The Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS) offers psychology training in community mental health. We serve a highly diverse community, and the available tracks provide opportunities to focus on, learn, and develop skills in unique areas while serving this diverse population.

There are five pre-doctoral clinical psychology externship positions available for current Ph.D./Psy.D. students as part of their training prior to internship. These include two positions in Child and Family Behavioral Health Services (CFBHS), one position in Emergency Services, and two positions at the West End Wellness Center. See the links below for more information.

The externship runs from August through May, with the option to extend through the summer, subject to consideration. Seminars, group supervision, and team meetings are held on Thursdays. Prerequisite training includes at least one therapy practicum experience prior to the start date.

Externship activities will involve varying levels of in-person contact with clients and staff, depending on need. While telehealth is utilized, most clinical work will be conducted in person.

Seminars:

We hold weekly seminars (Thursdays, 9:00-10:30 a.m.) in which students from all tracks, along with their supervisors, come together. Supervisors and other DCHS staff present on various areas of expertise or work they do with the community. These seminars are a great opportunity to enhance clinical competencies and cultural awareness, as students are exposed to diverse topics. Additionally, students have at least one case presentation per semester.

This year, we are excited to offer a monthly seminar in Spanish for Spanish-speaking students. This will be offered as long as we have at least two bilingual students across tracks. The goal is to provide additional support to Spanish-speaking students by helping them build vocabulary and confidence as bilingual mental health professionals. This seminar will be led by a bilingual and bicultural licensed psychologist.

• Please include: Cover letter, CV, de-identified testing report for a child or adolescent (only if applying to the child and family track or if interested in testing) and two (2) letters of recommendation. *One must be from a therapy supervisor.
• Please indicate which program you are interested in applying for. Applying to two or all of the options is acceptable. 
• Due date:  Monday February 3, 2025 by the end of the day; submit by email to Dr. Juana Osorio at: juana.osorioramirez@alexandriava.gov. Applications received after the due date will not be considered.
• Letters of recommendation can be included in the application package or be sent directly by recommender to the same email address.
• Finalists will be invited for interviews in February 2025
• Position Descriptions:
  • Child and Family Behavioral Health Services
  • Emergency Services 
  • West End Wellness Center

Juana Osorio-Ramirez, Psy.D. (she, her, ella)
Director of Psychology Externship Program
Bilingual Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS)
4850 Mark Center Dr., Alexandria VA 22311
Work mobile: 703.966.5112
juana.osorioramirez@alexandriava.gov