This track focuses the intersection of substance use and serious mental illness through yearlong experiences in three settings, constituting the Core Program of this track.
For the 2026 to 2027 training year, a qualified and interested intern may be selected to complete a health psychology-related experience, which would include rotations in two consultation/liaison psychiatric/psychology services, along with experience in a rehabilitation psychology service at a large local hospital. Selection of an intern to complete this health psychology-related experience will be based on stated interest in their application material, discussion during the interview process, and who may be most qualified and/or prepared to complete this training experience. The intern would complete a rotation at Oishei Children’s Hospital with the Pediatric Consultation Liaison service (see the rotation description below under the Core Program heading). Interns would also complete adult-based Consultation Liaison experience at the Erie County Medical Center, working alongside the C/L Psychiatry team, and providing psychological services throughout the hospital. Please see the "Rehabilitation" description under the Core Program heading for details about that rotation.
Through didactic, supervisory and clinical experiences, you will learn about the relationship between substance use and mental health, including focus on trauma and personality pathology. Two of these year-long clinical experiences—an Inpatient Withdrawal and Stabilization Unit and an Outpatient Substance Use Treatment program—are fixed, and you may select another yearlong experience that best suits your training interests. You will work closely with a variety of clinicians, including psychologists, psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, masters and doctoral-level mental health counselors and social workers who will provide expert clinical and administrative supervision.
Interns in this track often work closely with interns completing the developmental track, providing ample opportunity for collaboration.
The third year-long experience is chosen from the following options:
In addition to this Core Program, interns on the Substance Use and Mental Illness Track will choose a fourth training site, which will change every 4 months. These supplemental rotations can be selected from any of the Core Program sites above that were not selected for a year-long experience, or from any of the other rotation sites listed below:
Finally, you will complete a year-long didactic program focused specifically on building a deeper understanding of the intersection of substance use and mental illness. Didactic sessions are led by affiliated faculty who are experts in their field across all clinical sites. Topics will include OUD and other SUDs treatment, recovery, and prevention, trauma-informed care, provider resilience, and providing competent telehealth services.
Interns receive monthly professional development seminars. Topics include the following: