Overview
The Clinical Health Psychology Fellowship at Cleveland Clinic offers an exceptional opportunity to gain specialized, hands-on training in the assessment and treatment of adults with diverse medical and psychological conditions.
Fellows work primarily in outpatient settings, engaging in psychological consultations, diagnostic interviews, short-term therapy, behavioral interventions, and group psychotherapy. Unique training experiences are available in areas such as:
- Cognitive-behavioral treatment of insomnia
- Psychological interventions for multiple sclerosis
- Stress management and biofeedback
- Integrated primary care
- Personality assessment
We also encourage fellows to explore individual interests, with opportunities in medical school teaching, family and marital therapy, bariatric evaluations, and program development.
This is a one-year certificate program with the option of a second year (in the same or a new specialty area) depending on mutual fit. Our graduates consistently go on to successful careers in Clinical Health Psychology across academic, hospital, and medical center settings.
Major Rotations in Behavioral Medicine
- General Health Psychology
- Chronic Pain Rehabilitation
- Mellen Center for Multiple Sclerosis
- Behavioral Sleep Medicine
- Bariatric Psychology
- Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry
Minor Rotations (based on fit with major rotations)
- Primary Care Outpatient Clinic / Marital & Family Therapy
- Behavioral Sleep Medicine / Sleep Disorders Clinic
- Mellen Center for Multiple Sclerosis
- Bariatric Clinic
- Medical School Teaching / Communication Skills Training (when available)
- Research in Multiple Sclerosis and Biofeedback
Beyond clinical training, fellows actively participate in research, poster presentations, teaching, and didactics, developing the well-rounded expertise needed to excel as leaders in the field.
Chivonna Y. Childs, PhD
Health Psychology Fellowship Program Director
Alicia Coleman
Program Coordinator
colemaa5@ccf.org
How to Apply
Application Timeline
We accept applications from October through mid-December each year. Please email all materials to the Program Coordinator, Alicia Coleman - colemaa5@ccf.org, with the subject line: Health Psychology Fellowship Application.
Who Should Apply
We welcome applicants who:
- Have completed all requirements for a PhD or PsyD in clinical or counseling psychology from an APA-accredited program, including dissertation defense, before the fellowship start date in September (no exceptions).
- Have completed a pre-doctoral internship in adult clinical and/or health psychology (experience in health psychology is essential).
- APA-accredited internships are preferred.
- APPIC-compliant internships are required.
Note: While our fellowship is not currently APA-accredited, it is listed in the APPIC directory.
How to Apply
Your application should include:
- Application for Clinical Post-Doctoral Fellowship
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Personal Statement (including rotation preferences)
- List of all rotations you wish to be considered for
- Three letters of recommendation (sent directly by authors)
- Official transcripts
- One clinical work sample
- If your degree is not yet conferred: a letter from your program director confirming candidacy, anticipated defense, and graduation dates
Interviews
Interviews are conducted in late January/early February in a group format. Selected applicants will be invited via email in mid- to late January. All active supervisors participate, giving candidates the chance to meet the full team.
Selection & Start Date
- Preference is given to applicants from APA-accredited health psychology internships, though APPIC-compliant applicants will also be considered.
- Hiring decisions are typically finalized in late February/early March.
- Fellowships begin on September 1 each year.
- In years with an APPIC Uniform Notification Date (UND), we follow APPIC policies.
Salary & Benefits
Explore a detailed overview of trainee compensation and benefits on the Cleveland Clinic Graduate Medical Education website. Discover resources to help you thrive both personally and professionally during your training.
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