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Pre-Doctoral Externship: SHARE Military Initiative and Complex Concussion Clinic

Now accepting applications for Summer/Fall 2024-2025

Externship Overview

This is an advanced intervention and diagnostic practicum for students to work with Veterans (SHARE Military Initiative) and/or individuals with complex concussions. An advanced student is generally defined as a fourth-year student (applying in the spring of the third year) in the neuropsychology track or medical psychology track. The advanced student needs to have completed assessment curricula and completed at least one other external neuropsychology practicum.

Externship Location

Shepherd Center's Complex Concussion Clinic
80 Peachtree Park Drive
Atlanta, GA 30309

Length of Training

August 2024 - August 2025 - 2-3 days/16-20 hours per week

  • The length of training can be flexible depending on the program and practicum agreement.
  • Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays are strongly preferred.
  • Currently, Behavioral Health Rounding occurs on Monday mornings but is subject to change.

Externship Supervisors and Faculty

All students are assigned a primary supervisor. Each week, the student will receive at least one hour of individual supervision, in addition to one hour of group supervision obtained through clinical and didactic activities (dependent on the days on which the student is on-site). Additional informal supervision regularly occurs as the student manages the demands of clinical services. Styles and modes of supervision vary according to the supervisor. The student receives feedback on case presentations, performance in team meetings and seminars, consultative/supervisory work, writing skills, and overall professional conduct. Future career planning and interviewing skills are also addressed during supervisory sessions.

Externship supervisors and faculty include:

Agency Involvement

The primary clinical population for this externship includes post-9/11 military Veterans. Many of our clients experience symptoms of or have a diagnosis of mild to moderate traumatic brain injury or concussions, co-occurring psychological or behavioral health concerns, post-traumatic stress, sleep disturbance, mood issues, substance abuse issues, and/or family concerns.

The mission of the SHARE Military Initiative is to empower post-9/11 Veterans and service members with brain injury to live with hope and purpose by providing high-quality, comprehensive, and personalized rehabilitation care.

Students learn to work with interdisciplinary treatment teams to provide the best care for these clients and their families, observe high-level interventions, learn group therapy and psychoeducation classes, and master professional communication. This is a great practicum to prepare students who may be interested in working in the VA system or with Veterans and military personnel and their families.

The Complex Concussion Clinic serves patients ages 12 and up who are experiencing symptoms from a concussion or mild brain injury. The clinic’s extensive program provides interdisciplinary treatment, and this practicum offers assessment and therapy experiences. Patients receive an initial evaluation to determine the best course for treatment, which may include neuropsychological or psychological assessments.

Student Involvement

This is typically a two- or three-day practicum placement (16-20 hours per week). Trainees have the opportunity to learn neurobehavioral evaluations neuropsychological/psychological evaluations, assess and manage mood and substance use disorders, and conduct individual interventions with patients. They gain experience in consultation with medical staff members, healthcare teams, families, and administrative systems.

Intervention typically involves behavior management planning and individual/group intervention for adjustment issues. Students learn to utilize Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Motivational Interviewing (MI) approaches with patients and families. Research opportunities may be available for students who are interested.

Application Process

Interested students should apply by January 5, 2024, for late summer/fall placement. 

Please submit curriculum vitae and a brief cover letter stating your reasons for interest in this practicum and how it will meet your training needs to Gregory Brown, Psy.D., at greg.brown@shepherd.org. Students are encouraged to reach out to Dr. Brown with any questions at the email above or via phone at 404-603-4319.

Interviews will take place from the end of January through February. Students who are selected for interviews will be contacted by their preferred method of communication (e-mail or phone). Candidates will be invited either for onsite or video-conference interviews with staff members. Students will be informed if they will be offered a practicum by the end of February.