Psychology Training Program

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The ECDA Doctoral Psychology Practicum Program provides practicum trainees with clinical experience and training to become well-rounded and highly skilled mental health professionals in community mental health. Through a multicultural lens, clinicians have the opportunity to provide an array of clinical services to underserved populations with a wide range of clinical diagnoses, mental health issues (e.g. intergenerational trauma, domestic violence, child abuse, and impact of substance abuse in families) and confounding environmental stressors, such as immigration status, low socioeconomic status, and homelessness. The practicum focuses on further developing competency in assessment/evaluation, diagnoses, and clinical treatment to mental health disorders and socioemotional problems in children, adolescents, adults, and their families. We emphasize the importance of cultural humility and being culturally responsive, putting it in the forefront of our conceptualizations and clinical understanding. These clinical skills, ultimately, can be used in any clinical setting in the future.

Program Details:

Practicum Year: New cohorts begin practicum in August. There is also a 2-week onboarding and orientation process prior to the start of the practicum year.

Commitment: 12-month practicum required, depending on the training requirements of the student’s university. 20 hours per week of availability required, spread out over 3 days (Monday, Wednesdays, and Fridays) and Wednesdays are typically designated training days.

Supervision: 2-hour clinical group supervision and 1 hour individual supervision provided weekly.

Didactic Training: 1 hour weekly on various clinical topics related to community mental health and/or case conference presentations.

Assessment Seminar: 1 hour monthly to review psychological assessment cases and discuss components of the testing process.

Location: Clinical services are hybrid, some are in-person (e.g. office visits, in the community, and/or school based) and some are provided via telehealth. Schedule flexibility is required in order to meet the needs of our clients.

Direct and Indirect Services

Our comprehensive mental health services cater to individuals from birth to age 64, offering both direct and indirect clinical support. Practicum trainees gain hands-on experience in various areas, including:

Individual Therapy (young children, children, adolescents, and adults)

Family Therapy

Psychological Assessment

Clinical Case Management

Multidisciplinary Teaming

We emphasize a multifaceted approach that values collaboration, community, and cultural sensitivity, ensuring holistic care for our clients.

How to apply

El Centro De Amistad is a member of the Southern California Association of Psychology Training Programs (SCAPTP – https://scaptp.org/ ) We accept both SCAPTP students and non-SCAPTP students. For SCAPTP students, please register with SCAPTP and enroll in the matching process. For non-SCAPTP students, please email Dr. Tiffany Ortiz, Doctoral Psychology Training Coordinator, for more information.

Doctoral Psychology Training Program:

Dr. Tiffany Ortiz (PSY32501)

Licensed Clinical Psychologist

Office: 818-898-0223 ext 143

Fax: 818-361-5384

E-mail: tiffany.o@ecda.org