The BTC Externship Program

Fall 2025-Spring 2026

Program Description:

The Externship Program at the Behavior Therapy Center (BTC) provides unique and exciting opportunities to acquire the theory and practice of behavior therapy.  The center, under the direction of Dr. Charles Mansueto, has received both local and national recognition as a leader in the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), hair pulling disorder (trichotillomania), skin picking disorder (excoriation), persistent tic disorder/Tourette’s Disorder and other anxiety related disorders. The Externship Program provides the center with a means of offering lower cost services to those in need. Currently, we are allowing space for one extern to join our team for the 2025-2026 year.

Direct Provision of Clinical Services:

Externs typically carry a caseload that requires 6-8 hours per week of direct clinical services. The weekly time commitment is approximately 16 hours.  Externs typically see clients on two or three days of the week and commit to at least one evening in the clinic if needed by clients. Also, we would like the extern to run our OCD support group, GOAL Group, which is held every other Wednesday from 7pm -9pm. This is a good experience to how to lead a group in a clinical setting and learn how to become a group facilitator. Case assignments are based on extern availability, interest in a particular case, and center demands for lower cost services.  Externs work mainly with adults and occasionally adolescents in individual treatment.  Also, externs have opportunities to sit in on groups and assist staff clinicians with exposure work.  Externs often provide clinical services both in and out of the office, including visits to the clients' home. Sessions are done both virtually and in person. Externs must own or have access to a vehicle (if and when this is applicable during the externship year).

Here is a breakdown of the clinical duties:

  • 6-8 hours of individual therapy (weekly).

  • 1.5 hours of group therapy (held every other week).

 Supervision & Consultation:

Supervision of cases will be provided in accordance with school requirements.  At a minimum, externs receive one hour of a formal individual supervision from Dr. Mansueto and an informal (additional) supervision from Dr. Izzo. Formal supervision will be provided by licensed clinicians.  In addition, an “open door” policy provides opportunities for externs to request consultation on particular cases from any center staff member.  Depending on the case, externs may also have the opportunity to work on a treatment team, which would involve consultation with other staff clinicians.

Here is a breakdown of the supervision duties:

  • 1 hour formal supervision with Dr. Mansueto (weekly).

  • 1 hour informal supervision with Dr. Izzo (weekly).

  • 1 hour peer supervision with other staff clinicians and Dr. Mansueto (weekly).

Staff Meeting & Seminar Series:

Externs and the clinical staff enjoy lunch (provided by BTC) during our weekly staff meeting held on Tuesdays from 11:10am to 12:30pm. Staff meetings provide ample opportunities for externs to review their clinical work in a professional forum, hear other clinical cases, and to receive group input. In addition, externs are exposed to the inner workings of a private practice and the treatment of individual cases by other staff members. Our seminar series (didactic series) is held weekly (with some exceptions for holidays) for one hour and thirty minutes every Thursday from 11am to 12:30pm.  Externs must be able to attend both Tuesdays and Thursdays, Tuesdays you must be able to come in-person and Thursdays you will be able to come either in person or virtually.

Application Process:

Needed Documents:

  1. Cover letter for your personal Interest in Behavior Therapy Center of Greater Washington.

  2. Most current Resume or Curriculum Vita with your clinical and academic exerpiences.

  3. Two (2) letters of recommendation.

Deadline:

  • Please email all the above information by Friday 8th, 2025.

Email Application to:

  • You can email your cover letter, resume/curriculum vita, and two (2) letters of recommendation to jordanizzo@behaviortherapycenter.com.

Jordan Izzo, Psy.D.
Co-Director of Training
Phone: 301-593-4040 ext. 233