Universal Psychology Postdoctoral Directory

Elements of quality clinically focused postdoctoral training

Postdoctoral Fellowship in Perinatal / Reproductive Health Psychology and Sexual Trauma

Rush University Medical Center’s (RUMC) Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences in downtown Chicago is recruiting for 1-2 Postdoctoral Fellows in the Section of Outpatient Psychotherapy in the Reproductive Health Psychology (RHP) Clinic. 

The fellow will be an integral member of the RHP at Rush, where we provide evidence-based assessments and treatments to people with perinatal mood, anxiety, and trauma-related disorders; people struggling with sexual or reproductive health issues; and survivors of sexual violence. The RHP is a multidisciplinary team which collaborates with obstetricians and gynecologists to improve the mental health of patients who are pregnant, postpartum, or dealing with other reproductive or sexual health concerns including coping with pelvic pain, sexual functioning, or fertility concerns. The fellow will conduct evaluations and treatment within the RHP clinic and will participate in current clinical research or program development projects. The fellow will also gain experience co-leading Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills groups in the Outpatient Psychotherapy Clinic.

Fellows receive training in multiple evidence-based treatments (e.g., CBT, ACT, DBT, CPT, NET, exposure therapy) and refine case conceptualization of a range clinical presentations, most which involve an interpersonal violence and trauma history. Fellows will participate in clinical research and program evaluation projects, which may provide experiences conducting treatment outcome and training research, developing and implementing community-based mental health service models, access to treatment outcomes databases, and opportunities to engage in scholarly work through conference presentations and publications. This postdoctoral fellowship is an exciting opportunity to gain valuable clinical experience working with a multidisciplinary team at a major academic medical center, while also being able to provide direct clinical care to patients during a medically and psychologically vulnerable time in their lives. The RHP clinic also serves people residing in Chicago’s historically marginalized communities, thus providing the opportunity to address the many intersectional factors that impact our patients’ mental health.

The postdoctoral fellowship is for one year, with a possible option of extending it to an additional year by mutual agreement.

The ideal candidate will have experience working with perinatal people and/or people who have experienced interpersonal trauma and violence. Experience or interest in evidence-based trauma treatments (especially exposure-based treatments) and interest in conducting group therapy (DBT) is strongly desired. Qualified candidates will have a research background and some publications, and will be interested in establishing a career as a scientist-practitioner. Qualified candidates must have an APA approved doctorate in Clinical or Counseling Psychology. Applicants from underrepresented communities are strongly encouraged to apply.

Rush University Medical Center is committed to increasing the number of doctors from historically marginalized communities. We see diversity as a strength and is essential in helping all of our trainees, regardless of background, to work more effectively and compassionately with their colleagues and patients. We also recognize that because of our hospital’s unique location in one of America’s most segregated cities, we have the privilege of caring for marginalized and underserved populations who have been the victims of systemic racism in medicine for far too long. Importantly, to take advantage of this opportunity and provide equitable care to these patients, our training program understands that we must first challenge our own biases. In addition to patient care and advocacy, our trainees have the opportunity to participate in DEI initiatives meant to increase awareness and promote equity and inclusivity, including DEI-related didactics, book clubs, and/or participation in formal DEI committees within the department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences.

For a complete application, please send a cover letter and CV by email to Nicole_Heath@rush.edu by December 15th. Letters of recommendation are not required at this stage, but will be requested when applicants are invited for interview.