Clinical Training Program

An on-site clinical training program in the research, assessment, and treatment of post traumatic stress is held at the Dissemination and Training Division of the National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder at the VA Palo Alto Health Care System in Menlo Park, California, in collaboration with the VA Employee Education Service (EES). The training program is approved for category 1 continuing medical education credit.

Psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, nurses, readjustment counselors, clinical nurse specialists, and recreational therapists combine to provide a comprehensive treatment program and an education experience for the mental health professional seeking to expand his or her understanding of psychic trauma and its assessment and treatment. The Clinical Training Program offers a broad range of educational activities including:

• Lectures and seminars
• Clinical observation
• Use of multimedia materials
• Group discussions facilitated by staff

The training program is usually scheduled for one week, though longer programs are available if the applicant can justify an extended stay. Programs are scheduled ten times per year, generally during the third week of the month.

At present time, funding for attendance is not available from the National Center. The training program itself is free for attendees, but participants are responsible for providing their own transportation, lodging, and meals. Interested applicants are encouraged to explore funding options through their local VA medical centers, employers or EES.

For further information:
Phone: (650) 493-5000, then 1, ext 22673
Email: gloria.galavez@med.va.gov

For online training see PTSD 101.