Overview
Family Service of the Chautauqua Region has a 120 year history of providing for the needs of the
vulnerable in Chautauqua County. One of our strengths for decades has been our focus on education of counselors and interns through practicums and apprenticeships. In 2024, we are pleased to announce we are launching a formal internship program in psychology. While this training is required for psychologists to become licensed, there has never been an organized program in Chautauqua County to allow psychologists to complete these two years of training without leaving the area. That is about to change. We are accepting applications for our first interns in the fall of 2025.
Predoctoral Internship in Psychology:
Family Service offers a variety of opportunities to interns. Practice in a rural area means being comfortable with becoming a generalist. Interns will be able to see a wide variety of outpatient clients, from children and adolescents to seniors. Family Service provides individual and family counseling. Intern
placements in schools or community agencies are concurrent components with time at Family Service. 80% of time will be devoted to clinical rotations, including direct service, report writing and collateral contacts. This will be divided between Family Service’s outpatient programs and a community agency determined based on the student’s goals and the opportunities available. Opportunities for psychological assessment, including autism and learning disabilities, will be part of the experience. 20% of time will be devoted to supervision, research (including dissertation if needed) and learning opportunities.
Along with the 2 hours per week of individual supervision with a licensed psychologist, there will be weekly group supervision and opportunities for consultation with LCSWs and other staff. Onsite teaching and learning will be supplemented with online courses through APA’s online Continuing Education program and the Psychological Association of Western New York Continuing Education.
Time for dissertation or other research is permitted, and community participation is encouraged. The handbook, which outlines the $25,000 12-month internship stipend and benefits, can be found here.
Educational Philosophy:
To be a well rounded clinician, both knowledge of the research and apprenticeship with experienced clinicians are needed. No two clients are alike, and the ability to help people feel safe and connected is fundamental to working toward lasting change. Therefore, our goal is to support our students and clinicians, in order for them to support our clients and community. Interns need to arrive with skills for forming therapeutic relationships and knowledge of the DSM5. Over the course of the internship, we will refine skills for diagnosis and treatment planning. We will guide in practical and evidence supported approaches to implementing treatment goals. Cognitive behavioral therapy and motivational enhancement are part of an eclectic approach.
The Agency:
Family Service has been a respected provider of counseling services in the office and in the schools of Chautauqua County since the 1940’s. Our staff consists of 1 licensed psychologist, 2 licensed clinical social workers, and several mental health counselors. In addition, we have an Employee Assistance Program that offers counseling and training to local companies and a Spanish/English Interpreter program that works with Office of Mental Hygiene clinics in Chautauqua County. We have a school counseling program and a program for senior citizens’ mental health needs.
The Supervisors:
Dr Kelly Burkhouse is the Psychology Internship Training Director for Family Service. She earned her PhD
in clinical psychology from Southern Illinois University and has practiced in Western New York since 1990. She is licensed as a psychologist in New York and Pennsylvania. A true generalist, she has helped design programs for domestic violence offenders and sexual abuse offenders, run groups for victims of sexual abuse and consulted with group homes for developmentally disabled individuals. The majority of her career has been as a generalist outpatient therapist, providing counseling to adults, couples, teens and families. She also has done psychological evaluations for a variety of populations. She works for Family Service and has a private practice in the area. She can be reached via email at KellyB@FSCR.mygbiz.com.
Katie Centi, is currently working at the Child Advocacy Program (CAP) in Jamestown and is doing family
therapy, individual therapy, and assessments while completing her dissertation on trauma interventions in the schools. Katie’s PsyD is anticipated for December 2024. She earned her master's/specialist degree in School Psychology in 2009 from the University at Buffalo. Katie returned to school to pursue her doctoral degree after working for 12 years as a school psychologist in the public school systems in California, Texas, and New York. Current specialities/interests include psychological assessments, autism evaluations, and trauma work. Kaite is a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner, which focuses on the somatic mind/body connection to heal trauma. She can be reached via email at KatieCenti@gmail.com.
The Region:
“Whether you crave outdoor adventure – hiking, boating, fishing, skiing – or a slower pace by the lake, Chautauqua County has the landscape to match your desires. The artistic soul will find a vibrant community at the historic Chautauqua Institution, the National Comedy Center, the Reg Lenna Center for the Arts, and countless other venues. But Chautauqua County is more than just places and passions. It's a place where affordability meets opportunity. Enjoy a great quality of life without the high cost of living. Here, you'll find people who share your passions, forming connections that make you feel right at home. No matter who you are or what brings you alive, Chautauqua County has a place for you.
