Current Interns
Melissa Rios, MA – Alliant IU/California School of Professional Psychology, San Diego
Ida Haghighi, MA - Alliant IU/California School of Professional Psychology, San Diego
Gabriella Gasparian, MA - Alliant IU/California School of Professional Psychology, San Diego
Bradley Thompson, MA - Alliant IU/California School of Professional Psychology, San Diego
Past Interns
2021-2022
Rafael Olivares Chayeb, MA - Alliant IU/California School of Professional Psychology, San Diego
Jaquelyn Shader, MA – Biola University, Rosemead School of Psychology
Caitlin Shaw, MA - University of La Verne, Program in Clinical Psychology
Kimberly Stevens, MA - University of Nevada-Las Vegas, College of Liberal Arts Clinical Psychology Program
2020-2021
Savannah Hamilton, MA QMHP - George Fox University, School of Behavioral Health Science
Taylor Broughton, MA - George Fox University, School of Behavioral Health Science
2019 - 2020
Ford McCurry, MA- School of Professional Psychology, Kosair Charities College of Health and Natural Sciences
Sonya Young, MA - Loma Linda School of Behavioral Health, Clinical Psychology Program
Christopher Plant, MA- University of Nevada-Las Vegas, College of Liberal Arts Clinical Psychology Program
Dario Rodriguez Martinez, MS - Carlos Albizu University- San Juan Campus, Clinical Psychology
2018 - 2019
Mollie Jung, MA - Fuller Graduate School of Psychology
Richard Metcalfe III, MA - Aliant IU/California School of Professional Psychology, San Diego
Sahar Motakef, M.F.T. - Pepperdine University
Christine Hair, MA - American School Professional Psychology, Argosy-Southern California
2018 - 2019
Byron Rivera, MA - Fuller Theological Seminary School of Psychology
Katheryn Conde, MA - University of San Francisco Clinical Psychology
Amanda Tan, MS - Palo Alto University
Tina Lincourt, MA - Loma Linda School of Behavioral Health, Department of Psychology
Jesse Chase, MS - George Fox University Clinical Psychology
2016 - 2017
Kristen Kochamba, MA - Azusa Pacific University
Diego Esparza-Duran, MS - University of Florida, Program in Clinical Psychology
Daniel Strosky, MA - Rosemead School of Psychology at Biola University
Cary Hadjeasgari, MS - California School of Professional Psychology at Alliant International University, San Diego
Roxanna Rosen, MA MS - University of La Verne, Program in Clinical Psychology
Maria Arellano Piedra, MA, MS - Washington State University
2015 - 2016
Allie Abrahamson, MA - Chestnut Hill College, Clinical Psychology Program
Courtney Ray, MA - Loma Linda University, Clinical Psychology Program
Tammy Torres, MS - Pacific Graduate School of Psychology - Stanford Psy.D. Consortium
Amber Blews, MA
2014 - 2015
Holly-Marie Arce, MS, MA - Pacific Graduate School of Psychology - Stanford Psy.D. Consortium
Amy Bennie, MA - Azusa Pacific University
Ryan Montanari, MA - Loma Linda University, Clinical Psychology Program
Mary Varghese, MA - Purdue University, West Lafayette
2013 - 2014
Andrew Carr, MA - Fuller Graduate School of Psychology
Jennifer Costillo, MA - Azusa Pacific University
Jonathan Wong, MA - Fuller Graduate School of Psychology
Timothy Yen, MA - Azusa Pacific University
2012 - 2013
Oh Myo Kim, MA - University of Minnesota
Kelly Cauley Rivinius, MA - Loma Linda University
Jenna Wierenga, MA - Fuller Graduate School of Psychology
2011 - 2012
Patricia Fank, MS - The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, Clinical Psy.D. Program with a Health Concentration
Ian Lowe, MA - Azusa Pacific University, Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Family Psychology
Jennifer Stumpf, MA - Azusa Pacific University, Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Family Psychology
What Past Interns Say About Their Internship Experience
Richard Metcalfe III, MA., 2018-2019 Cohort
Why LLU: My initial interest in LLU was piqued because opportunities to integrate psychotherapy and spirituality are vastly lacking in our field.
Description of Rotations: I enjoy one rotation in a behavioral medicine setting (psychiatric hospital) working with children and teens enrolled in outpatient programs. In this role I conduct psychodiagnostic assessments, lead group therapy with adolescents, and supervise graduate-level clinicians. As for my other rotation, I work in a general medicine clinic at RUHS amongst an interdisciplinary team of nurses, doctors, and other medical professionals to provide integrated healthcare. My duties consist of long-term outpatient psychotherapy and brief behavioral health consultations to patients with chronic medical conditions.
What do you like about the program? I really appreciate the breadth of clinical opportunities that the Department of Psychiatry offers. LLU provides a rich generalist experience and allows interns to tailor their training.
Living in the Loma Linda area… We enjoy an amazingly beautiful backdrop of the San Bernardino Mountains. Redlands is a quaint little city nearby with fun restaurants and great energy. The Inland Empire offers close access to Los Angeles and San Diego.
Words of Advice: You all have wonderful things in store for your careers in psychology. If you desire unique clinical experiences along the way, I highly recommend Loma Linda.
Sahar Motakef, M.F.T., 2018-2019 Cohort
Why LLU: My decision to choose LLU was anchored in my spiritual value system and my strong belief that spirituality is a highly important aspect of treating an individual that is often forgotten or ignored in therapy. As a clinician and in my personal life, I have found that exploring processes of how we find and make meaning has elicited deeper introspection regarding our perceptions of our worlds and how we interpret life’s inevitable disappointments and challenges, which inherently impact mental health. I believe an individual’s sense of spirit (regardless of religious background) guides their ability to find purpose, achieve goals, and adhere to personal values.
I also sought to gain more experience in a medical and inpatient setting and in working with a wider range of patients. I wanted to attain greater levels of exposure to working with different providers: doctors, social workers, nutritionists, pharmacists, and beyond. Collaborating as a team to treat an individual holistically (body, mind, and spirit) is at the core of my aspirations as a future psychologist.
Description of Rotations: During the week I divide my time between two rotations: The Behavioral Medicine Center’s Adult Partial Hospitalization program, where I facilitate group therapy sessions and conduct neuropsychology and emotional/personality assessments. I also provide adjunctive training and supervision for practicum therapists at the BMC. At Riverside University Health System, I am a part of a multidisciplinary team in the Women’s Health clinic, specializing in Maternal Fetal Medicine. I work with prenatal and part-partum patients, providing treatment and consultations to address a wide range of issues including substance abuse, grief/bereavement, acculturation difficulties, relational distress, financial/economic stressors, medical adherence challenges, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, and trauma.
What do you like about the program: As a feminist and an advocate for women’s rights and increasing access to adequate health care services, I was eager for the opportunity to work in a Women’s Health Clinic. I have also enjoyed the opportunity to supervise other students and to gain skills in psychological assessments and group therapy, all of which allow me to have a broad range of experiences that is at once challenging and exciting. I have been especially grateful for my supervisors here, who have served as educators, mentors, and supporters of my development personally and professionally. They have approached supervision with warmth, humor, and empathy.
Living in the Loma Linda Area: I live in the Riverside area and commute to Loma Linda. I listen to podcasts or relaxing music and (attempt!) to practice mindfulness during my commute, which ranges from 40-60 minutes.
Words of Advice: “The attempt to develop a sense of humor and to see things in a humorous light is some kind of a trick learned to master the art of living.” Viktor Frankl
Christine Hair, MA., 2018-2019 Cohort
Why LLU: I chose LLU for a variety of reasons. First of all, I enjoy a whole person approach to clinical care that encompasses all domains of an individual’s life. I strongly felt that my clinical approach and personal values aligned well with those of LLU. Through all of my correspondence and interviews with staff at LLU, I felt a strong sense of warmth and support. Secondly, I have a strong interest in health psychology and I appreciated LLU’s rotations that involved opportunities to improve my experience within health psychology. Thirdly, I wanted an overall generalist training experience so I could increase my skills in clinical assessment as well as clinical interventions.
Description of Rotations: throughout the week I divide my time between three rotations: BMC inpatient Geropsychology Unit, Bariatric Surgery Clinic, and Riverside University Health System (RUHS). On the BMC inpatient unit, I primarily conduct neuropsychological testing, work on a multidisciplinary team, and provide brief psychological interventions for a variety of mental health problems. For the Bariatric Surgery Clinic, I work as part of a multidisciplinary team, provide pre-surgical psychological evaluations and behavioral-health interventions. On the RUHS rotation, I provide same-day behavioral health consultations, and individual therapy.
What do you like about the program: What I enjoy most about this internship is the variety of clinical rotations and experiences that are available. Additionally, there are several remarkable professionals that I have been able to work with and be supervised by that have helped me grow as a clinician.
Living in the Loma Linda Area: I live in the orange county area and commute to Loma Linda. Using podcasts and audible was a great way to catch up on reading while helping the commute time pass smoothly.
Words of Advice: Allow yourself some grace, and self-care.
Tina Lincourt, M.A., 2017-2018 Cohort
Why LLU: I chose LLU because of the values of whole person care that aligns strongly with my internal values of treating individuals on a holistic level. I appreciate that LLU is confident in not only addressing health and psychological care issues but also appreciates the spiritual aspect of humanity. LLU offers a unique and exciting internship that allows me to gain further competency in multiple treatment settings including behavioral health in a large community hospital that focuses on providing whole person health care access to underserved communities; work with individuals who have severe mental illness and comorbid substance abuse; and many more opportunities to work with individuals experiencing trauma, crises, and acute phases of psychopathology. Their robust program provides an opportunity to further my growth in assessment skills as well as my skills in conceptualization and treatment.
Description of Rotations: During the week, I spend most of my time at LLU BMC in the Serenity program where individuals experience comorbid psychological and substance use issues. At this rotation, I get to work with patients in group, individual, and assessment capacities. I also have rotations at RUH where I get to work on a multidisciplinary team that share an ultimate goal of providing exceptional patient care. At this site, I am a part of the Women's Clinic Team, the Continuity Clinic Team, and the Smoking Cessation Team.
What do you like about the program: What I like most about the internship program is that it offers a vast array of opportunities to grow my clinical skills as well as the opportunity to work under the supervision of many noteworthy professionals.
Living in the Loma Linda area…. I live in the high desert, which can be quite a commute. I found that audible is a stimulating way to pass the while on my daily commute.
Words of Advice: Consider your commute!
Byron Rivera, M.A., 2017-2018 Cohort
Why LLU: I chose LLU for the opportunity to engage in whole person care via behavioral health and religion.spirituality informed treatment.
Description of Rotations: I am completing rotations at the internal medicine clinics at RUHS and on the FOCUS track of the BMC's IOP/PHP. I spend most of my time at RUHS experiencing emotional and psychological dimensions of patients of the internal medicine clinics via consults and therapuitic treatment.
What do you like about the program: Provides an opportunity to collaborate with other health care providers from a whole person care approach and the opportunity for developing practical skills for spirituality informed therapy.
Living in the Loma Linda area…. I commute from San Gabriel and I generally do not fight traffic.
Words of Advice: Your self-care practices may need to be adjusted in order to keep up with the majority of the internship.
Amanda Tan, M.S., 2017-2018 Cohort
Why LLU? The amazing number and variety of training opportunities here! Just to name a few, we’re going to get to:
- Develop competence in integrating spirituality into therapeutic and assessment work
- Be exposed to health psychology in a rural hospital setting
- Experience program development and evaluation in various settings (behavioral health as well as in integrated care)
- Gain experience in supervision and teaching
Description of rotations: I am completing rotations at the Adolescent Partial Hospitalization Program at the Behavioral Medicine Center during the first part of the year and then working in the Riverside University Healthcare System Hospital in Moreno Valley in the later part of the year. For the first part of the year, my clinical work comprises of providing group therapy for adolescents, individual therapy, assessment services for child and adolescents, and taking part in treatment team meetings. Outside of direct clinical service, I also work on program development projects and prepare for didactic trainings.
What do you like about the program? What I like most about the internship program is how it is structured to allow me to transition from clinical student to an independent practitioner. Interns are given the space to explore a variety of activities without too much “hand holding”, while supervisors remain available for support.
Living in the Loma Linda area... I chose to live in the nearby neighborhood so that I would not have to worry about the commute time. Not having to travel far leaves me more time to unwind in the evenings after work (self-care can actually happen!).
Words of advice... Things are going to start out confusing, but that’s ok! Your fellow interns are in it with you!
Daniel Strosky, M.A., 2016-2017 Cohort
Why LLU: I chose LLU for a variety of reasons. First, LLU offers a diverse internship allowing interns to work in multiple settings with a variety of patients presenting with a broad range of clinical concerns. Secondly, great importance is placed on the entirety of the person – bio-psycho-social-spiritual – allowing interns to treat patients holistically. Lastly, its California and you can surf on the weekends!
Description of Rotations: Throughout the week I have three distinct placements focusing on different aspects within the field. For my behavioral health rotation I work in the Continuity of Care Clinic (Primary Care) at the University of Riverside Hospital. The work is alongside physicians and residents and focuses on screening for depression, anxiety, and substance abuse, providing short-term interventions, follow-ups, and referrals if needed. My second rotation is at the Behavioral Medicine Center at LLU and consists of assessment and group therapy within the dual diagnosis program (Serenity). Lastly, I work at the Behavioral Heath Institute at LLU conducting assessment and therapy with college students and LLU employees. Throughout the internship there are numerous opportunities to supervise psychology trainees, teach psychiatric residents, and have fun!
What do you like about the program: Interpersonally, LLU provides a warm and friendly environment to grow as a clinician. The team atmosphere as well as the focus on personal development has been foundational for my growth as a clinician. Clinically, the training at LLU has demonstrated different ways psychology can be integrated into a variety of settings.
Living in the Loma Linda area…. I actually live 45 miles (50 minute drive with little traffic) away from Loma Linda in Orange County. There you will find amazing beaches, restaurants, and parks to enjoy at night or during the weekends. If you chose to live in Loma Linda you can enjoy the mountains (Big Bear) or the ocean within an hour.
Words of Advice: Fit is everything!
Maria Arellano Piedra M.A., M.S., 2016-2017 Cohort
Why LLU? I chose LLU Internship because it provided me with the opportunity to work in an interdisciplinary and collaborative medical setting as a practicing clinician working with patients in primary care in the area of Health Psychology, and with those with severe psychopathology at Partial Hospitalization programs. Loma Linda also offered me the opportunity to work with culturally diverse and underserved patients which is really rewarding. This internship also offers great quality individual and group supervision, didactic training, and you gain experience supervising advanced-level practicum students.
Description of rotations: I have two main rotations, one is at the Riverside County Regional Medical Center in the area of Health Psychology. I work as a Behavioral Health Specialist and lead the Cardiology clinic. I also help lead the Continuity of Care clinic twice a week, and have patients from other clinics including Diabetes and Chronic Heart Failure. In this rotation, I focus on addressing mental health problems that are getting in the way of their medical care and affecting patient’s functioning.
My second rotation is at the Behavioral Medicine Center in the Focus track, an intensive outpatient program. In this rotation, I conduct psychotherapy and psychoeducation groups with patients with severe psychopathology. I also conduct neuropsychological and personality assessments with patients from all the partial hospitalization tracks.
What do you like about the program? What I like most about this internship is the breadth of experiences I am receiving. I also really like the collaborative team-approach and supportive environment of this internship, and that I work in different settings and have two simultaneous rotations. I have also had the great opportunity to work on a collaboration project with the World Health Organization delivering mental health trainings abroad and creating substance abuse treatment training manuals.
Living in the Loma Linda area... I really like living in this area, Loma Linda and Redlands are safe and distinctive cities with friendly residents, lots of history, culture, and characteristic Victorian architecture. Downtown and other areas in Redlands have nice stores, restaurant options, and shopping centers with movie theatres. You are also within an hour from the ocean, the mountains, the dessert, and close to major cities such as Los Angeles and San Diego.
Carly Hadjeasgari, M.S., 2016-2017 Cohort
Why LLU? I chose LLU because it provided me with the opportunity to practice integrative care, expand my training in both behavioral medicine and health psychology, and the ability to concentrate in my areas of interest.
Description of rotations: I am completing rotations in the Eating Disorders Program and the Bariatric Clinic. At the Eating Disorders Program I conduct both individual and group therapy for adolescents and adults enrolled in the Partial Hospitalization Program and Intensive Outpatient Program. Additionally, I perform brief psychological and neurocognitive assessments and participate in weekly treatment team meetings. At the Bariatric Clinic my responsibilities include conducting bariatric assessments and providing behavior modifications for patients referred for psychological distress. Lastly, at both sites I am in charge of data maintenance, including tracking participants and scoring assessment measures.
What do you like about the program: I appreciate the holistic approach to therapy that LLU offers. I am able to implement a bio-psycho-social-spiritual model with my patients while working in a multidisciplinary environment.
Living in the Loma Linda area: I chose to live in Redlands, which is about 5-10 minutes to LLU. Redlands has a lot of culture and tradition. You will enjoy the Redlands Bowl with summer music festivals and Market night every Thursday night in Downtown Redlands. There is also a great outdoor farmer's market every Saturday morning.
Words of advice: Get as much of your dissertation done as you can, doing so will provide you with the opportunity to be involved in more opportunities at LLU.
Diego Esparza-Duran, M.S., 2016-2017 Cohort
Why LLU? I chose LLU for further experience with individuals with severe psychopathology and chronic health conditions individuals in an inpatient and interdisciplinary outpatient setting. I also wanted to gain some exposure to therapeutic approaches that acknowledge patient’s diverse cultural and spiritual backgrounds.
Description of rotations: I am completing rotations at the Loma Linda University Behavioral Medicine Center (BMC) and the Riverside University Health System (RUHS). At the RUHS, we screen patients in an outpatient setting across multiple clinics (e.g., Cardiology, Congestive Heart Failure, Diabetes, Smoking Cessation) and conduct brief assessments and interventions to those endorsing anxiety, depression, and addiction symptoms to help improve health behaviors and outcomes. At the BMC, we conduct assessments within an inpatient setting with the geriatric population.
What do you like about the program? What I like most about the internship program is the range of opportunities for professional development across multiple clinical settings.
Living in the Loma Linda area... I live in downtown Santa Monica with my husband and dog. It is approximately an hour and 15 minute drive against traffic (if you leave before 6:30am), which goes by quickly with the help of dance music and rehearsed hand-dance choreography.
Words of advice (what you wished you would have known before starting internship)... As a Loma Linda University employee you receive subsidized health care (if you enroll in their Wellness program) and tuition reimbursement.
Kristen Kochamba, M.A., 2016-2017 Cohort
Why LLU? I chose LLU for a variety of reasons, starting with the high value they place on their trainees. We are vital members of the multidisciplinary team and the faculty is dedicated to providing us with the highest quality of training. The program also offers a variety of diverse training experiences. Currently, I work in three different settings, which offers training in all levels of care. The first is a hospital setting that involves assisting cardiologists with the behavioral health needs of their patients. Second, I work in the intensive outpatient program, which provides Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to individuals with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). And third, I work in the outpatient faculty clinic that offers psychotherapy and assessments to LLU students. The breadth of experience you get and the quality of supervision has impressed me. I love collaborating with other disciplines, and feel very supported and encouraged by the faculty and staff. You get the feeling that you are part of a family, which is something I really cherish.
Description of rotations: Amongst the wide range of clinical settings, I work at the cardiology clinic at the Riverside University Regional Medical Center, the International Heart Institute at the Loma Linda University Medical Center (main hospital), the Innovations DBT program at the Behavioral Medical Center (BMC), and the outpatient faculty clinic at the Behavioral Health Institute (BHI). My days are divided fairly evenly amongst my rotations. A good portion of my week is also spent in supervision and didactics. Finally, there is a program evaluation project that we participate in during the year that I dedicate a few hours of my week to. Overall, the training experience is a bit strenuous with the various demands and rotations. However, I am confident upon completion, that I will have the competence and flexibility to work in any clinical setting I desire.
What do you like about the program? What I like most about the internship program is the breadth of experience you are able to get, all while being able to focus in a specific area of interest. I am particularly passionate about DBT, and am thrilled to be involved in the Innovations program at the BMC. I also value the emphasis on evidence based practice and holistic healthcare. Finally, I appreciate that LLU is a learning hospital, and particularly love the comradery and support you get from working alongside other residents and trainees.
Living in the Loma Linda area... I grew up in Studio City, CA where the weather can be similar to the Inland Empire (IE). However, after living in Santa Monica for the last 8 years, I was worried about moving away from the beach and into the heat. Surprisingly it’s been pleasantly refreshing! The scenic hiking in the surrounding mountains is just breathtaking. There are also a number of local trendy spots to eat and drink in the city of Redlands. I have loved attending the Thursday night famers market in downtown Redlands, which offers fresh produce, scrumptious bites, and socializing. And of course, a huge plus is the lack of traffic. Overall, my transition to the IE has been a breeze!
Allie Abrahamson, M.S., 2015-2016 Cohort
Why LLU? I chose LLU for an opportunity to work in varied settings and gain experience in integrated health care.
Description of rotations: I am completing rotations at Riverside Diabetes Clinic, Behavioral Medicine Center Adolescent Partial Hospitalization program, ADHD Assessment Clinic, and seeing outpatient clients through faculty and staff services through the Behavioral Health Institute. During the week, I spend most of my time at the adolescent partial program. On that unit I am part of a multidisciplinary team responsible for coordination of care to patients. I provide individual consultation, assessment, behavioral screening measures, and provide input to the treatment team. I will be working with different groups in group therapy, too!
What do you like about the program? What I like most about the internship program is the chance to spread my wings, keep learning, and work with so many different people.
Living in the Loma Linda area... I moved here from Pennsylvania and have loved living near so many beautiful coastal towns like Huntington Beach, Santa Barbara, San Diego and, of course, LA. The town of Redlands is a pretty active community and you should definitely keep an eye out for fun events to attend.
Words of advice (what you wished you would have known before starting internship)... I wish I would have known how truly strapped for time you would feel! You will need to do your best to make everyone happy (including yourself, your family, and your graduate program) so do your best to be as organized as possible and to always ask for help or clarification if you’re feeling out of control!
Courtney Ray, M.A., M.Div., 2014-2015 Cohort
Why LLU? I chose LLU because I wholeheartedly believe in the motto “to make man whole.” It was important for me to choose a place that emphasized holistic care of patients. Also, working in this area provides an opportunity to serve diverse populations from a variety of backgrounds.
Description of rotations: I am completing rotations at Loma Linda Medical Center Bariatric Clinic and in the Chronic Heart Failure and Geriatric Units at the Riverside University Health System Medical Center. During the week, I spend most of my time at Riverside. Two mornings of the week, I screen patients for psychological readiness for bariatric surgery. I interview them about their past and current stressors and make mental health recommendations for them. If need be, I provide referrals to other mental health providers. I also help plan and teach monthly bariatric support groups for post-surgical patients as well as those preparing for surgery. At Riverside, I meet with outpatients who are facing persistent health problems. Because there is a high level of comorbidity of chronic health issues and mental health distress, we help address these needs to contribute to improved quality of life. Previously, Loma Linda’s partnership with Riverside was primarily focused on the Diabetes Clinic. This year, I am helping with program development as we expand services to other clinics including CHF, Geriatrics, Pulmonary and Hepatology.
What do you like about the program? I am definitely glad that this program offers the ability to be involved in team-oriented health care. I get to work with nurses, physicians, dieticians, chaplains, and other mental health professionals to provide integrated care. We all get to contribute to healing mind, body, and spirit.
Living in the Loma Linda area... I’ve lived in the Inland Empire for the past five years so moving is one less thing that I’ve had to deal with (the transition of internship is already enough!). But being originally from NYC, comparatively speaking California is definitely a markedly different place. Commuting is definitely something to get used to because “rush hour” is essentially all day and here, having a car is a must. But there are definitely a variety of places to go and things to do if you look online and are willing to be adventurous. The Redlands Bowl, the observatory, downtown Riverside, and various places featured on social Web sites can be sources of entertainment for people unfamiliar with the area. And of course, if you’re willing to commute, there are a plenty of things to do in Los Angeles, Pasedena, and Orange County.
Words of advice (what you wished you would have known before starting internship)... We have a lot of different supervisors. It’s both positive and challenging. We get to learn their different styles and we benefit from learning from a variety of people who have different strengths. However, one needs to be ready for the challenge of navigating the simultaneous expectations of all of the supervisors at different sites. If you are open and flexible, you can do well!
Tammy Torres, M.S., 2015-2016 Cohort
Why LLU? I chose LLU for the emphasis on incorporating spiritual wellness in treatment and throughout the work atmosphere. In addition, I saw many opportunities to explore my health psych curiosities. Finally, it is a lovely area near many amazing So Cal wonders.
Description of rotations: I am completing rotations at the inpatient geriatric unit, the outpatient Behavioral Health Institute clinic and the Bariatric Surgery clinic. During the week, I spend most of my time assessing patients' suitability for bariatric surgery, evaluating cognitive functions in the geriatric and young adult populations, running groups and providing outpatient therapy. In addition, a good portion of my time is focused on my advanced learning through didactic seminars and literature reviews. Further, interns are required to develop a program over the course of the year and lead practicum students in additional group supervision.
What do you like about the program? What I like most about the internship program is the integration and collaboration with other medical disciplines.
Living in the Loma Linda area...My only complaint about the Inland Empire is the heat. Other than that, the mountains are BEAUTIFUL and we frequently have clear days which make for beautiful sunsets and backdrops for the drive home. Many of the surrounding towns (Redlands, Upland, Claremont) emphasize community involvement so people are very friendly and there is always something fun to do. The food scene here has been great and very reasonably priced. If at anytime more adventure is needed, Los Angeles, Santa Barbara and San Diego are great places to explore on a day/weekend trip.
Words of advice: In the beginning the amount of moving pieces can be overwhelming however things eventually fall into stride. The intern is required to have a significant administrative role and therefore it is imperative to have strong organizational skills.
Patricia Fank, M.A., 2011-2012 Cohort
Why LLU? I chose LLU for many reasons, first and foremost being the opportunity to work within an Oncology Center. Second, I value the opportunity to treat patients from a holistic point of view which fits seamlessly with my beliefs regarding integrated quality of life care within medical settings, and I was excited to have an emphasis on spirituality within our training. Lastly, it was in sunny California, and coming from the frigid Midwest, I couldn’t resist!
Description of rotations: I am completing rotations at the Cancer Center, Behavioral Health Institute, and Behavioral Medicine Center. During the week, I spend most of my time at the Cancer Center. Two mornings a week I work in the Surgical Oncology Breast Health Clinic performing crisis intervention and consultations with patients and medical staff. I also conduct therapy for individuals, couples, families, and children; attend tumor board once a week; run a weekly Women’s Cancer Support Group; provide supervision to a practicum student; and attend 2 didactics – journal club and case consults. At the Behavioral Health Institute (BHI), I provide therapy for individuals, couples, and have the opportunity to work with children if desired. I also conduct neuropsychological assessments for ADHD and LD. Additionally I am working on a program development project focused on enhancing community-based mental health by developing cooperation of religious institutions and professional organizations. Teaching opportunities are also available for medical student and psychiatry resident classes/lectures. Finally, at the Behavioral Medicine Center (BMC), I conduct psychological assessments and supervise practicum students
What do you like about the program? What I like most about the internship program is the breath of experience with the ability to concentrate in one area of interest
Living in the Loma Linda area... I chose to live in the Inland Empire area so that I would only be driving 15-20 minutes to work. It is a trade-off considering many activities, such as the beach or the mountains, are a longer drive from the IE; however, I find I am only making this trip on some weekends as opposed to driving in from the beach every day for work. I will say that as a single person, living in the IE does not provide many places or locations to meet others (unless you’re living with roommates), therefore it could be somewhat isolating.
Words of advice (what you wished you would have known before starting internship)... The Internship site requires 2,000 hours completed by the end of internship and the State of California allows an intern to work up to 44 hours/week. Therefore vacation days should be planned carefully, especially when considering postdoc interviews and start dates!
Ian Lowe, M. A., 2011-2012 Cohort
Why LLU? I was attracted to the holistic approach to patient care which parallels the perspective of my systemic training. Loma Linda provides the opportunity of being in a medical environment and learning from various disciplines. Furthermore, the training in both assessment and therapy concurrently is rare and important as I wish to have both as part of my professional trajectory
Description of rotations: The Gero/Neuro rotation on the inpatient geriatric unit provides the opportunity to sharpen neuropsych assessment skills, while offering a minor emphasis in psychodiagnostic testing. I conduct psychotherapy consults with patients on the geriatric unit to provide one-to-one services. Additionally, I lead various inpatient and outpatient therapy groups on the geriatric unit, adult inpatient unit, and in the DBT partial hospitalization program. The intern is a valued member of the treatment team on the inpatient geriatric unit, consulting with the psychiatrist, social workers and medical residents. The intern will have the opportunity to attend family meetings with the treatment team. In addition, at the BMC I have a role as the liaison for adult assessment referrals, coordinating new referrals for interns and practicum students and supervise practicum level students. Formal and informal opportunities for didactic and clinical teaching on the inpatient unit, in outpatient clinics, and the psychiatry residency program may be presented. At the BHI, I provide outpatient individual psychotherapy to children, adolescents, graduate students, couples and adults and conduct outpatient testing for learning disabilities and attention deficits. Finally, as an ongoing responsibility throughout the year, I have been working on a collaborative program development project to assist religious institutions and professional mental health organizations develop shared resources and work collaboratively.
What do you like about the program? I appreciate the balanced exposure to training in assessment and therapy. Supervisors have been willing to constantly lend their expertise and provide help. The hospital environment has been rich, fertile grounds for continued learning and multidisciplinary commerce of ideas.
Living in the Loma Linda area... Loma Linda has many opportunities for outdoor activities and a mild winter. It is a convenient place to live, but does not offer urban benefits and entertainment. I would recommend living closer to Loma Linda, as commuting is a big hassle and a close residence will be a welcomed relief to the intern during busy weeks.
Words of advice (what you wished you would have known before starting internship)... Prepare for the experience and work hard to complete your dissertation prior to internship, to decrease your stress.
Jennifer Stumpf, M.A., 2011-2012 Cohort
Why LLU? I chose LLU because it provided me with the opportunity to practice integrative care, exposure to a breadth of experiences, and the ability to concentrate in an area of interest. You really get to be a full-functioning psychologist in training, and get to do everything (inpatient, outpatient, teaching, supervision, etc). The program is very well-rounded and I feel very well prepared for postdoctoral training. I am ready for anything!
Description of rotations: Inpatient psychiatry: I lead groups with children, do testing with children and adolescents, and I am the liaison for Child & Adolescent Assessment referrals.
In the Eating Disorders program, I lead group therapy and participate in team meetings, conduct psychological testing, and provide consultation to staff and feedback to patients and their families.
I am also doing a minor rotation with the Heart Institute, which consists of psychotherapy consults with individuals, couples, families; pre-transplantation assessments, and psychological, cognitive and neuropsych testing, and giving feedback to patients and multidisciplinary team to help inform medical treatment. This rotation provides me some exposure to health psychology.
Outpatient psychological services: individual therapy (short and long term) with children and adult community clients; family and conjoint therapy; testing (learning disability and ADHD); therapy with college students; teaching medical students, and psychiatry residents; supervision of practicum students and program development.
What do you like about the program? The team atmosphere and approach to treatment, which provides a feeling of support, especially when working with difficult patients. I feel like a valued and equal member of the treatment team. I appreciate the diversity among the patients and in the clinical work that I get to do; it has prepared me well for postdoctoral training. I feel well balanced in my psychotherapy and assessment training. The autonomy we are provided forces us to think like a psychologist and learn to utilize consultation and supervision effectively
Living in the Loma Linda area... I don't live in the LLU area but it seems very community oriented.
Words of advice (what you wished you would have known before starting internship)... Budget your time for self-care and your health no matter how busy you get. There will always be more work to do than you have time for; set good boundaries and stick to them. It's in your best interest and in the best of interest of the patients you care for.