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The interdisciplinary faculty of the USC UCEDD Training Programs works in close partnership with General Pediatric Services to serve children with severe emotional and behavioral disturbances as well as at-risk children and families, including children with special health care needs, developmental disabilities and a history of child abuse or neglect.

Consistent with CHLA’s teaching mission, the faculty of the USC UCEDD at CHLA have developed the second largest training program within the hospital. Each year, over 48 psychology fellows and interns, social work interns, doctoral-level occupational therapists, and medical students train within the USC UCEDD. Our training programs recruit trainees from around the country.

We offer internships in:

1. Interdisciplinary Leadership Training (in 15 different disciplines)
2. Nutrition Training
3. Clinical Training
1. Psychology
2. Social Work

Interdisciplinary Leadership Training

The Interdisciplinary Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities Training Program (LEND) prepares professionals for leadership roles in health and related professions that care for infants, children and adolescents with, or at risk for, neurodevelopmental and related disabilities.

Nutrition Training

The Dietetic Internship is accredited by the American Dietetic Association and specializes in pediatrics and developmental disabilities.

Clinical Training Programs

The USC UCEDD offers an APA Accredited Internship and an advanced postdoctoral training program in Clinical Child Psychology. Our Internship program was one of the first programs in the country to receive federal funding from the Bureau of Health Professionals for its Enhancement of Cross-Cultural Competence in Pediatric Psychology Internship Project. Additionally, we offer both an internship and fellowship training programs in Clinical Social Work . The training programs at CHLA are based on an integrated community mental health and health psychology model. They are designed to train psychologists to assume leadership roles as experts in clinical psychology in pediatric community and medical settings. Depending on the subspecialty, students may be gaining professional experiences in outpatient mental health clinics, community clinics, schools and/or pediatric hospital units. Through intensive supervision, didactic lectures and seminars, research and program development activities, and ample direct patient contact and consultation opportunities, fellows enhance and develop advanced clinical skills in their subspecialty area.