The internship is committed to the practitioner scholar model of professional psychology. Education involves the accumulation of theoretical, empirical, and experiential knowledge. The clinical psychology internship at SAVAHCS provides a professional setting in which training is pursued primarily within the experiential sphere. This training can be conceptualized as the highest level of the applied aspect of doctoral training. The emphasis of the internship is therefore upon the development of clinical skill through supervised experience in the application of theoretical and empirical knowledge.
Although the experiential component of professional education is emphasized, theoretical and empirical issues are not neglected. Weekly psychology didactics and educational activities are available through the facility and VHA are also available to trainees. Other seminars and symposia occur throughout the year through the University of Arizona, and the Arizona Health Sciences Center.
The ultimate aim of the internship is to produce clinicians who are prepared to provide independent psychological services, show clear professional identity and behavior, and demonstrate a commitment to the integration of clinical skills with the scientific foundation of applied psychology.
Website: https://www.va.gov/southern-arizona-health-care/work-with-us/internships-and-fellowships/
Contact: Kelly Obert, PsyD
Chief of Psychology/Psychology Training Director
Phone: 520-667-7543
[email protected]
(This page was last updated 9/2/2026)