Postdoctoral Fellowship Training Program

The Postdoctoral Fellowship Training Program at Counseling and Psychological Services is a one-year, full-time, paid opportunity for an advanced clinical or counseling psychology student to specialize in college mental health upon completion of a Ph.D. or Psy.D.

Within a short-term psychodynamic treatment model, fellows conduct intake assessments and build an individual psychotherapy caseload, which includes both brief treatments and several longer-term therapy cases. Under ongoing supervision, disposition decisions are made regarding treatment options within the program and referrals to outside resources. Fellows present cases and attend year-long didactic and clinical seminars, as well as administrative and themed clinical meetings.

Opportunities to work with psychologists, psychiatrists, and social workers with special experience in areas such as eating disorders, trauma, substance use, diversity, acculturation, sexual and gender identity concerns, and veterans’ concerns are available and encouraged.

Electives are typically offered in Eating Disorders Concerns; Trauma Support; Group Therapy/Outreach, and Behavioral Health, among other potential electives responsive to the needs and interests of the population served. Applicants may indicate interest in any elective(s); expressed interest will neither commit an applicant nor guarantee placement. Note that participation in one or more electives does not require an additional time commitment.

Many graduates of the training program go on to careers in college mental health at Columbia or elsewhere.  Graduates interested in establishing a private practice have the opportunity, upon licensure, of joining the Columbia specific referral network through which students are referred to off-campus private practices.

Contact Dr. Debra Domenech for more information about the postdoctoral fellowship training program.

The multidisciplinary Eating Disorder Treatment Team, composed of psychologists, social workers, psychiatrist, nurse practitioner, physician, and nutritionist, provides comprehensive care for students presenting with a range of eating concerns including: individual psychotherapy, psychopharmacological evaluation and management, medical evaluations, nutrition rehabilitation, and consultation services to the larger university community.

Fellows in this elective will receive weekly individual supervision with an ED Specialist, attend weekly clinical team meetings, co-facilitate a group/support space, and conduct one intake each week with a student seeking treatment for their eating disorders. Fellows will learn how to assess for the appropriate level of care of students presenting with eating concerns in a college health setting. When appropriate, fellows will assist students in identifying and getting connected with services offering a higher level of care in the community. Fellows may also coordinate various outreach and educational on-campus activities related to eating concerns, weight management, nutrition, and body image.

The Trauma Support Team provides survivors of recent and past trauma with individual psychotherapy, psychoeducational/ support group spaces, psychopharmacological evaluation and management, and referrals for appropriate care on and off campus. The team collaborates with other units of Columbia Health and across the university to provide assistance with crisis intervention and coordination of care with relevant services and works especially closely with Columbia University’s Sexual Violence Response program.

Fellows participating in this elective receive weekly individual supervision from a psychologist with a strong background in trauma-informed treatment, attend weekly clinical conferences, co-facilitate a group for survivors, and typically conduct one intake each week for a student seeking trauma support. Fellows will gain an understanding of how to navigate trauma support and sexual and intimate partner violence within a university setting, learn about various trauma treatment modalities, and have the opportunity to present their cases and receive feedback from the Trauma Support Team.

Fellows who choose this elective will co-lead three groups: skills-based groups, supports paces for students in their various identities or with shared life experiences, and other specialized groups. Visit the Support Groups page to learn about current offerings.

Fellows participating in this elective receive weekly supervision from a psychologist with a strong background in Group Therapy and gain a deeper understanding of group formation from recruitment to termination. Fellows will also be provided the opportunity to help formulate and implement a variety of psychoeducational and outreach events and may have occasion to join senior staff in providing consultation to campus partners.

Fellows participating in this elective will learn about behavioral health integration in MedicalS ervices as a distinct application to college counseling services.

Fellows will conduct intake with students presenting in Medical Services, gain competencies in assessment and treatment of behavioral health concerns, learn to assess appropriate levels of care, co-facilitate behavioral support spaces, receive weekly supervision from a behavioral health psychologist and attend monthly meetings with medical staff. They may also coordinate outreach and educational on-campus activities related to commonly presenting mind-body conflicts.

How to Apply

Applications are currently being accepted for the 2024-2025 academic year. Applications are accepted until all positions are filled.

The position requires completion of all requirements for a Ph.D. or Psy.D. in clinical or counseling psychology from an American Psychological Association-accredited clinical or counseling program prior to start date (last week in August of the start of the academic year).

  1. Complete the online application on opportunities.columbia.edu. Please be sure to include your resume.
     
  2. Email the following to Debra Domenech, Ph.D. at [email protected]
    1. detailed letter of interest;
    2. a separate statement indicating reasons for interest in a specialized track; 
    3. updated curriculum vitae;
    4. three letters of reference;
    5. brief clinical writing sample, (de-identified case write-up or test report), and
    6. graduate school transcripts.