The Summer Institute: Curriculum

Through didactics, experiential exercises, and panel and group discussions led by CDP faculty and experts in the field, participants learn about:

  • Types of clinical and assessment opportunities for military psychologists.
  • The warrior ethos, deployment cycle stress, military family challenges and resilience.
  • Ethical dilemmas faced by providers working with military patients. Students have the opportunity to explore situations that may expose military psychologists to unique ethical challenges.
  • Clinical problems experienced by Service members and cognitive behavioral treatments used at military clinics.

Highlights of the course include a:

  • Chance to interact with psychologists from different branches of the military.
  • Panel discussion with Training Directors from each of the branches where students can ask questions about military internships.
  • Discussion of what military life is like for family members.
  • 4-hour training in PTSD assessment.
  • 1-day skills-based training in assessment and crisis intervention for suicide.