Position: Pediatric Psychology Extern

About NOVA PS: NOVA PS is a behavioral health group practice consisting of a team of psychologists who specialize in treating patients with comorbid medical and psychological conditions. NOVA PS works closely with local medical hospitals and providers. We are located in the heart of Tysons and share an office space with a pediatric neurology group. 

Description: NOVA PS is offering an externship specializing in pediatric psychology & behavioral health for the 2025-2026 academic year.

Conditions most commonly treated to the behavioral health practice include but are not limited to pain conditions, chronic headaches, gastrointestinal disorders, concussions, postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), epilepsy, psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES),  and other functional neurological conditions. When availability permits, we also offer our services to youth without comorbid medical conditions. Presenting concerns include anxiety, depression, and ADHD. NOVA PS providers work with children, adolescents, and young adults. 

Clinical opportunities include training in biopsychosocial intake/evaluations, consultations, and interventions to improve quality of life and prevent disability associated with the youth’s physical and overlapping psychological/social functioning. Training will emphasize evaluation, short-term and mid-term therapy, as well as opportunities to collaborate with multiple providers involved in the youth’s care team.

Theoretical orientations utilized include evidence-based approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and components of Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and other mindfulness approaches.  

Didactics opportunities consist of a Pediatric Psychology Seminar Series once a month via zoom (typically 11am - 12pm ). The series includes core lectures on behavioral health/behavioral medicine topics and/or special presenters. 

Our supervisors are PhD & PsyD level psychologists who extensively trained at Children’s National Hospital in Washington, DC and many other academic medical centers for many years. Externs will receive at least two hours of face-to-face, individual supervision per week from primary supervisors.

Qualifications: 

• Doctoral student in Clinical Psychology or APA-credited Program 

• Must have completed at least one year of a clinical practicum 

• This externship is ideal for a trainee interested in providing therapy to youth and more specifically, pursuing a pediatric psychology/behavioral medicine career.

• Trainees will leave the externship prepared to enter a fast-paced, interdisciplinary clinic or academic medical setting

Opportunity Details:

• Externships are 1-year and will occur from Summer 2025 – Spring/Summer 2026

• Externs are required to be on-site 8-16 hours a week. Strong preference will be given to externs who can be on-site for two full days (16 hours) a week

• Schedules are somewhat flexible (Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday) based on trainee and supervisor availability and are determined over the course of the summer prior to the start of the training year

• Must be available one evening 

• Based on extern’s interest/preference, general clinical referrals such as ADHD, anxiety, and/or depression, etc. may be prioritized

• Externs will receive at least two hours of face-to-face, individual supervision per week from primary supervisors Angela Fletcher, PsyD and Eleni Rizakos, PsyD 

• Eligible externs completing a full-time externship (2 days/week) may receive a one-time payment of $1,800 through the Externship Subsidy Fund. This fund is designed to help offset training-related costs such as onboarding and transportation. Please note: fund availability is subject to annual review, and eligibility criteria apply

Number of positions offered:

• 1-2 externs will be recruited for this externship

Location:

Northern Virginia (Medical building in the heart of Tyson’s Corner)

8320 Old Courthouse Rd. 

Suite 300 

Vienna, VA 22182 

• Some clinical intervention may be provided via telehealth

To Apply:

• Submit a cover letter, CV, and two letters of recommendation to admin@novapsychologyservices.com

• Applications must be received by February 3, 2025

NOVA Psychological Services is an equal opportunity organization, and does not discriminate based on race, age, ethnicity, ancestry, national origin, disability, color, size, religion, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, or socioeconomic background. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all patients and members of our staff.