The Neurobehavioral Unit Outpatient (NBU-OP) Clinic provides postdoctoral training opportunities as part of Kennedy Krieger Institute’s Behavioral Psychology Postdoctoral Training Program.

The NBU-OP Clinic provides a continuum of care for individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities who display severe destructive behavior such as self-injury, aggression, property destruction, pica, elopement and dangerous acts. The continuum of care includes day treatment, intensive outpatient, follow-up, and consultation services. The NBU-OP Clinic utilizes a data-driven approach to assessment and treatment based on an evidence-based applied behavior analysis model. Each client participates in a series of intensive assessments, including functional analyses and reinforcer assessments. Based on assessment results, individualized behavioral interventions are developed and systematically evaluated to determine their effectiveness in decreasing severe problem behaviors and increasing appropriate replacement behavior. Critical components of our treatment approach are collaboration with the client’s family and service providers, and provision of ongoing training.

Postdoctoral fellows have the opportunity to participate in a range of training experiences including clinical services, clinical research, supervision, administrative activities, and community advocacy and education that are representative of the mission of the Neurobehavioral Programs. Emphasis is placed on developing an individualized training opportunity with participation in the above listed activities being based on the specific training goals and previous experience of the fellow. Fellows receive at least 2 hours per week of individual and group supervision from a licensed psychologist. In addition, fellows will have protected time to engage in research and professional development activities under the guidance of the program director. Fellows are also provided the opportunity to attend and/or present research data at local and national conferences. Fellows work at one of our two locations in Baltimore, MD and Columbia, MD.

Clinical Services include:

  • Conducting behavioral assessments and treatment evaluations
  • Providing education and training to parents and providers
  • Providing services in the home, school, and community

Clinical Research may involve:

  • Developing and implementing clinically relevant research protocols
  • Participating in ongoing research studies
  • Assisting with grant writing and data collection for large scale studies

Supervision duties may include:

  • Training practicum students and providing direct feedback and supervision as needed
  • Assisting with clinical case supervision

Administrative activities may include:

  • Participating in the screening process of potential NBU admissions
  • Attending and participating in meetings with the NBU interdisciplinary team
  • Assisting with requesting authorization for inpatient and/or outpatient behavioral services

Community Advocacy and Education may include:

  • Collaboration with Kennedy Krieger and community-based advocacy groups
  • Consultation with schools, local agencies, and residential programs

Qualified candidates for the psychology fellowship in the NBU Outpatient Clinic will have received their doctoral degree in psychology and have successfully completed an APA-accredited internship program and have experience with individuals with intellectual disability and severe behavior disorders.

Qualified applicants to the Applied Behavior Analysis Fellowship in the NBU Outpatient Clinic must have received their Ph.D. in Applied Behavior Analysis and have experience with individuals with intellectual disability and severe behavior disorders.