The University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School & Worcester Recovery Center and Hospital
Post-Doctoral Fellowship in Serious Mental Illness
The UMass Chan-WRCH Training Program has a long history of preparing emerging psychologists to assume professional employment within public sector settings that address the needs of people with serious mental illness. The Training Program began in 1922 at the former Worcester State Hospital (now Worcester Recovery Center and Hospital), and the doctoral psychology internship has been continuously accredited by the American Psychological Association since 1957. Recognizing the need for additional training pathways for psychologists interested in careers in the public sector system, particularly psychologists of diverse racial, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds, the Training Committee recently developed a proposal for a post-doctoral fellowship in SMI Psychology. In 2023, the Program was awarded funding by the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health (DMH), and we are currently welcoming applications for our second cohort beginning July 2025.
During the training year, approximately 70% of the fellow’s time will be dedicated to SMI inpatient rotations at WRCH. Most individuals hospitalized at WRCH have been ordered for evaluation and treatment under court order. In addition to the admission evaluation units, there are units for continuing care treatment, D/deaf/hard of hearing patients, and those with complex medical needs. Responsibilities will include:
- Specialized evaluations for risk of violence, suicide, and fire setting.
- Consulting with Department of Mental Health risk evaluators about individuals with more serious histories of violent crime or sexually problematic behavior.
- Providing individual and group psychotherapy using CBT, MI, Relapse Prevention Planning, Dual Recovery Treatment, and/or Cognitive Rehabilitation Therapy.
- Assessment and treatment of first-episode psychotic episodes
- Conducting full batteries of cognitive and personality / performance based psychological tests for diagnostic formulation and treatment / discharge planning.
- Supervising interns and practicum students in the UMass Chan Psychology Internship and Practicum Programs.
Additional training opportunities will be available for approximately 20% of the fellow’s time in one of several emphasis areas. These options may include:
- Adult Outpatient Psychology
- Addictions Psychology
- Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports (PBIS)
- Transitional Age Youth
The final 10% of the fellow’s time will be dedicated to didactics, DEIB programming, and research. Didactics will cover psychopathology and psychopharmacology, cultural humility and competent treatment and assessment, professional development, and other topics of particular relevance to working with SMI populations. Research skills with SMI populations are also important for any psychologist aiming to work in public sector settings, and each fellow will be required to complete a research project during their fellowship year under the guidance of program supervisors.
Fellows in SMI Psychology will be employees of UMass Chan Medical School. Fellows will receive a stipend of $56,484, a choice of employee health insurance plans (cost varies), and a professional stipend to use toward EPPP costs, educational materials, conference travel, or other approved professional needs. All fellows will also be provided with 80 hours (10 days) of vacation time, 14 paid holidays, and sick time.
The deadline for applications is January 10, 2025, at 11:59pm EST. Please see the program’s website (https://www.umassmed.edu/psychiatry/education/psychology_programs/postdoctoral-psychology-fellowships/) for further information about the fellowship and for application instructions. Questions and applications can be addressed to Dr. Heidi Putney at heidi.putney@umassmed.edu.