Training Program
Postdoctoral Fellowship Program in Clinical Neuropsychology
Training Environment
The Neuropsychology & Counseling Center is a private practice based in Dallas, Texas serving individuals with acquired brain injuries and various mental health concerns in both inpatient and outpatient settings. TNCC was founded by a neuropsychologist in 2008, and has been assisting patient recovery from a variety of mental health issues since that time. Currently, TNCC services rehabilitation and LTAC hospitals, and are an integral part of patient care provided by multidisciplinary teams. The rehabilitation approach at TNCC is multidisciplinary/interdisciplinary, patient-centered, evidence-based, collaborative, and comprehensive, as members of the hospital-based treatment teams include physiatrist, neuropsychologist, physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, and case manager.
TNCC also offers experience in psychotherapy for individuals with various mood disorders, grief, or having difficulty adjusting to life challenges. Many of these patients have brain injuries and are seen as part of their recommended brain injury recovery plan; however, others are members of the community referred by their primary doctors. Counseling services are offered in person and in telehealth settings, and is crucial aspect of training for a postdoctoral fellow in neuropsychology, as a neuropsychologist is only as effective as their ability to communicate and connect with their clients in a manner that addresses their concerns from the client’s perspective. Cognitive-behavioral strategies are the most commonly used at TNCC, but an eclectic approach to therapy is strongly encouraged.
Structure
TNCC’s Postdoctoral Fellowship Program in Clinical Neuropsychology is a newly developed two-year program involving clinical responsibilities, teaching opportunities, and research participation. Fellows are involved in direct care for patients with acquired brain injuries receiving inpatient brain injury rehabilitation (i.e., assessment, intervention, consultation). Fellows will have 10% protected time to complete one research project (approved by the training director) each year. They will receive supervision from a neuropsychologists on staff and professional development guidance from neuropsychologists at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center (UTSW) to prepare them for board certification in neuropsychology. The Postdoctoral Fellowship Program’s training director is Carlos Marquez de la Plata, PhD. He is a bilingual neuropsychologist at TNCC and adjunct assistant professor at UTSW.
Objectives
- The fellow will demonstrate an ability to perform neuropsychological assessments, provide meaningful feedback to the patient/family/rehabilitation team, and apply neurorehabilitation intervention techniques.
- The fellow will demonstrate an advanced understanding of neurorehabilitation interventions for acquired brain injuries by participating in interdisciplinary rehabilitation case conferences, participating in postdoctoral seminars, and providing at least four didactic presentations to rehabilitation professionals and neuropsychology interns and residents per year.
- The fellow will complete at least one research project per year (defined as a scientific poster, scientific manuscript of publishable quality, or other scholarly product as approved by the training director).
- The fellow will pass a mock oral examination to prepare them for licensure and board certification.
Didactics
The fellow will have 10% protected time to participate in four major didactic activities through a collaboration between TNCC and the University of Texas at Dallas Southwestern Medical Center Department of Psychiatry:
- Postdoc Fellows Seminar
- Neuroanatomy/Neuroimaging Seminar
- Neuroscience Rounds (Behavioral Neurology, Psychiatry, PM&R, and related Clinical Neurosciences)
- Board Certification Seminar
Patient Populations
Clinic: TNCC primarily treats patients who have experienced strokes and traumatic brain injuries; but patients with brain tumors, hydrocephalus, cerebral infection, and anoxia are not uncommon. Dementia evaluations will also comprise a significant portion of neuropsychological evaluations at TNCC. Communication of results with patients, families, and referring physicians are strongly emphasized in fellows’ training. Fellows will have opportunities to assess and treat patients with diverse ethnic backgrounds. Furthermore, individuals experiencing major depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, and grief are common referrals at the clinic and psychotherapy is provided in the office or via telehealth means.
Hospital-Based Consultations: The fellow will conduct bedside neuropsychological consultations at one of various local hospitals. Results of these evaluations are provided to the referring hospitalist and usually an multidisciplinary team of rehabilitation professionals (PT, OT, SLP, case management, nursing). This is a fast-paced environment, and provides valuable experience in how to connect with a variety of patients from all walks of life and dealing with a variety of possible mental and physical ailments. Most patients seen at affiliated hospitals are over 65 years of age and have chronic health conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, AFIB, chronic kidney disease, movement disorders, and chronic pain. Neuropsychological evaluations and supportive counseling are the two most common services TNCC provides in the hospital setting.
How to Apply
Applicants should have completed all requirements for a PhD or PsyD in Clinical Psychology in an APA-accredited program and APA accredited internship
Email the following materials to dr.marquez@nprehab.com with the subject line
Postdoc – Last Name, First Initial
1. Letter of interest which should include a brief bio of yourself and an explanation of your interest in the TNCC Postdoctoral Fellowship Program (1-2 pages maximum)
2. Current CV
3. Two letters of reference (one from your most recent supervisor, a second from a professional familiar with your clinical and/or academic work. Letters should address your knowledge and practical skills in neuropsychology, and your motivation.
4. If you have not completed your dissertation defense, please also have your dissertation chairperson submit an email indicating the status of the research project and the anticipated date of completions. The fellowship cannot begin until the dissertation is completed.
EXIT CRITERIA:
1. Advanced skills in neuropsychological assessment sufficient for independent practice and board certification in neuropsychology.
2. Advanced skills in treatment recommendations and interventions for neuropsychological disorders sufficient for independent practice.
3. Advanced skills in consultation with patients, families, and treatment teams sufficient for independent practice.
4. Advanced knowledge of neuropsychology (e.g., etiologic mechanisms and processes).
5. Advanced knowledge of research issues and methodological issues in Neuropsychology.
6. Acquire the necessary preparation for licensure for independent practice of psychology and board certification in neuropsychology.
The following documents are available to facilitate postdoctoral training: