In a recent government meeting, officials discussed the integration of pre-doctoral psychology interns into the local clinic's operations, a move aimed at addressing staffing shortages and enhancing service delivery. The interns will work four days a week at the clinic, dedicating one day to traditional training as part of their doctoral program. This initiative not only provides valuable clinical experience for the interns but also generates revenue for the clinic, similar to that of full-time staff.

Dr. Mitchell, a key figure in this initiative, highlighted the challenges of hiring qualified personnel and emphasized the importance of establishing a pipeline for future recruitment. The program is designed to allow interns to transition into limited permit positions upon obtaining their doctorate, enabling them to accumulate the necessary clinical hours under supervision before becoming fully licensed.

The committee expressed support for this innovative approach, recognizing the complexities involved in collaborating with both county and university systems. Despite the current demands on Dr. Mitchell's time as the clinic director, she remains optimistic about the long-term benefits of the program, which is expected to alleviate some of the workload and improve patient care.

The meeting concluded with a sense of excitement about the potential of these interns to contribute significantly to the clinic's operations and the broader mental health services in the community.