The pre-doctoral internship in psychology at Cherokee Health Systems (CHS) provides generalist training that prepares students for the practice of professional psychology in a behaviorally enhanced health care home.  As both a federally qualified health center and a community mental health center, CHS serves an increasingly diverse population with a variety of behavioral health needs, allowing the program to offer a variety of clinical training experiences.

The program accepts four interns each year with the primary goal being to provide an intensive and diverse clinical training experience within an integrated community health setting. Because CHS provides progressive and broad-based health services, interns gain exposure to a unique range of clinical training opportunities, including integrated primary behavioral care, psychosocial rehabilitation, as well as traditional outpatient mental health care.  The variety of clinical experiences within a community health setting facilitates professional competency in a range of arenas, including:

1. Clinical Skills:  Application of theory and research to clinical practice; psychological assessment and diagnostic skills; intervention skills; treatment planning; case conceptualization skills; supervision
2. Integrated Services Delivery:  Professional consultation skills; interface in multidisciplinary setting; primary care psychology
3. Sensitivity to individual and cultural diversity in professional work
4. Ethical standards in clinical practice
5. Professional Development: Professional conduct and growth; self-awareness; public advocacy