This training experience has chosen to follow the APPIC Postdoctoral Selection Guidelines.
This training experience is not an APPIC Member program and is not APA Accredited. Applicants should be aware that this training experience has not undergone a formal external quality review process.
This training experience does not meet one or more of the elements of quality clinically-focused postdoctoral training. Applicants are encouraged to consider this in making decisions about post-internship plans.
Job Summary
The roles and responsibilities of a Postdoctoral Fellow (Registered Psychological Associate via the California Board of Psychology) at Sentiero consist of the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of mental, emotional, and behavioral health disorders. Modalities of treatment include individual, group, and family psychotherapy, as well as psychological, neuropsychological, and psychoeducational assessment of children, adolescents, and adults. In addition to clinical and associated administrative tasks, conducting community-based mental health seminars, consulting with colleagues and agency stakeholders, engaging in professional development activities, and attending supervision, didactics, and team meetings may be additional requirements.
Locations and Services
Sentiero is a fee-for-service, private practice that supports patients with private and government-managed health insurance. We offer pro-bono services on a case-by-case basis, with special consideration for underserved populations, active-duty Naval Special Warfare Operators, and military veterans.
Sentiero has one office location in Downtown San Diego. Primary patient populations include active-duty servicemembers, veterans, and their families. Services offered include psychotherapy and psychological assessment across the lifespan.
Sentiero engages in community outreach and partnerships. We have committed annual financial support via services and consultation to support Navy SEAL Foundation (NSF). We provide consultations to the NSF team as well as services to active duty and veteran special operators and their families. We have also extended services to Gold Star Families.
As affiliates and alumni of the San Diego Psychoanalytic Center’s (SDPC) postgraduate and fellowship programs, clinicians in training are encouraged to complete a fellowship with SDPC, which includes monthly seminars and psychoanalytic individual supervision with an assigned SDPC Adjunct.
About the Training Program
The postdoctoral fellowship at Sentiero is designed for individuals seeking to establish a private practice in California. The program is based on the standards required for licensure as a psychologist in California and on training models recommended by APA and APPIC.
Training Period
Fellowship training typically lasts 12 to 24 months. The start date is flexible and dependent on the applicant's availability.
Required Training Hours
1,500
Reports to/Supervision Received
Licensed Psychologist
Essential Functions
Individual, (small) group, parent, and family psychotherapy with children, adolescents, and adults
Perform psychological, psychoeducational, and neuropsychological assessments (i.e., testing, scoring, and report writing)
Diagnostic assessments and the development of treatment plans
Advocacy for children, parents, families, underserved and diverse populations
Creation of workshops/seminars for community stakeholders
Provide referrals for auxiliary services, assessments, and/or additional treatment when necessary
Coordinate with stakeholders and treatment team members regarding care
Complete necessary billing, clinical, and administrative documentation in a timely manner
Ensure all services are completed according to relevant ethical and professional standards
Individual, group, and peer supervision
Professional development
Attendance is required for supervision
Knowledge, Skill, and Experience
Doctoral Degree in Clinical, Counseling, or School Psychology
Successful completion of APA-accredited Predoctoral Internship Program
Ability to pass requirements mandated by the California Board of Psychology
Adherence to legal and ethical standards put forth by APA and state board
Engagement in personal psychotherapy preferred
Supervision, training, coursework in psychoanalytic psychotherapy preferred
Commitment and demonstrated ability to work effectively with diverse populations
Experience conducting psychological assessment batteries, interpretation, and report writing
Excellent time management skills
Ability to multi-task, plan, and prioritize work
Accuracy and attention to detail
Critical thinking, analysis, and problem-solving
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Personal agency and independent initiation of tasks
Self-awareness and self-assertion
Flexible and collaborative in a team environment
Appropriate discretion and judgment