“The mission of the Mental Health Division is to promote recovery and safety.”
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Assessment
Psychologists at Western State Hospital are called on to provide psychological and neuropsychological assessments for a variety of problems, including psychiatric disease, neurological disease, learning disabilities, and intellectual impairments.
Training
WSH is divided into three centers: the Center for Adult Services (CAS), the Center for Older Adult Services (COAS), and the Center for Forensic Services (CFS). Students interested in obtaining assessment experience will primarily work in COAS, but opportunities also may be available in CAS. During their tenure, students will learn to administer common assessment instruments in psychology and neuropsychology such as the WAIS-III and WMS-III, among many others. Primary responsibilities will include administering a short neuropsychological battery, scoring the instruments, and maintaining a database of results.
Schedules and time commitments may vary, but a minimum of 3 hours per week is expected. Students will typically spend 2 hours assessing patients, while the other hour will be spent in didactics and supervision.
Student Requirements
All students will be expected to complete Blood Borne Pathogens training, sign an Oath of Confidentiality, take a TB test, and complete the assault prevention response training offered by WSH (about 20 hours). This is not a paid position.
How to Apply
Students interested in volunteering may want to review staff interests to find an appopriate match to facilitate their career goals. Volunteer activities allow for some flexibility and students may want to contact supervisors directly to discuss specific details. Larry Arnholt, Ph.D. will assist you with the paperwork and scheduling the mandatory courses.
Larry Arnholt, Ph.D.
Practicum Liaison
Western State Hospital
Tacoma, WA 98498
253-756-2576
9601 Steilacoom Boulevard SW
Tacoma, WA 98498-7213
(253) 582-8900
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For more ways to get in touch with the Department of Mental Health Services, go to the DSHS Contact Information Web page. Mental Health Related Questions Contact:
