Introduction of a clinical psychology intern program to a rural mental health Service

• Published in: Australian psychologist Vol. 37; no. 2; pp. 129 - 134
• Main Authors: Murray, Greg, Hodgins, Gene, Judd, Fiona, Jackson, Henry, Davis, Julian
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford, UK Blackwell Publishing Ltd 01.07.2002
• Subjects: Access; Australia; Clinical experience; Clinical psychology; Clinical teaching (Health professions); Continuing professional education; Evaluation; Graduate medical education; Graduates; Health services; Higher education; Internship programs; Mental health; Mental health clinics; Mental health services; Mental illness; Professional training; Psychologists; Psychology; Rural areas; Rural conditions; Australia
• ISSN: 0005-0067; 1742-9544
• DOI: 10.1080/00050060210001706776

Specialist clinical psychology skills have become increasingly rare in public mental health services. This lack is particularly problematic in rural and regional Australia, where psychology services of any kind are difficult to access. One model for the reintroduction of these skills is to employ later-year clinical psychology postgraduate trainees under supervision. This model has the advantage of encouraging evidence-based interventions integrated with an emphasis on professional development, evaluation, and applied research. This paper describes the development, implementation and evaluation of a clinical psychology intern program within a regional area mental health service. The information presented will be useful for other services considering the introduction of these skills using this model. [Author abstract, ed]