Training Programs In the ICAMH/Hadassah Clinic
ICAMH is committed to continuous improvement of mental health treatment and care through the development
and implementation of evidence-based training programs. The ICAMH/Hadassah Clinic aims to provide a professional
home for therapists at various stages of their clinical training.
Training programs for Students at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem
Students in these programs work at the clinic for one and a half to two years and must meet the requirements of their courses under the guidance of the clinic’s senior caring professionals. Additionally, they undergo training in addiction and the ICA therapeutic model at the start of the course, with ongoing guidance from the clinic staff throughout the course.
Field Practicum for Master’s Students in Psychology. The Field Practicum course is designed to provide Master’s students in Psychology with practical experience in clinical settings. This component of their education is crucial for bridging theoretical knowledge with real-world application. Students engage directly with clients in the ICAMH/Hadassah clinic under the supervision of our experienced psychologists, which helps them develop their therapeutic skills and deepen their understanding of psychological issues. This hands-on experience is vital for fostering clinical judgment and developing competencies in various therapeutic techniques.
In this course, students are expected to apply psychological theories and methods learned in the classroom in a supervised setting. Over the course of one to two years, which aligns with their academic curriculum, students are required to complete specific hours of clinical practice and supervision in the ICAMH/Hadassah clinic. This practical engagement not only enhances their ability to handle complex cases but also prepares them for licensure and professional practice.
Practical Work Course for Undergraduate Social Work Students. The Practical Work course for undergraduate Social Work students is aimed at integrating academic learning with practical social work practice. This course is crucial for students to understand the socio-economic and cultural contexts of the clients they will serve. It involves placement in the ICAMH/Hadassah clinic under the supervision of our experienced social workers.
This practical exposure helps students gain firsthand experience in dealing with real-life challenges faced by our patients and their families and communities. They learn to apply social work theories to practice, develop professional relationships, and perform assessments and therapeutic interventions. The course typically spans one and a half to two years and includes both fieldwork and reflective sessions where students discuss their experiences, challenges, and learnings with faculty and peers. This direct involvement in the ICAMH/Hadassah clinic is essential for developing empathy, ethical judgment, and the practical skills needed to advocate for and empower clients effectively. Additionally, it prepares students for professional roles in social services, enhancing their employability and readiness to impact positively on individuals’ lives.
Clinical and Rehabilitation Psychology Internship Programs
The clinic’s internship programs in clinical and rehabilitative psychology are meticulously designed to align with the highest professional standards set by the Health Ministry. These programs are intended to provide interns with a robust foundation in various psychological disciplines, preparing them for diverse clinical challenges. Each intern engages in a rigorous three-year training program, which demands a commitment of 10 clinical hours per week. This structured exposure is crucial for developing the practical skills necessary for effective therapeutic practice.
Detailed Aspects of the Internship:
- Comprehensive Assessments: During their internship, interns are tasked with administering a comprehensive battery of diagnostic, intellectual, personality, and neuropsychological assessments. This not only aids in the appropriate placement of patients within the therapeutic process but also helps interns develop critical diagnostic skills.
- Regular Supervision and Guidance: Interns receive continuous supervision and guidance from experienced clinicians. This includes weekly personal and group psychotherapy sessions, where interns learn to apply psychodiagnostic tools and therapeutic techniques. These sessions are essential for interns to discuss their cases in depth, receive feedback, and refine their approach based on empirical evidence.
- Hands-on Experience with Diverse Therapeutic Methods: The program encourages interns to explore a variety of therapeutic methods under the clinic’s guidance, enhancing their adaptability and proficiency across different treatment modalities. This varied exposure is vital for understanding and selecting the most effective treatment approaches for individual patients.
- Specialized Training in Addiction and the ICA Therapeutic Model: Recognizing the critical role of specialization, the internship includes specific training in managing addictions—an increasingly vital area of clinical psychology. Interns learn about the ICA therapeutic model at the beginning of their training, receiving year-long guidance to integrate this model effectively into their practice.
By integrating rigorous training, continuous evaluation, and specialized instruction in cutting-edge therapeutic models, the internship programs at the clinic aim to cultivate well-rounded, competent clinical psychologists equipped to address the complex needs of their future patients. This holistic approach ensures that the new generation of psychologists is capable of contributing significantly to the field, both in terms of clinical practice and broader psychological research.
ICA Champions Program
The ICA Champions program at the ICAMH/Hadassah clinic is a forward-looking training initiative specifically tailored for professionals in advanced stages of their careers who want to specialize in the treatment of addictions. Planned to be similar to an existing program in the Poleg/Lev HaSharon clinic, it is managed and facilitated by the ICA training department with active involvement from the clinic’s seasoned staff serving as instructors. This program is designed to seamlessly integrate into the ongoing operations at the clinic while strictly adhering to Hadassah Hospital’s work policies.
Targeted at enhancing skills specifically for addiction treatment, the program offers experienced therapists a platform to deepen their expertise and engage in advanced peer mentorship. Participants are expected to refine their therapeutic approaches and expand their knowledge base, ensuring the clinic maintains its stature as a leader in providing cutting-edge, evidence-based addiction therapies. This initiative not only fosters professional growth but also ensures that therapeutic practices evolve to meet the complex needs of individuals struggling with addiction.
