PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:
For this elective, interns serve as the primary mental health professional integrated within a primary care clinic for adolescents and young adults. The goal of training is to provide the psychologist with an introductory experience in evaluation, brief intervention and triage of transitional age youth presenting to an outpatient adolescent medicine clinic. Patients have a range of medical conditions, developmental abilities, and co-morbid psychosocial and/or mental health problems.
DURATION OF ELECTIVE: 4 months
FACULTY:
Natacha Emerson, Ph.D.
TRAINING PROVIDED:
Trainees conduct brief evaluations to target presenting symptoms, which can include symptoms of trauma, depression, anxiety, psychosis, aggression, grief, high-risk behavior, obesity, school problems, family discord, and behavioral problems associated (or not associated) with a developmental disability. Psychoeducation and limited skills building may be provided. Recommendations and referrals for further care are provided to the pediatrician and patient/family. Trainees attend weekly group supervision Wednesdays at 11am which includes review of both adolescent medicine cases and consultation-liaison cases. Trainees are expected to be done seeing patients by 5pm (or sooner) each Friday. If more than two interns wish to share the elective, a rotating schedule will be creating so that two interns at a time will be in clinic.
This experience is required for the Pediatric Consultation-Liaison intern and the Health Behavior intern while on the Pediatric Consultation-Liaison rotation. For those wishing to elect this experience, please attempt to schedule it during a rotation when you are not also on Peds CL.
For more information and to sign up for this elective, contact Natacha Emerson, Ph.D., at ndemerson@mednet.ucla.edu
DIVERSITY TRAINING:
Adolescents and young adults from 12 to 25 years of age with medical, social, or emotional concerns are seen in the adolescent medicine clinic. The majority of patients seen in this venue have public insurance (predominantly MediCal). Interns are asked to adopt an exploratory model approach to understanding the unique experience of their patients and families. Additionally, interns are encouraged to ascertain patient information related to gender identity, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, level of acculturation, language ability and preferences, educational background, financial burdens, spiritual beliefs, disabilities, family constellation, trauma and discrimination history, quality of the relationship and communication with the health care team, and potential barriers to health care (transportation, work or child care responsibilities, disability,
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etc.) if relevant to the clinical presentation. They are provided access to a curated website that includes resources related to the provision of culturally sensitive psychological care. Discussions in supervision include the review of diversity and cultural factors that may impact a patient’s clinical presentation, level of trust of and congruence with health care team members, and the development of sensitive treatment plans or referrals.
SUPERVISION PROVIDED:
Method of Supervision: Case Presentation
Format: Individual (remotely) and Group
Hours Per Week: 4-5 (4 if also on Peds CL; 5 if not on Peds CL,) (2.5 group, 1 individual)
Days and Times: Thursday: 10:30amam-11:30am (supervision); Fridays 2-5pm (clinic)
Names of Supervisor(s): Natacha Emerson, PhD; plus, Pediatrician Attendings on site, under the direction of Martin Anderson, MD