The Mood Disorders Program at Children's National provides outpatient care to children and adolescents with mood disorders (e.g., major depression, bipolar disorder, disruptive mood dysregulation disorder) and their families. The extern will gain experience in assessment and treatment of mood disorders through individual and group therapy (optional). Additional externship opportunities include working with young children (under 6), children with medical illnesses and histories of trauma. Training goals include building skills in the application of CBT and DBT with children and their families.
The Anxiety Disorders Program at Children's National Hospital provides care to children and adolescents with anxiety disorders (e.g. generalized anxiety, OCD, tics, separation and social anxiety) and their families. Externs will gain experience in assessment and treatment of anxiety disorders in school-aged children (6-18 years), though younger children are sometimes seen as well. Experience with group therapy and working with children and adolescents with medical illness may be a possibility as well. Training goals include building skills in the application of CBT/ERP and the use of SPACE with children and their families.
In addition to formal, in-person supervision, externs will also have the opportunity participate in case conferences with child psychiatrists, attend behavioral health grand rounds, and clinical seminars (depending on the day of the externship).
