Introduction of a clinical psychology intern program to a rural mental health service

Abstract

Specialist clinical psychology skills have become increasingly rare in public mental health services. This lack is particularly problematic in rural and regional Australia, where psychology services of any kind are difficult to access. One model for the reintroduction of these skills is to employ later-year clinical psychology postgraduate trainees under supervision. This model has the advantage of encouraging evidence-based interventions integrated with an emphasis on professional development, evaluation, and applied research. The aim of this paper is to describe the development, implementation and evaluation of a clinical psychology intern program within a regional area mental health servi..