Universal Psychology Postdoctoral Directory

Elements of quality clinically focused postdoctoral training

Training focuses on delivering accessible community behavioral health care; integrated behavioral health in primary care; and application of empirically supported treatments with a focus on cognitive-behavioral (including third-wave cognitive-behavioral) interventions and trauma-specific treatment. The fellowship prepares the early-career psychologist for work in interdisciplinary health and behavioral health settings, and to serve as a leader in the integration of mental and physical health care. Upon completion, the psychologist is well prepared to work in diverse environments including primary care, outpatient behavioral health, and medical center-based care. A primary goal of postdoctoral psychology training at UNM Health is to develop highly flexible, social justice-focused psychologists who have the ability to rapidly adjust practice to the needs of various settings, which will make them highly sought-after in a variety of behavioral health service locations.

Twenty percent of the fellow's time is considered educational time, similar to the clinician-educator model for faculty at many academic medical centers. The fellow is guided in using this time for professional and career development, including EPPP preparation, professional training and development, and completion of a postdoctoral project of the fellow's choosing. The project may be in any area of clinical or community service or research, and provides a model for future activities that support promotion in rank at an academic medical center. 

The fellowship offers a choice between two tracks, each composed of two rotations that run concurrently. Applicants may apply for both tracks, or specify interest in only one track. All sites feature multidisciplinary teams where fellows work collaboratively with primary care, psychiatry, clinical social work, counseling, nursing, and other disciplines.

Track One - Truman Health Services and Grande Primary Care: 

Truman Health Services is a Level 1 Patient Centered Medical Home (PCMH) providing primary and specialty care for persons living with HIV as they manage both acute and chronic medical issues and the behavioral, cognitive and emotional issues associated with these conditions. Truman also provides health and behavioral health care for persons seeking gender-affirming care. The behavioral health team is fully integrated into the primary care setting and has a strong role in consultation and collaboration with primary care staff. 

Grande Primary Care Clinic is a community clinic established by the UNM Medical Group in 2022 to serve the west side of the Albuquerque metro area. Patient population is diverse with regards to culture, economic background, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation and gender identity. In terms of development from co-location to full integration, this clinic is similar to many community primary care clinics that are still in the midst of the developmental process. The Primary Care Behavioral Health model (PCBH; cf Robinson & Reiter, 2016) guides implementation, and the fellow has the opportunity to be part of this process while working under supervision.

In Track One, time is split evenly between the two sites and at both locations, the fellow will develop the following competencies during their training year: effectively triage care for patients in a variety of settings, learn to treat sleep, chronic pain, medication adherence, and maladaptive eating behaviors, screen for autism and ADHD across the life span, develop skills to competently provide single session interventions, manage crises effectively, engage in patient-centered, trauma informed models of care, and continue to hone skills in delivering evidence based therapies.

Track Two - UNM Rio Rancho Behavioral Health Clinic and Sandoval Regional Medical Center, Family Practice Clinic: 

UNM Rio Rancho Behavioral Health Clinic provides accessible behavioral health care across the life span to the diverse communities of Sandoval County and the west side of Albuquerque. Sandoval County encompasses 3,716 square miles; the clinic and adjacent Sandoval Regional Medical Center (SRMC) are strategically located to serve urban, rural, and frontier populations that represent the breadth of cultural diversity found in New Mexico. The clinic includes a specialized community team providing outreach to engage underserved and at-risk populations. The fellow works as a generalist with a diverse caseload in terms of presenting issue, age, gender and cultural identity, with opportunities to build a focused caseload based on specific clinical interests. Brief assessment, psychological evaluation, group and individual therapy are the primary psychological services provided. Common presenting issues include mood and anxiety disorders, trauma spectrum, substance use disorders, and living with chronic medical or disabling conditions.  

SRMC is a community-based academic healthcare facility that includes 72 acute-care inpatient beds, and outpatient primary care and specialty care clinics. The fellow provides integrated behavioral health at the Family Practice outpatient clinic, including short-term consultation and intervention focused on patient needs related to health behavior and chronic disease prevention and management, and brief psychotherapy addressing specific mental health diagnoses. Assessment is time-effective, ongoing, and focused on improving patients’ functional abilities. Patients with specialized needs who are seen initially in primary care are seamlessly transitioned to the neighboring Behavioral Health Clinic, and coordinated care continues as appropriate to patient needs.

In Track Two, 60% of time is at the BH Clinic, while 20% of time is at Family Practice. Thus, there is greater emphasis on community behavioral health and a minor emphasis on integrated primary care. The fellow has the opportunity to strengthen efficient, time-limited clinical and consultation skills in the medical setting, while gaining more in-depth experience with specific populations at the BH Clinic.