Postdoctoral Training

Training Program

Consistent with its value of clinical training, and the growing need for quality postdoctoral psychology training programs in the Chicagoland area, Illinois Behavioral Health Group (IBHG) developed a formal postdoctoral program. Training at IBHG provides a unique opportunity in a private practice setting to not only be trained as a generalist, but also specialize in various treatment approaches and modalities. The Postdoctoral Program is a member of the Association of Psychology Postdoctoral and Internship Centers (APPIC). Our Member Number is 9265.

Please click HERE to download our Postdoctoral Program brochure.

Training Structure

The postdoctoral training program requires 2000 hours completed within one year. Approximately 30 hours of the postdoc’s time each week will be spent in direct service to Illinois Behavioral Health Group clients. Postdocs receive training in working with clients across the lifespan, including young children, adolescents, and older adults. They are assigned to 1-2 outpatient offices and carry a therapy caseload at that center for the full 12 months. In addition to their therapy caseload, postdocs are given the option to conduct psychological/neuropsychological assessments, which are tailored to the training needs and interests of the postdocs.

Postdocs participate in 4 hours of formal training each week, including 2 hours of individual supervision and 2 hours of learning activities. Additionally, postdocs formally present a professional topic of their choice twice per year at the trainees’ weekly didactic series. They also present client cases formally twice per year during therapy group supervision.

Illinois Behavioral Health Group's Postdoctoral Training Program fulfills the licensure requirements for postdoctoral supervision in the jurisdiction of the program (Illinois).

Training Commitment

Postdocs’ work schedules are organized around regularly scheduled supervisory meetings, learning activities, diagnostic testing blocks (if applicable), and some evening hours. The following time breakdown may be helpful in achieving a sense of time commitment:

40 hours/week; 2000 Total Hours

• Direct Service (Approximately 30 direct service hours per week)
  • Therapy
    • Postdocs are expected to have 30 open therapy time slots per week on their schedule for individual, couples, families, and/or child cases.
  • Psychological/Neuropsychological Assessment (Optional)
    • In addition to therapy cases, postdocs may choose to conduct psychological/neuropsychological assessments during their training year.
• Training Opportunities
  • Supervision and Learning Activities
    • Postdocs participate in 3 hours of formal supervision (2 individual and 1 group) and a 1-hour consultation group.
  • Additional Trainings
    • Postdocs formally present 2 didactic presentations and 2 case presentations during the year.
    • Postdocs are given the option to participate in the weekly didactic series offered to trainees. They are required to attend more specialized didactic trainings once per month.
• Case Management/Documentation/Authorizations
  • Postdocs are given 2 hours each week to work on administrative tasks.
• Licensure/Professional Development
  • Postdocs may use the remainder of their time to study for professional licensure and/or work on any other professional development projects of their choosing.

Prerequisite Requirements

Illinois Behavioral Health Group has 2 postdoctoral positions available for the 2024-2025 postdoctoral year. Postdoctoral fellows must have completed all professional doctoral degree requirements from a regionally accredited institution of higher education, including an internship meeting APPIC standards. Postdocs who have completed doctoral degree requirements from an APA-accredited doctoral program and completed an APA/CPA-accredited internship are preferred. Applicants with previous experience treating children and adolescents and/or interest in working with individuals across the lifespan are preferred.

Former Illinois Behavioral Health Group doctoral interns are valued members of the Illinois Behavioral Health Group team and are encouraged to apply for the postdoctoral program. When Illinois Behavioral Health Group doctoral interns are accepted to the postdoctoral program, the training team works to ensure the postdoctoral program offers a unique and developmentally appropriate training experience that builds on the postdoc’s professional growth and clinical areas of interest.

Compensation and Benefits

Postdoc Stipend: $50,000

The salaried postdoctoral training program includes eligibility to enroll in the company’s health, dental, and vision insurance plans; 7 holidays, 14 Paid Leave days, and Sick Leave consistent with Illinois Behavioral Health Group policies. Illinois Behavioral Health Group provides maternity/paternity leave in accordance with Illinois Behavioral Health Group policies. A pre-employment background check may be required.

Application Process and Postdoctoral Fellow Selection

Applicants wishing to apply for the Illinois Behavioral Health Group Postdoctoral Training Program should submit a cover letter and curriculum vitae to Dr. Stacey Lipson at slipson@illinoisbhg.com. Selected applicants will be contacted by phone or email to schedule an interview. Interviews will be conducted in person and by video conferencing, with in-person interviews preferred if health and safety needs are managed at that time. Interviews include an initial screening with Dr. Lipson and follow up individual meetings with other training team members. In accordance with APPIC's published guidelines, IBHG will follow the Postdoctoral Selection Common Hold Date (CHD) guidelines. However, IBHG will extend the interview and notification process, and allow for rolling applications and flexible start dates, if there are positions available after the CHD.