Post Graduate Clinical Social Work Fellowship
Mission
The mission of the Fellowship program is to teach our trainees to embrace the role of clinical social work in a multidisciplinary team as they provide exceptional evidence-based, client-centered treatment, and to help raise the next generation of advocates for clients in the pursuit of social justice. Our mission and goals are grounded in the university’s core values, the mission of the Texas A&M University Naresh K. Vashisht College of Medicine, the social work profession’s values, and National Association of Social Worker (NASW)’s Code of Ethics.
Clinical Social Work Fellowship Goals
Vashisht College of Medicine clinics serve a wide range of individuals and families from the local community. The Post Graduate Clinical Social Work Fellowship was started with the goal of meeting the Vashist College of Medicine’s areas of excellence: serving rural populations, military populations, and innovation.
As a main provider of services in a rural area, we are particularly well positioned to care for underserved rural and low-income populations from a 1–2-hour radius through in-person and telehealth services. Additionally, with the strong military tradition of Texas A&M, as well as the large number of military personnel stationed in Texas, we serve a significant number of service members who require mental health treatment and support. As a designated Health Professional Shortage Area by the federal Health Resources & Services Administration, we strive to recruit, train, and retain clinicians for our area to meet the long-term needs of our community.
With the department’s particular mission of research, clinical care, and education, we believe all three aspects of that mission align with training clinical social workers for local service, clinical research, and continuing to develop and disseminate new clinical knowledge.
MSW Practicum Opportunities
Through Texas A&M’s Outpatient Psychiatry Clinic, Masters of Social Work students can reach out to the fellowship’s program coordinator for practicum placement. The practicum placement requires a 3-day commitment during the clinics’ operating hours – with 2 days on site and Friday’s being the 3rd day where didactics, supervisory, and regulatory meetings are held.
Director
Annette Clark, LCSW-S
Clinical Assistant Professor
Staff and Supervisors
Tal Nesichi, LCSW-S, CST
Supervisor, Clinical Social Worker
Bradley Bogdan, LCSW-S
Supervisor, Clinical Assistant Professor
Leslie Casarez, LCSW-S
Clinical Social Worker MSIII
Program Coordinator
Sofie De Wandel, Ph.D.
Project Coordinator II
Program Design
Fellowship Term:
The Texas A&M University Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences Post-Graduate Clinical Social Work Fellowship offers a unique two-year training program with a rolling admissions process. This approach provides flexibility and convenience to applicants, while the comprehensive curriculum and mentorship opportunities ensure fellows receive exceptional training and support.
Time Commitment:
40 hours/week
TCMHCC:
The Texas Child Mental Health Care Consortium (TCMHCC) was created by the 86th Texas Legislature to leverage the expertise and capacity of the health-regulated institutions of higher education to address urgent mental health challenges and improve the mental health care system in the state in relation to children and adolescents.
In 2021, the Texas Legislature approved federal funding from the American Rescue Plan Act for expanded services of several of the consortium’s initiative.
These initiatives, including CPAN [include TAMU link], PeriPAN [include TAMU link], TCHATT [include TAMU link], and research, provide interdisciplinary training and learning opportunities for our fellows as we prepare them to be the clinicians of tomorrow.
Expectations of Fellows:
Prior to starting:
- Obtain Texas state licensure as an LMSW and adhere to state licensing laws and regulations
During fellowship:
- Adhere to the established practices, procedures, and policies of the institution as well as published ethical and service standards of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW)
- Conduct psychiatric evaluations and provide evidence-based psychosocial treatments for adult and child/adolescent outpatients
- Participate in outpatient interdisciplinary teams and in the social work programs offered through the Texas A&M University and community partners
- Teach and supervise other learners and trainees as assigned or required
- Developing a personal program of self-directed study and professional growth with guidance from the teaching staff
- Participate in additional training seminars and individualized educational experiences and research
How to Apply
Prospective applicants are welcome to submit an online application at their convenience throughout the year by visiting: Workday Link
Alternatively, individuals interested in the program can request more information regarding the fellowship by emailing sofie.dewandel@tamu.edu.
Eligibility Requirements for Consideration
- Completion of a Master of Social Work degree at a CSWE-accredited institution
- An interview during the application process
- US Citizenship required
- Eligible to hold an LMSW license in the state of Texas – must have Texas LMSW before being accepted