Fellowship information

The primary goal of the Postdoctoral Fellowship Program in Clinical Psychology and Neuropsychology is to help fellows develop the clinical and research skills necessary to provide care for diverse pediatric populations and to obtain a position in a pediatric healthcare setting or university-based training program.

Fellows will participate in a variety of clinical and didactic experiences and will have opportunities to integrate research goals into their overall plan for the fellowship. In addition, fellows may have opportunities to supervise interns, externs and practicum students and to collaborate in multidisciplinary forums (case-centered consultations, research activities). We are committed to promoting the strongest match possible between your training needs and goals, and our program mission and goals.

General areas of specialization

Faculty members of the Fellowship Programs in Psychology offer many fellowship experiences, as funding permits. Our general areas of specialization are:

• Autism Spectrum Disorders — with placements specializing in autism spectrum disorders through the Center for Autism Research (CAR).  These fellowships provide a mix of clinical and research opportunities- see individual position descriptions.
• Pediatric Psychology — with placements in Oncology, Plastic Surgery, Injury Prevention, Solid Organ Transplant, GI, Feeding Disorders, Cardiology, Center for Fetal Diagnosis and Treatment and Sleep Medicine, as examples.  The pediatric psychology fellowships will each have a focus in a particular area, with the addition of the option for minor rotations in other pediatric psychology areas.
• Clinical/Primary Care/Community/Schools Psychology — with placements available in the outpatient division of DCAPBS (e.g. mood and anxiety disorders, ADHD program, etc), Healthy Minds Healthy Kids Program (integrated primary care), Center for the Management of ADHD, Community-based Youth Violence Prevention, and Behavioral Health in Urban Schools.
• Pediatric Neuropsychology — with placements fulfilling INS-Division 40 and Houston Conference guidelines for training in neuropsychology. Learn more about our postdoctoral fellowship in pediatric neuropsychology.

Although these specialized postdoctoral fellowships vary in their clinical, didactic and research opportunities, there is a community of psychology postdoctoral fellows who share some common experiences throughout their fellowship training.

For fellowships starting in 2025: The psychology and neuropsychology fellowships offered at CHOP change from year to year. We recommend that you check back periodically, as new positions may become available in the next few months.

Our current openings for the 2025-2026 training years are as follows:

• Clinical Child/Integrated Primary Care Psychology
• Pediatric Psychology: Perinatal Mental Health and Early Childhood Program
• Pediatric Psychology: Focus in Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition (GI)
• Pediatric Psychology: Focus in Pediatric Feeding Disorders
• Pediatric Psychology: Focus in Solid Organ Transplant
• Behavioral Oncology- Psychology Research Fellowships
• Pediatric Neuropsychology
• Autism Spectrum Disorders
• LEAH (Leadership Education in Adolescent Health) Psychology Fellowship

As new information is available about the fellowship positions, postings will be updated in the Universal Post-Doctoral Directory Universal Psychology Postdoctoral Directory (appic.org)

Find a full list of fellowship opportunities »

Program requirements and components

Completion of the Fellowship Training Program in Clinical Psychology requires a minimum of 2,000 hours of supervised clinical and research experience. Participation on a full-time basis for at least one full year, with two years of fellowship training is strongly recommended to accrue these hours. Part-time fellowship opportunities may be arranged at the discretion of the faculty mentors with approval of the director of Fellowship Training.

The Association of Psychology Postdoctoral and Internship Centers (APPIC) requires that a psychology postdoctoral fellowship includes at least nine months of participation on a full-time basis, or its equivalent. Our program adheres to these guidelines.

To be a fellow at our institution, the individual must have been awarded their doctoral degree OR they must have met all of the degree requirements (and are just awaiting conferral of the degree). In situations where they are awaiting conferral of the degree, we request that the fellow’s university provide CHOP with a letter stating that they have met all of the degree requirements.

In the sections below, we describe the functional and foundational competencies covered across our fellowship programs. This is followed by goals/objectives we set for fellows in research, clinical work, relationship building and teaching.

Competencies

Foundational competencies

Professionalism

• Professionalism: as evidenced in behavior and comportment that reflects the values and attitudes of psychology
• Individual and Cultural Diversity: Awareness, sensitivity, and skills in working professionally with diverse individuals, groups and communities who represent various cultural and personal background and characteristics defined broadly and consistent with APA policy
• Ethical Legal Standards and Policy: Application of ethical concepts and awareness of legal issues regarding professional activities with individuals, groups and organizations
• Reflective Practice/Self-assessment/Self-care: Practice conducted with personal and professional self-awareness and reflection; with awareness of competencies; with appropriate self-care

Relational

• Relationships: Relates effectively and meaningfully with individuals, groups and/or communities

Scientific competencies

• Scientific Knowledge and Methods: Understanding of biological bases of behavior, cognitive-affective bases of behavior, application of science to practice, and development across the lifespan. Respect for scientifically derived knowledge

Functional competencies

• Evidence-based Practice: Integration of research and clinical expertise in the context of patient factors
• Prevention: Understanding of social determinants of health and incorporating contextual factors into case conceptualizations and prevention/intervention approaches. 
• Assessment: Assessment and diagnosis of problems, capabilities and issues associated with individuals, groups and/or organizations
• Intervention: Interventions designed to alleviate suffering and to promote health and well-being of individuals, groups and/or organizations
• Consultation: The ability to provide expert guidance or professional assistance in response to a patient’s needs or goals
• Supervision: Supervision and training in the professional knowledge base of enhancing and monitoring the professional functioning of others

Interprofessional competencies

• Knowledge of key issues and concepts in related disciplines. Identify and interact with professionals in multiple disciplines
• Research/Program Evaluation: Generating research that contributes to the professional knowledge base and/or evaluates the effectiveness of various professional activities

Goals and objectives

Research

Goals and objectives: Fellows will be prepared for a career as a scientist practitioner that involves research within their specific field of study (focus areas described in earlier section). 

Each fellow is expected to take part in research that is significant, empirically sound and ethically appropriate. The fellowships vary in the time dedicated to research activities, ranging from 10-20 percent to upward of 80-90 percent. The degree of involvement and the specific projects will be set between fellow and their primary mentor at the beginning of the fellowship. Specific goals and expectations for research will be set for each fellowship and reviewed every three to six months. These goals may include but are not limited to:

• Demonstrating knowledge and understanding of participatory action in quantitative and qualitative research methodologies
• Contributing to a research team/project in a specified way
• Taking initiative in leading an aspect of research or project
• Research productivity including submission of abstracts or presentations to scientific meetings and/or papers to scientific journals

Psychology postdoctoral fellows will meet with their mentor and research team on a regular basis. In addition to the didactics listed below, fellows also have the opportunity to attend various research focused workshops through the Office of Post-doctoral Affairs at CHOP, including required topics on the Responsible Conduct of Research. 

Research will be evaluated on the basis of significance, scientific merit, innovation and human subjects’ issues. In addition, many of the focus areas have specific journal clubs pertinent to their subject area; all fellows are invited to attend these journal clubs. Evaluation for research will take place by determining the degree to which the fellow is accomplishing goals.

Clinical work

Clinical work is a component of every fellowship, comprising at least 25 percent (and up to 70 percent) of fellows’ training. This allows most fellows to accrue the required numbers of hours for licensure in PA over the course of one or two years. Clinical work may include consultation, assessment and/or intervention and is determined by the specific requirements of the fellowship offering. Clinical work may also occur within the context of a clinical research project. 

Goals and objectives: At the conclusion of training (one to two years), we expect fellows will meet the following goals and objectives:

• Fellow will be able to provide clinical care that is based in theoretical and empirical knowledge bases.
• Fellows will be able to provide clinical care that may include advanced skills in assessment, intervention and/or consultation. Fellows will discuss their clinical training goals with their primary supervisors for the rotation and set goals appropriately to address their individual needs. 
• Fellow will be able to provide clinical care in a manner, which is sensitive to individual differences of all persons, is non-discriminatory, and which respects and protects human and civil rights.
• Fellow will be able to provide clinical care only within the context of a professional relationship and according to American Psychological Association Ethical Codes and standards. 
• Fellow will provide professional consultation in a manner, which respects and protects the individual differences of humans.
• Fellow will show a primary obligation and take reasonable precautions to respect the confidentiality rights of those with whom they work or consult.
• Fellow will know procedures for addressing any personal signs of impairment in self, colleagues, and faculty.

Fellowship program and the estimated percent of time spent in provision of professional services

• Center for Autism Research (CAR) Psychology Fellows, 25-60%
• Pediatric Psychology Fellows: Solid Organ Transplant, GI, Perinatal Mental Health, Feeding, 65%
• Neuropsychology Fellow, 65%
• Oncology Research Psychology Fellow, 25-30%
• Center for ADHD Research Psychology Fellows, 25-50%
• Clinical Child/Integrated Primary Care Psychology, 65-70%
• LEAH Fellowship, 20%

Relationships

Goals and objectives: Fellow will be able to interact professionally and responsibly with colleagues from other disciplines, within the field of mental health, schools, and/or the broader specialties within the Hospital. 

All of our fellowships involving working within a “team” setting during their fellowship. This may include a multidisciplinary team within the Hospital or a medical specialty, with a “team” in the schools or community setting, or within a research “team” that includes individuals from several different professional disciplines. Fellows are expected to be respectful of the knowledge base of those from other disciplines or areas of focus, and to provide consultation to those from other disciplines or areas of focus. Fellows may also have the opportunity to shadow individuals from other disciplines to learn about there are of expertise. 

Teaching

Goal and objective: Fellows will develop teaching and mentoring skills to prepare them for a career that involves enhancing and monitoring the professional functioning of others within the field of psychology and related disciplines.

Didactic teaching: Fellows are expected to participate in the various didactic opportunities at CHOP by providing lectures to other students, faculty and potentially colleagues in other disciplines of training. Depending on their specific fellowships, they will also have the opportunity to lead journal clubs, professional development seminars, or group case discussions. 

“Umbrella supervision”: Some fellows will also be involved in “umbrella supervision” of psychology interns, graduate level externs, and research assistants. The fellows may also have the opportunity to provide mentoring to the students.

Evaluation of teaching skills: Supervisors will evaluate fellows’ teaching by determining whether they have accomplished the specific teaching activities set as objectives.

Didactics

In order to meet the goals/objectives above, fellows will have the opportunity to attend various didactics through the Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences (DCAPBS) at CHOP, the Department of Psychiatry in the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, and the Center for Autism Research (CAR) at CHOP. Below is a list of some of these didactics. Each fellowship has different requirements for which of these are required vs. optional. 

• Psychology Fellowship Seminar (1x per month):  This seminar is focused on topics relevant to professional issues and professional development at the post-doctoral level.  Topics include licensure, job search/job talks, issues related to DEI and cultural humility, ethics, and other topics requested by the fellows.  There are opportunities for both in person and virtual seminars and social opportunities to get to know other fellows.
• Advanced Pediatric Psychology Seminar (1x/month): This seminar is focused on advanced topics in pediatric psychology.  Example topics include psychiatric comorbidities in pediatric chronic illness, pediatric adherence and self-management, working with caregivers, and coping with chronic Illness: procedures, extended hospitalizations, and new diagnoses.  Pediatric psychology fellows will also have the opportunity to present in this seminar.
• Interdisciplinary Seminar in Community Based Practice (6x/year): This series of journal presentations is related to the care of medically underserved populations.  Psychology fellows have the option to attend these sessions. Psychology interns and child and adolescent psychiatry fellows attend this session. The journal presentations are supplemented by case related discussion.
• Dept (DCAPBS) Behavioral Health Seminar: (Every first and third Thursday of the month), to include specialized topics in ethical practice, suicide prevention, supervision and diversity issues.   Seminars are organized into training modules related to a unifying theme. Faculty, trainees, and outside presenters take responsibility for conducting seminars that are interactive and geared toward the professional development of all attendees.
• Neuropsychology Seminar: (Every first and third Thursday of the month, Group Case Conference- second Thursday of the month): This seminar is required for all neuropsychology trainees (and open to other trainees) and involves topics related to practice and board certification in neuropsychology, including ethics, professional practice, interdisciplinary care, neuroanatomy, along with topics relevant to the diagnosis and treatment of patients seen within both pediatric and adult populations.
• Dept (DCAPBS) Grand Rounds: (Monthly Thursdays at noon): This monthly rounds features nationally/internationally recognized experts in behavioral health and is open to the entire medical center community. Departmental trainees also participate in case-based teaching rounds with the invited speaker.
• Penn Psychiatry Grand Rounds: This monthly rounds features nationally/internationally recognized experts in behavioral health and is open to both CHOP- and Penn-based faculty and students.
• Center for Autism Research (CAR), Clinical Discussion Seminars and Science Meetings (1-2x/month): CAR trainees participate in a weekly clinical discussion that includes clinical didactics, peer supervision, and professional development. Science Meetings include presentations by outside or internal speakers to present their most recent research findings. CAR scientists (including postdocs) also present new projects, grant ideas or papers in order to get feedback.

Supervision and evaluation

Supervision and mentorship is available through the specified faculty mentor and other additional faculty, depending on the specific fellowship. At least two hours of individual face-to-face supervision is provided per week. Along with ongoing feedback from supervisors, formal written evaluations will be completed quarterly throughout the fellowship year(s). Although live supervision is a primary supervision model for many clinical rotations at CHOP due to institutional billing requirements, the proportion of live supervision for specific fellowships may vary based on the specific practices of the clinical rotations and the developmental goals of the fellow. Applicants are encouraged to discuss the supervision practices for the specific fellowship during the application process. Fellows do not have any independent billing expectations, allowing for a focus on individualized training goals within institutional requirements.

Fellows will be expected to provide periodic feedback regarding training experiences as well as an evaluation of the Fellowship Training Program in Clinical Psychology at its conclusion.

In the event of a grievance, fellows will have access to due process procedures as available in the Human Resources Procedure Manual of The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.

Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Goals related to diversity, equity and inclusion are central to the strategic framework of the CHOP enterprise. Our vision involves supporting our workforce, patient population, and community toward equitable access to superior healthcare. Professional development opportunities include departmental workshops for supervisors and trainees, monthly process groups and Brave Spaces, book clubs, film screenings, and guest lectures related to unconscious bias, microaggressions, cultural effectiveness, and intersectionality.

More specifically, psychology fellows receive DEI support in the following domains:

• Direct patient care
  • Assessment, intervention, consultation, research and quality improvement (QI)
  • Inpatient, outpatient, and community settings
  • Serving children and families from a wide geographical area, nationally and internationally
  • With in-person, telehealth, phone, and video language interpreters, as appropriate
• Didactic training in regular seminars
  • Fellows Seminar, plus optional additional seminars
• Supervision & Mentorship
  • Professional development, rounds, and case conferences
  • Alliance of Minority Psychologists (AmPsy)
• Applied Research
  • Establishment of Research DEI subcommittee over past six months which is thinking through how to include more voices in research to more accurately reflect diversity; thinking through dissemination efforts etc.
  • Use of community-based participatory methods to ensure inclusion of a variety of voices and input in DCAPBS research & QI

The fellows also have the opportunity to get involved in professional development activities through the DEI committee, including opportunities to become a Brave Space Facilitator and to join a DEI committee.

Application process

Application deadlines

For all fellowships, applications will be accepted until all available positions are filled, and they should be submitted through the APPA CAS portal. Application deadlines will be found there.

For neuropsychology applicants only: Find more information specific to neuropsychology.

Applicant requirements

• Applicants must have completed a doctoral degree from an American Psychological Association (APA)-approved clinical, counseling or school psychology program prior to starting the postdoctoral fellowship program at Children's Hospital.
• Applicants are required to have completed an APPIC member or APA-approved internship in child-clinical, pediatric or counseling psychology. Applicants must have defended their dissertation prior to the start of the fellowship.

Other requirements

To carry out its mission, it is of critical importance for the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) to keep our patients, families and workforce safe and healthy and to support the health of our global community. In keeping with this, CHOP has mandated all workforce members (including trainees) on site at any CHOP location for any portion of their time be vaccinated for COVID-19 as a condition of employment.

This mandate also applies to workforce members or trainees performing work for CHOP at non-CHOP locations. Additionally, all workforce members based in or regularly scheduled to work at any New Jersey location are mandated to be both vaccinated and boosted for COVID-19, with booster timing consistent with applicable guidelines. The CHOP COVID-19 vaccine mandate is in alignment with applicable local, state and federal mandates. CHOP also requires all workforce members and trainees who work in patient care buildings or who provide patient care to receive an annual influenza vaccine. Employees may request exemption consideration for CHOP vaccine requirements for valid religious and medical reasons. Please note start dates may be delayed until candidates are fully immunized or valid exemption requests are reviewed. In addition, candidates other than those in positions with regularly scheduled hours in New Jersey, must attest to not using tobacco products.

Children's Hospital of Philadelphia is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, religion, national or ethnic origin, disability, protected veteran status or any other protected category. CHOP is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor seeking priority referrals for protected veterans.

CHOP is committed to building an inclusive culture where employees feel a sense of belonging, connection, and community within their workplace. We are a team dedicated to fostering an environment that allows for all to be their authentic selves. We are focused on attracting, cultivating, and retaining diverse talent who can help us deliver on our mission to be a world leader in the advancement of healthcare for children.

We strongly encourage all candidates of diverse backgrounds and lived experiences to apply.

How to apply

To apply for a fellowship position, applicants must submit materials through the APPA CAS portal. The specific materials required for each fellowship are listed on the portal, but in general we require:

• A one- to two-page cover letter describing previous professional academic preparation and work experience relevant to a postdoctoral fellowship in psychology, career interests and specific plans, and reasons for applying to the Fellowship Program.
• A curriculum vitae
• Three letters of recommendations from academic or work supervisors
• Two de-identified neuropsychological reports (Neuropsychology applicants only)
• APPCN Verification form (Neuropsychology applicants only)
• Reprints or preprints of book chapters or journal articles as requested (please do not send a copy of your dissertation or thesis)
• An unofficial transcript from your doctoral training program

All applications should be submitted through the APPA CAS portal. Questions can be directed to psychologyfellowship@chop.edu or to the faculty mentor of the position(s) in which you are interested. Some of our fellowship positions may have additional application requirements that are detailed in the descriptions of the positions.

Fellow selection

We will review all complete applications. Interviews will be conducted virtually.

CHOP will not participate in the APPIC common hold date. Please see each position description for application due dates and offer dates.

All applicants will be notified by email when they are no longer being considered and when the position has been filled or otherwise unavailable.

Clearances

Applicants will be informed of the credentialing process required before a formal offer of employment can be extended. The Hospital-wide credentialing process includes:

• Child abuse check
• Criminal history check
• Careful review of transcripts
• Health and drug screening
• Reference check

Expenses associated with these screening procedures are covered by the hospital.

Drug Free Workplace

The Psychology Fellowship Training Program follows the Drug-free Workplace policy of Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. The Drug-free Workplace policy strictly prohibits the possession, manufacture, sale, purchase, distribution or use of prohibited substances in the workplace. Additionally, staff members are prohibited from appearing for work under the influence of prohibited substances. Individuals who are under the care of a licensed physician/practitioner and prescribed a medication or substance that could influence or impair performance or behavior is required to disclose their use of this substance prior to required pre-employment drug testing.

If you have other questions regarding the pre-employment screenings and/or what may constitute a failed screening, please contact psychologytraining@chop.edu.

Salary and other benefits

Fellows receive a salary of $66,300 in year 1, in bi-weekly paychecks. All employees and fellow trainees of Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia are eligible for individual health insurance via group plans after 30 days of employment status. At this time, Fellows may elect to purchase health insurance for themselves, a spouse and/or dependent(s) through one of the available group plan options. We advise all Fellows to continue pre-existing individual health insurance coverage through the first 30 days of the Psychology Fellowship Training Program.  Fellows are also given a $1,000 stipend for professional development/conference travel.

Fellows will accrue 20 PPL (paid personal leave) days in their PPL bank to be used as needed for vacation, personal time, fellowship interviews or illness. Fellow employees are eligible to draw upon their PPL bank only following the first 90 days of employment at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. In addition, Fellows will be allowed the following eight announced holidays: New Year's Day, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.

Subsequent to administrative approval, a fellow may request an additional five day leave for participation in professional conferences or for the purpose of other professional development activities. During any scheduled absence, adequate coverage for clinical responsibilities must be arranged with each clinical supervisor and the Training Director.

Restrictions

Consistent with Children's Hospital policies, fellows cannot provide clinical services to the public outside of Hospital activities. All other outside professional activities must be discussed with and approved by your mentor and the director of Fellowship Training.

Training faculty and facilities

Training locations

Training sites include the following locations: 

1. Main CHOP Hospital Campus (inpatient and outpatient buildings) located at 34th and Civic Center Blvd., Philadelphia PA
2. Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences Outpatient Center at 4601 Market Street, Philadelphia
3. Autism and ADHD Fellows also complete rotations at the Center for Autism Research (CAR) or other research groups at the Roberts Center for Pediatric Research, 2716 South Street, Philadelphia, PA location.
4. Community/Schools Fellowships also include some training provided within schools in the Philadelphia Public School system
5. CHOP Primary Care: Fellows in the Outpatient/HMHK track provide clinical service in one of our urban primary care offices in Philadelphia
6. Remote/Telehealth work: Many fellows are also providing services via telehealth.  In these cases, they are provided with the necessary technology (laptop, iPad to do this work from home or another offsite location)

Specific activities completed at each site are dependent on the individual fellowships. Please see the individual fellowship descriptions for each position to find out more about the specific services provided by each fellow. 

Training directors

Lauren Krivitzky, PhD, ABPP-CN, Director of Psychology Postdoctoral Fellowship Training; Pediatric Neuropsychologist, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences; Assistant Professor of Psychology in Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Krivitzky is a board certified pediatric neuropsychologist. Clinical and research interests: neuropsychological functioning in pediatric stroke and predictors of neuropsychological outcomes in children with rare metabolic disorders. Email Dr. Krivitzky.

Thomas J. Power, PhD, Associate Chief of Academic Affairs and Professional Development, Psychologist, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences; Professor of School Psychology in Pediatrics and Psychology, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine; Director, Center for Management of ADHD. Clinical and research interests: health promotion; integrated behavioral health in primary care, school mental health; assessment and treatment of ADHD. Email Dr. Power. 

Core faculty and staff

Fellows will train with faculty from several programs and departments throughout the institution. The specific training directors for each position are listed on the Universal Post-Doc Directory Website Universal Psychology Postdoctoral Directory (appic.org). Please visit the following team pages to meet our faculty:

• Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
• Psychology
• Center for Autism Research

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