Hugh S. Smith, Ph.D. & Associates, P.C.

Predoctoral Internship in Professional Psychology:

Click here to view a .pdf copy of Internship Manual

Hugh S. Smith, Ph.D. & Associates, P.C., strives to provide a planned, sequential training program that contributes to ongoing excellence in the field of psychology. Based on a “scientist-practitioner” model we serve to deliver training based upon sound research, outcome measures and use of accepted, normed assessment tools. We strive to provide an organized training program that follows a sequence of training experiences, each building upon previously acquired skills.

Our primary focus is to afford the trainee a wide array of clinical experiences as well as opportunities for in-depth learning and professional development in one or more areas in which the trainee has interest. A core area of emphasis of the internship, and one of the cornerstones of our organization, involves psychological assessment, and the intern will be able to hone skills in general psychological assessment, as well as develop specialty areas of assessment involving specific clinical syndromes and populations. Training is also able to encompass individual and group psychotherapy, and psychological consultation services.

We strive to embrace the different areas of strength and interest of each intern, and promote flexibility in the training program. In addition to a core skill set that forms the background of the program, interns are encouraged to meet individually with the Internship Director, in the development of an individualized program that allows them to further develop their professional identity in the field of clinical psychology that is most consistent with their chosen professional path. Interns will be guided in maintaining a high level of professionalism and ethics in services provided. The didactic seminar series integrates advanced trainings in assessment measures, areas of clinical competency, cultural awareness and ethical concerns. The seminar series further incorporates areas in need of additional training as identified by the interns and supervisors. Furthermore, within the educational series, the interns are required to provide a clinical case presentation as well as lead a discussion on a research based topic to foster professional development and growth.

While the bulk of the nternship training experiences, including supervision and didactic seminars,occur at the central office of Hugh S. Smith Ph.D. & Associates, P.C., in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, there is opportunity for gaining additional experiences through area agencies such as mental health providers and Juvenile Justice System. While seeing clients at these sites, the interns remain under the supervision of the internship supervisors at Hugh S. Smith Ph.D. & Associates, P.C.