to explore personal concerns and allowing trainees to learn from staff members with whom they would not otherwise interact. Second, mentorship provides the opportunity to explore areas of professional development that are not directly related to a specific practice area. These may include culture, gender, parenthood, religion and spirituality, and self-care, among others.

Mentoring takes place less frequently than supervision. The frequency with which you meet will be agreed upon by you and your mentor, but is generally 3 to 12 times throughout the training year.

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Mentors are mutually chosen rather than assigned. In order to assist with choosing a mentor, biographies of staff members offering to serve as mentors will be provided to residents during orientation.

Kansas City VA Medical Center Benefits Facility and Training Resources

The Kansas City VA Medical Center has ample resources to support the Psychology Postdoctoral Training Program. Residents have private offices with personal computers that are fully integrated with the internet, the VA Central Office intranet, and the Medical Center's electronic patient record system. Psychology has current software for psychological assessment instruments that are frequently used and also has a Psychology Library which contains frequently used literature including empirically supported treatment manuals.

The KCVA has many other services that provide support to the Medical Center to which the residents have access. There is an eight-story Research and Education Wing that houses an active research program. The Medical Library subscribes to approximately 300 professional journals and has over 5,000 books and 500 audiovisual software items in its collection. Books and periodicals not in our collection can be borrowed from the library through an extensive inter-library loan network. Medical Media Service, utilizing television, photography, and illustration, produces presentations in all types of modalities for patient and staff education. This service also documents and produces audiovisual materials dealing with patient care, research efforts, public relations, and any other communicative efforts deemed important by the Medical Center. In addition, the Learning Resource Center provides health-related information to both staff and patients.

The KCVA is highly committed to staff wellness. A gymnasium exercise room is available to staff and trainees, and they frequently provide free personal training sessions. The off-site Honor Annex also offers free yoga sessions to staff on a regular basis. Educational and motivational classes related to nutrition and exercise are often provided.

Other special events on campus include a farmer’s market for veterans and local vendors, food truck Fridays during the summers, and employee appreciation lunches/events.

Administrative Policies and Procedures

KCVA Postdoctoral residents fall under the national leave policy found on the OAA web page (13 vacation days, 13 sick days, 10 federal holidays).

Up to forty hours of authorized absence for professional development may be granted for off-site educational workshops, seminars, and other approved training activities. Additionally, a resident may take up to 16 authorized absence hours for the psychology license exam (a day of preparation the day before and the day of the exam). Hours for such authorized absences are not charged to your leave.

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Residents are encouraged to discuss issues, concerns, and suggestions for improvement throughout the year with their supervisors and the Training Director. Evaluation and grievance procedures are outlined in the Psychology Postdoctoral Handbook and are discussed in full with residents during the first week of the program.

Training Staff Stephen Baich, Psy.D.Position: Acting Program Manager, Mental Health Intensive Case Management (MHICM)/Psychosocial Rehabilitation and Recovery Center (PRRC)Degree: Clinical Psychology, University of Hartford, 1999License: Missouri, KansasDr. Baich’s clinical interests include serious mental illness, recovery model, and program development. His primary orientation is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.

Karyn Bentley, Ph.D.Position: Primary Care-Mental Health IntegrationDegree: University of South Carolina, Clinical Psychology, 2001License: Missouri, KansasDr. Bentley serves as the psychologist in the PC-MHI rural CBOCs. Her clinical work and interests include psychological evaluation, diagnostics, and brief interventions. Prior to her current position, she worked for 11 years as a fee basis psychologist in the Compensation and Pension department of KCVAMC. She is a graduate of KCVAMC’s second psychology post-doctoral residency class in 2001-2002. She recently obtained a degree in American Sign Language-English interpreting and is passionate about ensuring that the Deaf Community has equal access to mental health services.

Thao Bui, Ph.D.Position: Staff Psychologist (Primary Care-Mental Health Integration)Degree: University of Kansas, Clinical Psychology, 2012License: WashingtonDr. Bui is a VA national consultant for Problem Solving Training in Primary Care (PST). She completed her internship at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center and the Telemental Health and Rural Outreach postdoctoral fellowship at the VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle. Dr. Bui is passionate about increasing access to care through PC-MHI, technology, and education. She has strong interests in treating anxiety disorders and PTSD. She serves on the KCVA Telemedicine Committee. She has published on the topics of telemental health and Veterans in Military Medicine, Training and Education in Professional Psychology, Psychological Services, Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Clinics of North America, Journal of Clinical Psychology and Telemedicine and e-Health, as well as several chapters in books. Her interests include food, socializing, trying new experiences, reading, hiking, and traveling. She has traveled to Iceland, France, Monaco, Germany, Kauai, Greece, Spain, and Switzerland.  

Janet Constance, Ph.D.Position: Staff Psychologist, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Clinical Team Degree:  Saint Louis University, Clinical Psychology, 2008Licenses: Missouri and New York

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Dr. Constance serves as a psychologist in the outpatient Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Clinical Team (PCT). Dr. Constance specializes in evidence-based treatment of PTSD, insomnia, and mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI)/concussion.  She enjoys providing supervision in the evidence-based protocols of Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Prolonged Exposure (PE), and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I). Dr. Constance’s research interests include psychotherapy duration, therapist self-disclosure, and mTBI in the veteran population.  She has published in The Clinical Neuropsychologist, Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation, and Journal of Contemporary Psychotherapy. Personally, she enjoys practicing yoga, reading psychological suspense novels, and spending time with her family.

Kristen Davis, Psy.D.Position: Postdoctoral Training Director, Outpatient SUD PsychologistDegree: Adler University, Clinical Psychology, 2010License: MissouriDr. Davis has completed VA training in Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Prolonged Exposure therapy (PE), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and Primary Care-Mental Health Integration (PC-MHI).  She also completed the VA geriatrics scholar program in 2018.  Dr. Davis worked in the KCVA rural CBOCs for over 5 year and helped pilot various tele-health mental health treatments before moving to her current position. Dr. Davis has previously worked as a Clinical Director of a rural community mental health clinic and intensive outpatient substance abuse CSTAR program. She has strong interests in treating addiction, PTSD, and sleep disorders.  In her spare time, she enjoys photography, teaching, playing trivia, and traveling the world.

Lauren Davis, Ph.D.Position: Staff Psychologist, Whole Health Degree: University of Iowa, Clinical Psychology, 2017License: Michigan Dr. Davis serves as a staff psychologist in the newly developed Whole Health program at the KCVA, which includes functioning as the facility’s Health Behavior Coordinator. In addition to expertise in general mental health, she has specialized experience in health psychology and integrated care, focusing on health behavior change and coping with chronic illness. She has training and expertise in Motivational Interviewing (MI), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Outside of work, Dr. Davis enjoys spending time with friends and family and watching Bravo.

George Dent, Ph.D.Position: Staff Psychologist, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Clinical TeamDegree: University of Missouri-Kansas City, Counseling Psychology, 2005.License: MissouriDr. Dent serves as a psychologist in the outpatient Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder treatment program (PCT). His interests include psychological assessment and cognitive therapy for post traumatic stress, affective, and anxiety disorders. In addition, Dr. Dent has an interest in psychotherapy and assessment with veterans that have experienced traumatic brain injury. Dr. Dent has had experience in working with individuals with substance use issues, aggression, and intimate partner violence. Dr. Dent has obtained training and experience in substance abuse treatment centers, outpatient and inpatient mental health, and college counseling centers. He also serves on the Behavioral Emergency Committee.

Drew Fowler, Ph.D.Position: Staff Psychologist, Mental Health ClinicDegree: Rosalind Franklin University, 2017License: KansasDr. Fowler serves as a staff psychologist in the Mental Health Clinic. Dr. Fowler joined the KCVA after completing his internship and fellowship at the Portland Oregon VA Health Care System. Although considered a generalist, he is specialized in working with trauma (complex, child trauma, combat, military sexual trauma), health psychology, and LGBTQ populations. He is certified in providing Cognitive

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Processing Therapy (CPT) and Interpersonal Therapy for Depression (IPT-D). Additionally, he has advanced training in Prolonged Exposure (PE), Motivational Interviewing (MI), CBT for Insomnia, and CBT for Chronic Pain. In addition to providing evidence-based treatments, Dr. Fowler also has a strong passion for using Schema Therapy and Cognitive Therapy techniques, and integrating components from ACT and Compassion-Focused Therapy to help individuals identify their own resilience characteristics. His personal interests include cooking, reading, exploring Kansas City, art events, drag queens, fan-snapping, and throwing shade.

Cassi Franklin, Ph.D.Position: Practicum Coordinator, Outpatient SUD PsychologistDegree: University of Kansas, Counseling Psychology, 2017License: KansasDr. Franklin serves as a psychologist in the outpatient STOP program. Her primary clinical interest is in the provision of evidence-based psychotherapy interventions. She has received training in Prolonged Exposure (PE), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I), and Skills Training in Affective and Interpersonal Regulation (STAIR), and has VA provider status in Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT). She is passionate about training, and serves as the Practicum Coordinator. She supervises practicum students in the STOP clinic, as well as intern level assessment cases. She has focused her recent program development efforts in two areas: improving Veteran engagement and clinic flow, and increasing multicultural competency education within VA psychology training programs. Dr. Franklin completed a postdoctoral fellowship in PTSD treatment at the Washington DC VA Medical Center in their Trauma Services Program, and her doctoral internship at the Kansas City VA Medical Center. Dr. Franklin enjoys spending time with her family, playing board games, cuddling with her dog, and exploring museums.

Casaundra Harbaugh, Ph.D.Position: SARRTP PsychologistDegree: Ohio State University, Clinical Psychology, 2014License: MissouriDr. Harbaugh serves as a staff psychologist on the Substance Abuse Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Program (SARRTP) team, where she works with individuals working towards recovery from substance use and co-occurring mental health disorders. She completed her postdoctoral residency at KCVA in 2015.  Dr. Harbaugh has training in Prolonged Exposure (PE) therapy and Cognitive Processing Therapy for PTSD, as well as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I), Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET), and Motivational Interviewing (MI).  Additionally, she has received training in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Marlatt’s Relapse Prevention (RP).  Dr. Harbaugh also has interests in the area of program development.  Outside of work, Dr. Harbaugh enjoys spending time with her husband, young son, and 2 giant dogs (a Great Dane and an Irish Wolfhound).

Nicholas B. Heinecke, Psy.D.University: Nova Southeastern University, 2009Licensed Psychologist in ArizonaClinical Psychologist, Post traumatic Stress Disorder Unit (PCT Supervisor)Theoretical Orientation: Dr. Heinecke’s orientation is primarily cognitive-behavioral while integrating evidenced based therapies. These include Prolonged Exposure, Cognitive Processing Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Imagery Rehearsal Therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. Dr. Heinecke’s approach in treatment is to utilize these approaches to help the patient address “stuck points” in their recovery on emotional, behavioral, and cognitive levels.  Professional Interests/Research: Dr. Heinecke is an avid runner who enjoys the challenge of training and racing in full and half-marathons. Although he would love to claim interest in impressive intellectual pursuits, he generally spends evenings and weekends being drug around by his dogs and following his favorite teams from Minnesota and Miami. Professionally, his interests are in the integration of empirically supported therapies, program evaluation, and supervision/training

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Suzanne Hilleary, Ph.D.Position: Staff Psychologist, Mental Health Clinic Degree: Fuller Graduate School of Psychology at Fuller Seminary, 2010License: California Dr. Hilleary serves as a staff psychologist in the Mental Health Clinic. In addition to expertise in general mental health, she has specialized experience in working with women Veterans, military sexual trauma, and LGBTQ populations. Dr. Hilleary previously worked as the director of Women’s Mental Health at the Long Beach VA in Long Beach, California. She is a certified VA Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) provider and a certified Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) provider. She also has training and expertise in the provision of Prolonged Exposure (PE), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). She completed her internship at the Long Beach VA and is formally trained as a neuropsychologist, having completed a two-year neuropsychology fellowship at the Loma Linda VA. Dr. Hilleary recently relocated to the Kansas City area from the west coast. She misses the ocean and mountains, but is happy to be back in her hometown and closer to extended family. She enjoys spending time with her spouse, daughter, and pup.

Amber Hinton-Dampf, Ph.D.Position: Assistant Training Director, Home-Based Primary Care (HBPC) Psychologist, Psychology Internship Training DirectorDegree: University of Missouri-Kansas City, Clinical Psychology, 2013License: MissouriDr. Hinton-Dampf serves as a psychologist in the Home Based Primary Care Program and the Internship Training Director. Dr. Hinton-Dampf specializes in evidence-based treatment, including exposure based therapies and brief interventions such as Motivational Interviewing (MI), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia and Chronic Pain (CBT-I; CBT-CP), etc. Dr. Hinton-Dampf has completed VA training in Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Chronic Pain (CBT-CP), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I), and is a national consultant and trainer for CBT-CP. Dr. Hinton-Dampf completed a VA internship and residency. She values education and enjoys teaching as an adjunct instructor outside of her VA tour. She has published in the American Journal of Pharmaceutical Education and the European Journal of Educational Psychology. Dr. HD values spending time with her family (husband and two kiddos). She loves sports, especially baseball/softball (watching, coaching, playing), karaoke, and purchasing large amounts of things in the color teal-ish (AKA HD blue).

Shannon M Huebert, Ph.D.Position: Home Based Primary Care – Program DirectorDegree: University of Denver, Counseling Psychology, 2004License: KansasDr. Huebert is the Home Based Primary Care – Program Director.  She joined VHA in 2009 as a staff psychologist in the Psychosocial Rehabilitation and Recovery Center.  In 2012, she was hired as the VA’s Health Behavior Coordinator.  In this role, Dr. Huebert served as the lead clinical consultant to the medical center on patient-centered communication skills.  She was instrumental in the implementation of the Opioid Safety Initiative and provided coaching to Patient Aligned Care Teams (PACT) on a variety of access related initiatives and process improvement projects.  In 2017 she was selected as the facility’s High Reliability Organization (HRO) Specialist. In this position, Dr. Huebert facilitated the integration of systems redesign, patient safety and quality improvement to move the medical center towards a Just Culture with zero patient harm. She completed the VISN 15 Leadership, Effectiveness, Accountability and Development (LEAD) program in 2014 and the VA Leadership (LVA) Program in 2016.  Dr. Huebert was appointed the Project Manager and led the team to complete a project on same-day access to cardiology. She has received advanced training in Motivational Interviewing and recently completed a certificate in Healthcare Information Systems. She is certified VA Lean Green Belt.  Outside of work, Shannon enjoys yoga, traveling and is an avid connoisseur of live music.

Brent Kenney, Ph.D.Position: Psychology Executive and MHC PsychologistDegree: Clinical Psychology, The University of Texas at Austin, 2010

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License: KansasDr. Kenney specializes in evidence-based treatment including Problem-Solving Therapy (PST), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), exposure and response prevention, and time-limited interventions such as Motivational Interviewing (MI) and brief solution focused services offered in interdisciplinary medical settings. He is a National Register Health Service Psychologist. He is passionate about exploring mental health professionals’ roles as leaders in system-change and building professional networks within the medical center and with community stakeholders. He has been involved in supervision in the VA since 2013 and enjoys providing mentorship on professional identify development across early, mid, and later career phases. His interests include travel and exploring new places closer to home and spending time with his wife, four year old son, one year old Goldendoodle, and five year old Dachshund rescue.

An Le, Psy.D.Position: Home Based Primary Care (HBPC) PsychologistDegree: Clinical Psychology, California School of Professional Psychology, 2002License: Missouri, KansasDr. Le serves as a psychologist in the Home Based Primary Care Clinic, serving Veterans in the northland, along the I-70 corridor, and surrounding rural areas. She completed her postdoctoral training at the Kansas City VA Medical Center. She has experience in conducting research with veterans diagnosed with psychotic disorders, PTSD, and mood disorders.  She has completed VA training in Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I), Strengths At Home (SAH), Skills Training in Affective and Interpersonal Relationships (STAIR), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Chronic Pain (CBT-CP), and is currently in consultation for Problem Solving Training (PST). She also has been involved in grant writing for HIV testing and Stand Down. She also served as the Military Sexual Trauma (MST) Coordinator in the past and has worked in Compensation & Pension (C&P), Psychosocial Rehabilitation and Recovery Center (PRRC), Mental Health Intensive Case Management (MHICM) and the Mental Health Outpatient Clinic (MHC).

Ian Lynam, Ph.D.Position: Staff Psychologist (Excelsior Springs Outpatient Clinic)Degree: University of Missouri-Kansas City, 2010License: MissouriDr. Lynam serves as a Primary Care and General Mental Health Clinician at the Excelsior Springs Outpatient Clinic and provides services to the Cameron Outpatient Clinic via telemedicine. His primary orientation is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with training and interests in Cognitive Processing Therapy and Prolonged Exposure for PTSD and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia. He enjoys reading sci-fi books, playing board games, and spends time coaching his kids rec sports teams.

Charlotte McCloskey, Ph.D.Position: Local Recovery Coordinator, Staff Psychologist, Mental Health ClinicDegree: University of Missouri- Columbia, 2008License: KansasDr. McCloskey is the KCVAMC Local Recovery Coordinator, which is an administrative position that provides support to all of Mental Health Services including working closely with Veteran Peer Support Specialists and Veteran consumers.  Her role also focuses on helping reduce stigma surrounding mental illness and reducing barriers to effective treatments for Mental Health. She has clinical duties in multiple departments including PRRC and the Mental Health Clinic. She has been involved with KCVA Psychology Training since 2013 and is currently on the Multicultural Committee and Executive Training Committee. Dr. McCloskey has interests in research and assessment, as well as special interests in issues related to diversity. She has VA provider status in Prolonged Exposure for PTSD, Cognitive Processing Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia, and Interpersonal Psychotherapy for Depression.  Dr. McCloskey’s theoretical orientation is integrative and reflects multicultural awareness, psychodynamic and Cognitive Behavioral Theory. Dr. McCloskey received her postdoctoral training at the Kansas City VA Medical Center and has also previously worked in the KCVAMC Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Clinical Team (PCT). She is also an active member of the American Psychological Association, serving in

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Division 18, Psychologist in Public Service – VA Section, the APA Committee for Women in Psychology, as well as the Society of Indian Psychologists.

Thomas V. Palma, Ph.D.Position: Home-Based Primary Care (HBPC) PsychologistDegree: University of Missouri-Kansas CityLicense: MissouriDr. Palma serves as a psychologist in the Home Based Primary Care Program, and on the Palliative Care Team at the KCVA.  His work includes brief individual intervention, team consultation, and outpatient treatment planning.  He has VA provider status in Cognitive Processing Therapy, and employs Interpersonal and Cognitive Behavioral methods in his work with Veterans.

Zachary K. Parrett, Psy.D.Position: Suicide Prevention CoordinatorDegree: University of Indianapolis, Clinical Psychology – 2011License: KansasAcademic Appointments: University of Kansas Medical Center, Department of PsychiatryDr. Parrett is the Suicide Prevention Coordinator at the KCVAMC, specializing in the assessment of risk for suicide amongst the Veteran population, helping to coordinate empowered mental healthcare, and providing education and outreach to the Kansas City community regarding Veteran suicide. Dr. Parrett trained in pediatric neuropsychology and medical rehabilitation. In all of his off time, he enjoys finding adventures in Kansas City with his kiddos and traveling the lesser known paths around town.

Daryl Richey, Ph.D.Position: Program Manager – Primary Care Mental health IntegrationDegree: University of Missouri – Kansas City 1995License: MissouriDr. Richey is the program manager for the primary Care – Mental health Integration program. He has long-term interest in brief approaches to psychotherapy. PCMHI practice includes therapy for self-management of chronic health conditions, substance misuse, problem-solving therapy, and negotiating life change.

Sarah Shouse, Ph.D.Position: Staff Psychologist (Primary Care-Mental Health Integration)Degree: University of Missouri-Kansas City, Counseling Psychology, 2009License: MissouriDr. Shouse has worked in medical settings since finishing her clinical training in the VA system. She enjoys working as part of an interdisciplinary team, delivering brief interventions, assisting patient with health and behavioral change, and providing supervision. She has completed the VA certification in Motivational Interviewing. When not at work, she enjoys taking photos of nature or her 2 adorable children. Other interests include reading, attending concerts, traveling, and watching KU basketball.

Dean R. Skadeland, Psy.D.Position: NeuropsychologyDegree: Florida Institute of Technology, Clinical Psychology, 1987.License: Missouri, Kansas.Academic Appointments: University of Kansas Medical Center-Department of Psychiatry, University of Missouri Medical School-Department of Psychiatry, University of Kansas- Departments of Clinical and Counseling Psychology, and University of Missouri, Kansas City-Department of Clinical Psychology. Dr. Skadeland is the neuropsychologist at the KCVAMC. His interests include neuropsychological assessment, projectives, spiritual issues, and researching his 1000 year old Viking heritage.

Timothy Streitwieser, Psy.D.Position: Pain Clinic Program ManagerDegree: Clinical Psychology, Spalding University

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License: Arkansas Dr. Streitwieser is the Director of the Integrated Pain Clinic. He received his doctorate from Spalding University with an emphasis on behavioral health intervention, chronic disease management, and primary care psychology. Beyond health psychology, Dr. Streitwieser enjoys program development, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), outcome based research, and is active with several hospital-wide committees. His personal interests include church-related activities, accordion-based music, and cooking on the Big Green Egg.

Jennifer Swaim, Ph.D., BCB. Position: Pain Psychologist in Integrated Pain Clinic (IPC) Degree: Counseling Psychology, Iowa State University License(s): Iowa, Tennessee, Missouri (pending) Dr. Swaim is a health psychologist with primary clinical interests in pain management and biomedical ethics, and all forms of health behavior change. She completed her internship in health psychology at the Cleveland VA. She is board certified in general biofeedback, and an Approved Consultant with American Society for Clinical Hypnosis. She recently completed an MBA in health care, and joined the KCVA after working abroad in the Caribbean. Her outside interests include volunteering with her therapy-assist canine Luna, playing the harp in a local community symphony, any form of travel, and creative writing.

Douglas B. Vaughan, Ph.D.Position: Staff Psychologist, Mental Health ClinicDegree: Rosemead School of Psychology, Clinical Psychology, 1986License: Missouri.Dr. Vaughan has years of experience as a psychologist across a variety of outpatient, inpatient, and private practice settings, and as a consultant for SSDI Disability Determination. He served as the Evidence-Based Psychotherapy Coordinator and C&P provider for the West Texas VAMC Mental Health Service for 4 years before coming to the KCVA in 2013. He has been trained as a VA provider in Motivational Interviewing, CPT, CBT-D, and CBT-D group. Besides the CBT-D group, he also conducts STAIR for PTSD and CBT for Anger Management groups. He has also been trained in CBT-I. His interests include the integration of psychology and theology, travel with his wife, beach vacations, military history, an occasional triathlon, and traditional archery.

Previous Trainee InformationDate Program Professional Activity after Completion

2018-2019 University of Missouri-Columbia VA Medical CenterUniversity of Southern Mississippi VA Medical CenterFordham University-Lincoln Center Private Teaching Hospital

2017-2018 University of Saint Thomas (MN) VA Medical CenterAdler University VA Medical CenterEast Tennessee State University Professor at a Medical Training Hospital

2016-2017 University of Georgia Private PracticeUniversity of Kansas University/Academic Position

2015-2016 University of Missouri-Kansas City VA Medical CenterUniversity of Kansas VA Medical CenterSpalding University VA Medical Center

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2014-2015 University of Kansas VA Medical CenterOhio State University VA Medical Center

2013-2014 University of Missouri-Kansas City VA Medical CenterUniversity of Missouri-Kansas City University/Academic Position

2012-2013 UT Southwestern Medical Center Private PracticeFlorida Institute of Technology VA Medical Center

2011-2012 University of Missouri-Kansas City VA Medical CenterUniversity of South Dakota State Medical Facility

2010-2011 University of Denver State Correctional FacilityGeorge Fox University Private Rehabilitation Hospital

2009-2010 University of Missouri – Kansas City Specialty Physician's ClinicSt. Louis University VA Medical Center

2008-2009 University of Kansas VA Medical CenterUniversity of Missouri VA Medical Center

2007-2008 University of Kansas VA Medical Center Idaho State University VA Medical Center

2006-2007 Washington State University VA Medical Center Virginia Consortium Program VA Medical Center

2005-2006 Tennessee State University VA Medical Center University of Kansas VA Medical Center

2004-2005 Baylor University Private Practice West Virginia University Hospital-based

2003-2004 University of Kansas Private Practice University of Kansas Group Private Practice

Kansas City Area Information

General Information

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Kansas City is located on the western boundary of Missouri. The present population of the metropolitan area (which includes Kansas City, KS, Kansas City, MO, Kansas City North, Independence, and suburban areas) is over 1.7 million. Kansas City is a city of culture, with its international airport, modern hotels, auditoriums, sophisticated retail stores and shops, and varied nightlife. Kansas City has a world-renowned country club residential district considered to be a model of city planning.

Educational Facilities

Educational institutions of greater Kansas City include the University of Missouri at Kansas City, the University of Kansas Medical Center, the Kansas City Art Institute and School of Design, three graduate religious seminaries, excellent junior colleges, numerous public schools and parochial schools, academies and institutions. Several mental health organizations in the community provide opportunities for quality continuing education programs.

Recreational Facilities

The recreational needs of the area are met by ample facilities and activities. Kansas City maintains a system of 108 parks, covering 7,030 acres. Swope Park, the largest of many renowned parks, consists of picturesque picnic grounds, a zoo, colorful gardens, tennis courts, golf course, and the famed Starlight Theater. The newly renovated Union Station offers Science City (an interactive science exhibit), movies, shopping, and restaurants. Two large amusement parks, Worlds of Fun and Oceans of Fun, provide amusement rides and water attractions. These entertainment parks along with the Ozarks a couple of hours to the south draw many tourists to the area each year.

The Kansas City Chiefs of the NFL, the Kansas City Royals baseball club of the American League, the Attack (indoor) and the Sporting (outdoor) soccer clubs, and the Kansas Speedway NASCAR race track combine with several top flight collegiate competitive events such as basketball, tennis, and track to offer the sports fan a varied and entertaining assortment of diversions. The full spectrum of participating sports is also available to residents. Kansas City is proud of its top quality rodeo and the annual American Royal Livestock and Horse Show, as well as the annual BBQ Cook offs.

Cultural attractions include the Kauffman Performing Arts Center, Missouri Repertory Theater, the Sprint Center, the Power and Light District (a new concept entertainment center), the Lyric Opera, Kansas City Symphony, Kansas City Ballet, and several dinner theaters. The Nelson Gallery of Art and the Mary Atkins Museum of Fine Arts rank with the country's best.      For more information on the Kansas City area, please visit:

https://www.visitkc.com/visitors/things-do

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World War I Museum, Kansas City, MO

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