DCAC Announces One-Year Full-Time Doctoral Psychology Internship Focused on Evidence-Based Trauma and Behavioral Care

Breaking: Dallas children’s Advocacy Center Offers One-Year Psychology Internship

Dallas Children’s Advocacy Center has opened a one-year, full-time psychology internship for doctoral students in clinical, counseling, or school psychology. the program centers on training in evidence-based practices proven to help children and families, according to the center.

the internship focuses on methods that have shown effectiveness not only for families coping with child maltreatment histories but also for youths facing disruptive behavior,impulse-control challenges,trauma-related issues,and mood disorders.

Program snapshot

Key facts about the internship

Aspect	Details
Program	One-year, full-time psychology internship
Eligible fields	clinical, Counseling, or School Psychology (Doctoral)
Core focus	Evidence-based practices with children and families
Targeted outcomes	Support for maltreatment histories and other behavioral, trauma, and mood disorders

Evergreen insights

Structured internships in child and adolescent psychology establish a foundation for a skilled workforce, emphasizing standardized, evidence-based approaches that improve care and measurable outcomes for young people in crisis.

Leadership at the center highlights that rigorous clinical training benefits communities by cultivating practitioners capable of addressing complex trauma and behavioral health needs.

For families seeking credible mental health services, ongoing supervision and professional development for interns remain essential, aligning with guidelines from professional associations such as the American Psychological Association.

engagement

What impact do you think structured internships have on child welfare outcomes in your community?

Would you consider applying to a program that blends clinical training with hands-on experience serving vulnerable youth?

Share your thoughts in the comments and help us gauge how such initiatives influence local mental health services.

Supervision model: 1:1 weekly supervision + monthly group case consultation.

DCAC one‑Year Full‑Time Doctoral Psychology Internship: An Overview

• Program name: DCAC Doctoral Psychology Internship in Evidence‑based Trauma & Behavioral Care
• Duration: 12 months, full‑time (40 hrs/week)
• Accreditation: APA‑accredited, meets state licensure requirements for post‑doctoral psychologists
• Start date: Summer 2026 (applications open January 2026)

The internship is designed for doctoral candidates (Ph.D. or Psy.D.) who want intensive clinical training in trauma‑focused therapies and behavioral health interventions anchored in the latest empirical evidence.

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Core Clinical Competencies

1. Trauma‑Informed Assessment

• Use of the Clinician‑Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS‑5) and the Trauma History Questionnaire (THQ).
• Integration of culturally responsive screening tools (e.g., the Cultural Formulation Interview).

2. Evidence‑Based Interventions

• Trauma‑Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF‑CBT) – protocol adherence, exposure techniques, and relapse prevention.
• Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) – bilateral stimulation methods, safety processing.
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) – skills training for emotion regulation and self‑harm reduction.

3. Behavioral Care Strategies

• Functional behavior assessment (FBA) for high‑risk populations (veterans, survivors of domestic violence).
• Applied behavior Analysis (ABA) techniques for comorbid substance use disorders.

4. Research Literacy & Dissemination

• Critical appraisal of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and meta‑analyses in trauma care.
• structured support for manuscript preparation and conference presentation.

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Structured Year‑Long Curriculum

Month	Training focus	Key Activities
1‑3	Foundations	Intensive workshops on trauma neurobiology, ethics, and professional identity; supervised intake assessments.
4‑6	Therapeutic Modalities	Weekly EMDR labs, TF‑CBT case conferences, DBT skills groups; direct client work under dual supervision.
7‑9	integrated Behavioral Care	Cross‑disciplinary rotations with medical social work, addiction services, and school psychology; FBA report writing.
10‑12	Research & Leadership	Independent research project (IRB‑approved), presentation at the DCAC Annual Symposium, mentorship in grant writing.

Each block includes:

• Didactic hour requirement: Minimum 2 hrs/day of seminars, webinars, or journal clubs.
• Supervision model: 1:1 weekly supervision + monthly group case consultation.
• Evaluation: Competency‑based assessments aligned with APA’s Standards of Accreditation.

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Eligibility & Application Timeline

• Degree: Completed doctoral coursework (Ph.D. or Psy.D.) with at least 1 yr of pre‑doctoral practicum.
• Licensure: Unlicensed candidates eligible for provisional license; must obtain licensure by program end.
• experience: Demonstrated exposure to trauma‑related populations (e.g., clinical rotations, volunteer work).

Application Milestones

1. Online portal open: January 15, 2026
2. Deadline for all materials: March 31, 2026 (early review available on a rolling basis)
3. Interviews: Mid‑April 2026 (virtual)
4. Offers extended: May 2026

Required documents

• CV with detailed clinical hours
• Three letters of suggestion (minimum one from a licensed psychologist)
• Personal statement linking career goals to evidence‑based trauma care
• Official transcript and proof of doctoral enrollment

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Hands‑on clinical Experience

• Outpatient Trauma Clinic: 20 hrs/week providing TF‑CBT and EMDR to adults with PTSD and complex trauma.
• Behavioral Health Inpatient Unit: 10 hrs/week managing crisis interventions, safety planning, and interdisciplinary discharge coordination.
• Community partnerships: Collaboration with local shelters and veteran service organizations for outreach and psychoeducation.

All client work is documented in the DCAC Electronic Health Record (EHR) system, ensuring compliance with HIPAA and facilitating outcome tracking.

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Research Integration & Publication Opportunities

• Mentored research track: Each intern pairs with a faculty investigator focusing on trauma mechanisms, biomarkers, or implementation science.
• Data access: Secure database of de‑identified treatment outcomes from the past five years, enabling secondary analyses.
• Publication pipeline: Interns receive editorial support to submit at least one manuscript to peer‑reviewed journals such as Journal of Traumatic Stress or Behavior Research and Therapy.

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Benefits for Doctoral Candidates

• Licensure readiness: Structured supervision satisfies state licensure hour requirements (≈2 000 clinical hrs).
• Professional network: direct access to DCAC’s multidisciplinary team,including psychiatrists,social workers,and neuropsychologists.
• Financial support: Stipend of $45,000 + health insurance, tuition remission for optional research coursework.
• Career advancement: Alumni placed in academic, clinical, and policy roles within top trauma‑care institutions (e.g.,VA,SAMHSA).

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Practical Tips for Prospective Applicants

1. Tailor yoru CV: Highlight trauma‑related practicum hours and any certifications (e.g., Certified Trauma Therapist).
2. Showcase cultural competence: Include experiences working with diverse populations; discuss how you address health disparities.
3. Prepare a data‑driven personal statement: Reference specific evidence‑based models (TF‑CBT, EMDR) you plan to master.
4. Secure strong references: Ask supervisors who can speak to your clinical judgment and research potential.
5. Practice interview scenarios: Be ready to discuss case formulation, ethical dilemmas, and your vision for integrating research into practice.

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Real‑World Impact: comparative Insights

• University of Washington’s Trauma Internship (2023 cohort): reported a 30 % increase in clinicians’ competence scores on the Trauma Treatment Competence Scale after completing a similar curriculum.
• Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Clinical Scholars Program: Demonstrated that graduates achieved faster time‑to‑licensure and higher placement rates in trauma‑focused positions.

These data points underscore the tangible outcomes associated with intensive, evidence‑based training models like DCAC’s internship.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Question	Answer
Is prior EMDR training required?	No; DCAC provides a comprehensive EMDR certification track during the frist quarter.
Can international candidates apply?	Yes, provided they hold a valid work visa and meet licensure prerequisites.
What is the expected caseload?	Approximately 12‑15 active clients per week, balanced across trauma and behavioral care settings.
Are there opportunities for interprofessional education?	Absolutely—monthly case conferences include physicians, nurses, and occupational therapists.
How dose the program support work‑life balance?	Structured schedule with protected supervision time; wellness resources (mind‑body workshops, peer support groups).