Does the program fulfil the requirements of the NSW Psychologists Registration Board (the Board)?
The program is structured to meet all the requirements of the Board.
What are the requirements of the Board?
You must have a four-year degree in Psychology before commencing an Internship. Basic requirements for the Internship include:
- 160 hours of supervision of which at least 100 must be face-to-face, with the rest being attendance at training of a prescribed nature.
- At least 60 of these must be conducted individually with the Supervisor
- A minimum of 16 hours per week engaged in the profession of Psychology (note that this does not have to take place at the venue of supervision. This means that Interns may be in employment elsewhere, or they can do practical placements at another setting).
Full details of registration requirements are available from the Psychologists Registration Board of NSW http://www.psychreg.health.nsw.gov.au/hprb/psych_web/psy_supervisionguidelines.htm
or by phone 02 9219 0211
Who should apply for the program?
Four-year Psychology graduates who have an interest in transcultural mental health and are considering working in this or related areas are appropriate applicants for this program. An ability to communicate well in a second language is advantageous but not essential.
Can people who are not Australian residents apply for the program?
Applicants for the program need to be eligible to apply for provisional registration with the Psychologists Registration Board of NSW. As the program involves two years of supervised practice, applicants who are not Australian residents need to have a visa permitting them to work in Australia for the duration of the program.
What are my chances of getting a place on the program if I apply?
Places in the program are limited and applications usually exceed the number of places available. Places are offered on the basis of a selection process that considers academic record, relevant work experience and an interview with the Coordinator and the Clinical Team Leader. Around half of applicants are selected for places each year.
Who provides supervision?
The Coordinator of the Intern Program, Mary Higson, a clinical psychologist provides primary supervision. Other registered psychologists working at TMHC may provide additional supervision.
What does group supervision involve?
Group supervision can include training in the areas outlined below, client presentations in a group setting and group discussions of topics of professional relevance.
What type of training is available to Interns?
Training includes instruction in;
- models of counselling
- cross-cultural counselling
- ethics
- the clinical interview
- diagnosis
- psychometric testing
- cognitive behavioural techniques
- research techniques
- report writing.
Interns are also given the opportunity to attend internal training such as workshops and conferences offered by TMHC or the Sydney West Area Health Service for free or at discounted rates.
Are placements provided by TMHC?
TMHC will make placements for all Interns who are not already engaged in relevant paid or voluntary work. Placements are currently made with TMHC’s Clinical Services, the Multicultural Problem Gambling Services and several community mental health services.
What other resources are available to Interns at TMHC?
Interns are provided with access to the Diversity Health Institute and Cumberland Hospital Libraries and the TMHC Psychology Test Library.
Interns may also become involved in ongoing research projects and have access to all the resources used by the TMHC’s large multidisciplinary team.
How flexible is the program?
The program is reasonably flexible and strives to suit the needs of interns. Some supervision can be provided after-hours during the week for Interns in full-time employment.
Can people who have already commenced an Internship elsewhere transfer to the TMHC program?
Interns are able to transfer from an internship elsewhere subject to the approval of the board. No difficulties have been experienced with this in the past.
What is the cost of the program?
The cost of the program is currently $4000 per annum. Payment can be made as a lump sum annually, in which case, a 10% discount is allowed, or by three equal payments spread across each of the two years.
Last Updated 24 Feb 2010
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