The BTC Externship Program
Fall 2024-Spring 2025
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, trichotillomania, and obsessive-compulsive spectrum disorders. BTC also treats the range of clinical problems that most often present in outpatient mental health centers. Both Masters and doctoral-level clinicians provide services to a predominantly middle-class population. The Externship Program provides the center with a means of offering lower cost services to those in need. Two externs per year are selected based on interest in behavior therapy, clinical experience, letters of recommendation, and interviews.
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. 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. Externs must own or have access to a vehicle (if and when this is applicable during the externship year).
Supervision & Consultation
Supervision of cases will be provided in accordance with school requirements. At a minimum, externs receive one hour of individual supervision, two hours of group supervision, and any additional supervision as requested. 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.
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 is held weekly for one and one-half hours every Thursday from 11am to 12:30pm.
Application Process
Interested students should submit a cover letter, resume/vita, and two (2) letters of recommendation. Applications should be received by February 3, 2024 and emailed to rgolomb@behaviortherapycenter.com
Ruth Golomb, M.Ed., LCPC
Co-Director of Training
Phone: 301-593-4040 ext. 112