Interdisciplinary Training Program
The practicum at the Simms/Mann–UCLA Center for Integrative Oncology is a clinical training opportunity for students in the fields of psychology, social work, and chaplaincy to obtain interdisciplinary training in the clinical care of patients with cancer and their family members. Students will learn about the biological aspects of cancer, develop an understanding of the psychosocial impact on adult patients and family members throughout the developmental and cancer trajectory – from diagnosis to survivorship or end of life, and appropriately learn to function in the role of mental health and spiritual care professionals in a medical setting.
Specific skills learned include consultation in multidisciplinary medical clinics, patient advocacy and access to tangible resources, individual and group therapy using evidence based modalities such as CBT, ACT, Mindfulness, and exposure to interventions in multiple disciplines such as psychology, social work, psychiatry, spiritual care, and integrative medicine.
Currently Accepting Applications
Pre-doctoral Psychology Practicum
Supervision and schedule
Training consists of weekly didactic teachings, bimonthly case conferences, lectures, attendance in medical clinics, and individual and group supervision. All practicum students receive weekly individual supervision and primary supervisors will be from student’s specific disciplines. Students are required to attend weekly training meetings and clinic case conferences on Monday mornings from 9:00-12:00 am. Other clinical hours will be determined based on student’s availability and the Center’s clinical needs.
Practicum students will receive training in an outpatient facility: The Simms/Mann — UCLA Center for Integrative Oncology in the 200 Medical Plaza Building Suite 502, and also in various oncology clinics within the Medical Center in Westwood, in Santa Monica and possibly in other UCLA Hematology/Oncology community practices.
Interns have a designated intern office at the Center with multiple computer and phone stations. Students also have access to clinicians’ offices and the Center conference room for individual sessions. Additional laptop computers designated for intern use are also available.
Supervisors
- Kauser Ahmed, PhD, Clinical Psychologist, Director
- Lorelei Bonet LCSW, Licensed Oncology Social Worker, Field Supervisor
- Elizabeth Cleary, PhD, Clinical Psychologist, Primary Psychology Clinical Supervisor
- Michael Eselun, Board Certified Clinical Chaplain, Primary Chaplaincy Supervisor
- Valentina Ogaryan, PhD, Clinical Psychologist, Primary Psychology Clinical Supervisor