Supervisors will meet with Interns weekly to review ongoing cases and provide support for learning and professional growth. Our patient population reflects the community of Yakima and represents higher percentages of Latinx heritage and many Spanish-speaking clients/families. Depression, Anxiety, and Trauma are often presenting problems with significant presentations of behavioral issues and family difficulties. Interns will be working with clients and also facilitating team based care, and navigating family and other systems to address and provide evidence based care for these conditions. 

Example supervised experiences (as listed by APPIC):

Our client population includes the following breakdown (44.8% Latinx population, 42.7% Caucasian, 2.5% Asian/Pacific Islander, 1.7% Black, and 1.4% Native American). We serve patients across the full lifespan including 46.8% patients 18 younger than 18 years , 46.7 for patients 18-64, and 6.5% who are 65 years or older. In regards in education we serve a large percentage of migrant families who have have a high school degree or less for education attainment.

There is a shortage of behavioral health services in counties served by YVFWC, with a higher unmet need in the Yakima County service area. In addition, there is considerable stigma related to mental health services in our area impacts our population’s desire to pursue treatment.

 James Maxson Psy.D.

Dr. Maxson has been trained with a specialty in children and adolescents and have supervised several licensed therapists at YVFWC for the past several years. Dr. Maxson also has provided supervision for several psychological residents in the state of Montana seeking licensure. Dr. Maxson has been trained in providing psychological assessments and was administering full battery’s at Shodair Children’s Hospital in Montana for several years before starting at YVFWC.

YVFWC believes that hiring qualified individuals to fill positions contributes to the overall strategic success of the organization. Background checks serve as an important part of the selection process at YVFWC. Background checks will be conducted on all candidates hired and a successful internship match is contingent on acceptable results of a background check.

A background check may include a detailed check of a candidate’s criminal records, educational history, credentials, employment verifications, and reference checks. Background information obtained by other sources such as Googling a candidate’s name, looking up a candidate on social media, or calling someone for a reference other than a candidate-provided reference will not be considered part of the official background check.

If any discrepancies come out in the background check, they will be investigated by the recruiter/HR business partner and a determination will be made regarding the intern’s continued match with the site. Please note: An adverse finding on a background check report will not necessarily exclude a candidate. However, any falsification of an employment application, and by extension, on the background-check form, will result in the candidate being ineligible for hire. The following factors will be taken into consideration when reviewing adverse findings:

• The nature and gravity of the offense
• The time that has passed since the offense, conduct and/or completion of sentence

Interns will also have an opportunity to provide additional information regarding adverse findings as needed or appropriate.

All staff (including interns) will be required to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

YVFWC will be offering several virtual interview days. Virtual interview days will consist of individual interviews. In-person tours of facilities may be requested but will not be considered in ranking of applicants.

YVFWC is following the guidelines from the CDC regarding COVID-19 safety protocols. All patients and staff must wear masks within the offices, regardless of their vaccination status. All staff (including interns) will be required to receive the COVID-19 vaccine and also provide daily affirmations of no symptoms prior to entering the clinics. At this time, approximately 90% of BHC services are being provided in-person. There are opportunities for some telehealth visits from one clinic to another clinic or from clinic to the patient’s home; however no telehealth services are being provided off-site (i.e. from home).

YVFWC revisits these policies on a regular basis and makes revisions as frequently as needed in accordance with CDC and Department of Health guidelines.