Learn more about these core rotations that are included in the one-year training program.
Clinical Child Outpatient Clinic
Supervisor(s): Dr. Jim Schroeder, Dr. Emma Nicholls, Dr. Brooke Frazer, Dr. Lynnette Neu
Length: Yearlong
The clinical child outpatient clinic takes place at Easterseals Rehabilitation Center (ESRC). ESRC has a longstanding reputation of providing the highest quality care to youth and adults in both an outpatient and residential setting. It offers a number of programs, including therapy (e.g., speech/language, occupational, physical, audiology), residential services for adults with severe disabilities, early childhood education, psychology services, assistive technology, and aquatic programs. ESRC is affiliated with national Easterseals organization, but is locally run and operated not-for-profit. It is strongly supported by many individuals and organizations in the community, and will provide services to anyone regardless of financial abilities.
The outpatient psychology clinic at ESRC offers outpatient evaluation, assessment, and therapy services. Clinicians specialize in the treatment of mood, anxiety, trauma-related, behavioral, familial, relational, and personality disorders in addition other areas. Youth are evaluated for a variety of diagnostic questions, including autism spectrum, learning disabilities, ADHD, affective disorders, and other developmental concerns.
Interns on this rotation perform clinical interviews and diagnostic assessments, provide individual and family psychotherapy, receive individual supervision, and may have the opportunity to work and supervise undergraduate students. Clients range from ages 2-17, come from a variety of backgrounds, and are physician referred.
Interdisciplinary Evaluation Clinic
Supervisor: Dr. Jim Schroeder, Dr. Emma Nicholls, Dr. Brooke Frazer, Dr. Lynnette Neu
Length: Yearlong
The interdisciplinary evaluation clinic takes place at ESRC. The clinic focuses on utilizing a multi-disciplinary assessment approach to provide comprehensive diagnostic assessments to children between the ages of 4-17. Interns will work as part of a team, which includes an occupational therapist, speech/language therapist, and audiologist. A half-day assessment will be done by the team on Monday and Tuesday, and the interns will meet with the team on the following Thursday morning to discuss the results of the evaluation. Interns will organize a team report with information from all disciplines and provide feedback to the parents after this is completed.
Early Childhood Assessment Rotation
Supervisor(s): Dr. Jim Schroeder
Length: 4 months
The early childhood rotation will take place at ESRC. The rotation will focus on providing evaluation and assessment services for children ages 0-5. Clients will be referred through ESRC and the community for psychological concerns that may coincide with other developmental issues. The focus of this service line is to provide early identification and assessment of key problem areas that can prevent more serious issues from developing and opening access to needed services/interventions at a time in which research indicates that the most gains can be made.
Early Intervention Rotation
Supervisor: Dr. Brooke Frazer
Length: 4 months
The focus of this intervention is to provide early identification and intervention for youth with social-emotional and behavioral difficulties. This rotation will occur at the Easterseals Early Learning Center (ELC) and at the main Easterseals building. Clients will either be existing students at ELC or current clients of medical therapists (e.g., OT, PT, ST). The focus will be twofold. One, utilizing in-class and other means of initial screening/assessment to identify causes of emotional/behavioral difficulties. Two, employing the use of Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) techniques under the supervision of Dr. Brooke Frazer, who is nationally certified in this area.
Pediatric Group Therapy Services
Supervisor: Dr. Emma Nicholls
Length: 4 months
The pediatric group services rotation is located in ESRC. Youth ages 5-19 are referred from the community or in the center for group services due to various conditions, including ADHD, autism spectrum, chronic illness, and anxiety concerns. Interns utilize a closed group, age-specific format in conjunction with empirically-supported group treatments to provide group services to clients and their parents.
Adult Residential/Mental Health Services
Supervisor: Dr. Jim Schroeder, Dr. Emma Nicholls, Dr. Brooke Frazer, Dr. Lynnette Neu
Length: Yearlong
The adult residential/mental health services rotation is located within ESRC. ESRC residential services have a reputation of delivering the highest-quality, most compassionate services to those with intellectual disabilities (and other psychological, physical complications) in the community. Adults referred from ESRC residential housing or Waiver services are provided with direct intervention designed to improve social skills, improve behavioral management, and increase emotional regulation. All referred adults have a documented intellectual disability, and often have other physical or psychological comorbid conditions. Empirically-supported treatments derived from Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) specifically designed for adults with intellectual disabilities will be used. In addition to direct service, interns will also work with staff to improve their ability to work with residents in improving a number of social-emotional outcomes, including reduction of behavioral outbursts, improved conflict resolution, and increased emotional control. Finally, interns will work with staff on utilizing research-supported techniques to improve self-care, especially in managing the inherent stressors of working in a residential facility.
Interns will also receive outpatient referrals from physicians in the community for adults with general mental health concerns. This includes, but is not limited to, anxiety, depression, family related issues, and trauma. Focus will be on utilizing cognitive-behavioral, insight-oriented, and systems-based approaches to reduce concerns and improve functionality and quality of life.
