Post-Doctoral Fellowship

 
 

Post-Doctoral Fellowship Details

General Information: Postdoctoral Fellowship

The postdoctoral fellowship at Relational Psychology Group is ideal for a candidate who is ready to solidify their identity as a clinician and begin learning the ins and outs of running a private practice. An ideal candidate will have expressed interest and experience in providing treatment to members of the LGBTQIA+ and poly/kink communities, engage in their own anti-racism work, and be comfortable working remotely with clients. By the end of this experience, our postdocs will be prepared to open and run their own practice if they choose or work at any level of leadership within an existing practice. Postdocs can expect to receive support in developing their clinical niche and explore ways to translate that into a thriving practice. Postdocs will be supervised for up to 2 years to allow for completion of their clinical hours requirement for licensure and to pass the EPPP. Ideally, this fellowship will feel moderately challenging while also emphasizing the self-care of the clinician through reasonable work expectations, EPPP support, and significant paid time off.

Clinical Training

Training at Relational Psychology Group during the fellowship is tailored to the specific needs of candidates at the postdoctoral phase of clinical development. During this final training phase, the focus of the fellowship will be on integrating and honing existing clinical skills, while learning and deepening chosen approaches and modalities. Specific emphasis will be placed on working with and meeting the needs of LGBTQIA+ individuals and communities, and decolonizing mental health care through a focus on engaging in their own anti-racism work through training, supervision, and personal support. In addition, Relational Psychology Group will provide opportunities for postdocs to attend auxiliary training opportunities and provide compensation for further certifications and training. 

Professional Development Training

A major concentration of the fellowship will be on teaching postdocs the business, administrative, organizational, legal, and financial skills needed to demystify running a practice of their own. Postdocs will be introduced to standards and practices of billing, taking insurance, maintaining an electronic records-keeping system, telehealth systems, and marketing. In addition,  postdocs will also have the opportunity to consult with other postdocs at other private practice locations. In addition, Dr. Sytsma is the Election Committee Chair for the Illinois Psychological Association. Thus opportunities to become involved in the IPA may be available to postdocs who are interested. 

Supervision

Post-docs will receive two (2) hours of supervision each week focused on clinical and professional development. Supervision will be tailored to the needs of the Postdoc at different phases of the process to ensure consistent movement toward licensure and preparedness for finding or building the fellow’s next career step. In addition, monthly staff meetings will provide additional consultation opportunities with staff therapists to provide additional clinical perspectives and support. Dr. Sytsma will also be regularly available to consult with postdocs as needed throughout the workweek.

Postdoc Prerequisites

  • Completion of an APA Accredited PhD or PsyD program, degree confirmed prior to the start of Post-Doctoral Fellowship 

  • Completion of required Doctoral Internship hours prior to the start of Post-Doctoral Fellowship

  • Postdoc must reside in IL and be seeking IL license

Postdoc Duties and Responsibilities

  • Conduct psychotherapy sessions from home or another quiet and private space or in-office at the practice location in Andersonville

  • Maintain a full-time caseload determined by Post-Doc not to exceed an average of 25 clients per week

  • Participate in weekly supervision

  • Participate in monthly consultation meetings with Relational Psychology Group staff

  • Participate in group trainings provided in collaboration with peer organizations

  • Learn and utilize the functions of electronic healthcare records systems

  • Complete progress notes, intakes, and treatment plans within 48 hours of sessions

  • Complete and submit all materials necessary for timely billing of clients

  • Learn and be an active participant in the marketing of clients. In the initial months of fellowship, while a Fellow's caseload is building, they will be expected to work full-time to assist in filling their own caseload. This will include engaging in necessary administrative tasks related to client screening, insurance benefits verification, and marketing

  • Attend all ethically or legally required trainings/workshops

Benefits and Compensation

  • Flexible start date 

  • Postdocs will be paid $55,000/year 

  • 4 weeks (20 workdays) of paid time off per year. Taking time off is required as learning self-care is an integral part of the fellowship.

  • Postdocs are W-2 employees of Relational Psychology Group, Inc. 

  • Additional benefits offered after 90 days

  • Self- Guided EPPP Coaching with Dr. Erica Ligons, with additional opportunities for personalized coaching https://epppcoach.weebly.com/ 

  • Guided supervision and book clubs with a focus on dismantling systems of oppression in therapy work  

  • Annual $250 educational stipend to be used for additional training opportunities (balance rolls over into a new year if unused) 

Application Process

Please send a CV, cover letter, and 3 references to rsytsma@relationalpsychologygroup.com