The 157 beds at Gracie Square Hospital are devoted to general psychiatry, geriatric, Dual Focus drug detoxification and rehabilitation, and Asian units. The patients at the hospital represent the full range of psychopathology. All work is fully supervised by licensed clinical psychologists. Interaction with a multidisciplinary hospital staff and treating psychiatrists is encouraged.

Inpatient Services

General Psychiatry Unit - Patients on this unit present with character disorders, depressive illness (psychotic and non-psychotic), schizophrenia and bipolar disorders.

Geriatric Unit - Patients on this unit present mostly with organic mental syndrome, with some patients admitted for treatment of chronic psychotic illness.

Dual Focus - Patients on this unit present with the dual diagnoses of a psychiatric disorder and substance abuse problem. Both aspects are approached in treatment. Psychiatric problems usually include character pathology, a depressive illness, bipolar disorder or schizophrenia.

Asian Unit - This program provides a wide range of psychiatric services to Asian patients. Multilingual staff members provide culturally and linguistically sensitive services to patients in a setting that reflects a variety of Asian cultures. Patients present with character disorders, depressive illness (psychotic & non-psychotic), schizophrenia and bipolar disorders.

Orientation of Treatment at the Hospital

The orientation of the hospital is eclectic, utilizing psychodynamic, cognitive, and behavioral conceptualizations. Medication and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) are employed as important adjuncts in the treatment of acute symptoms. Psychological testing provides information for differential diagnosis and aftercare planning. Milieu treatment and group therapy are focal in the work with the patients. This multidisciplinary function is provided through the use of: community meetings; didactic classes; interventions by treatment staff; and a strong activities therapy program utilizing: dance, music and leisure/socialization therapies. Social Work Services provide aftercare planning. 

Eligibility

The externship is a 9 month program that takes place during the academic year (September thru May). This program is open to students who are enrolled in an APA approved graduate clinical psychology Doctoral program in the United States. Students need to have completed at least two years of study at the start of the externship.

Programming

The successful applicants will be exposed to the clinical process at the hospital. Supervised work with patients is the core component of the program. Students can expect individual and group work and psychodiagnostic testing and report writing. A workshop about ECT will be provided and students are encouraged to attend the continuing education programs at the hospital. We will try to accommodate specific requirements your academic institution wants you to fulfill. 

Schedule

The weekly schedule is 20 hours at the hospital, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday to Friday. Preparation and report writing require some additional hours. Two and a half days on site is optimal.

Stipend

Each participant receives a $2,000 stipend for the program. Meals and housing are not provided.

Application Procedure

All applicants must provide the following documents.  Please accumulate all application materials and forward them in one envelope:

1. A completed application form. Application forms can be downloaded from this website.


2. Resume (detailing work experience)


3. Official college transcripts in sealed envelopes from the Registrar, signed or institutional seal on the back of the envelope.
   a.  College
   b.  Graduate School


4. A writing sample on any subject - feel free to submit a past school paper. The topic does not have to be related to psychology, e.g. creative writing, or it could be a case study.


5. Two written references in sealed envelopes, signed and dated across the seal. References should be from people who are familiar with your education in psychology in an academic or clinical setting. The letter should be an original written on the professional's letterhead.


6. A letter from the director of your school program indicating your readiness for this externship.

Mail all materials to:

Fran Luckom-Nurnberg, Ph.D. Director
Department of Psychological Services
Gracie Square Hospital
420 East 76th Street
New York, NY 10021

Do not submit the application or any supporting materials online.

Interview

Applicants will be selected to be interviewed. An interview at the hospital is required for acceptance.

Notification

Notification will be by phone after all interviews have been completed.

Affiliation Agreement

If you are doing this externship for course credit or as a programmatic requirement, a representative from your school (usually a Dean) will need to sign an Affiliation Agreement with NY Gracie Square Hospital. The Affiliation Agreement is a contract that will be provided by NY Gracie Square Hospital, to the accepted applicants. It basically specifies that your college is responsible for your education and degree and NY Gracie Square Hospital is responsible for the externship. Issues related to malpractice, limited liability, health screening and confidentiality are addressed. If applicable, please make yourself aware of the person at your school who signs such contracts. If you will not be obtaining school credit or fulfilling a programmatic requirement, your school does not need to provide a signed Affiliation Agreement.

Timetable

Completed Applications Accepted: Starting January 15.
Application Deadline: January 31.
Interviewing: Starting February 1. 
Acceptance Notification: March 1.
Student Response Date: By March 15.

Questions

Contact Dr. Fran Luckom-Nurnberg frl9006@nyp.org