Training in IowaAbout Training in IowaIn 2009, the IPA Training Director, Michele Greiner, Ph.D., outlined a model training program to address Iowa’s worsening workforce shortage. After a successful postdoctoral psychology pilot program at Poweshiek County Mental Health Center with the help of a grant from the Iowa Department of Public Health, IPA looked to find ongoing funding for this promising practice. The Iowa Psychological Association in 2010 identified that 53% of Iowa psychologists are now age 55 or older. Dr. Greiner helped to create additional training opportunities across Iowa with the successful partnerships between the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH), IPA, the Iowa Psychological Foundation (IPF), and other organizations like the Telligen Community Initiative. These partners have helped to develop and implement training programs to an estimated 13,000 Iowans in need of psychological treatment. Since 2008, 26 pre-doctoral interns or post-doctoral interns have been able to serve Iowans during their training. IPA has continued to strengthen their relationships with various organizations across Iowa to create more training opportunities here in Iowa.A message from the current IPA Training Director, Matthew Cooper, PsyDAs the current IPA Training Director, I have the wonderful opportunity to strengthen and help create psychological training programs across Iowa. Iowa is an incredible place to live, raise a family, and be licensed as a psychologist. IPA and training partners, have recognized the great need for expanding training opportunities for predoctoral internship and postdoctoral residency. My vision is to create a number of unique and valuable training opportunities in Iowa. Likewise, we at IPA are devoted to working with trainees to get them licensable here in Iowa and work towards retaining them as licensed psychologists in our great state. Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions: [email protected]. |