The Center for Neuropsychological and Psychological Assessment (CNaP) at Kennedy Krieger Institute offers a two-year postdoctoral fellowship in child clinical psychology, preparing clinical psychologists to conduct evidence-based assessments with a wide range of patient populations, from preschool through young adulthood, with neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders. In accordance with the scientist-practitioner model, fellows receive training through didactic instruction, skill modeling, supervised and independent practice, and research. Fellows are positioned to become leaders in the fields of pediatric neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders, developing a broad range of clinical, research, and training skills across the two years. Fellows spend approximately 70% of their time delivering clinical services and 30% on didactic learning and research experiences. Fellows complete four six-month rotations in CNaP's outpatient specialty clinics, complemented by a year each in our specialized Targeted Assessment Clinic and multidisciplinary Evaluations for Development, Growth, and Education Clinic (EDGE). Across both years, fellows also provide consultative services through our Follow-Up Clinic, as well as the option of participating in departmental research initiatives.

Supervision and Evaluation:

Postdoctoral fellows receive a minimum of four hours of supervision per week, including two hours of individual supervision with their rotation supervisor and two hours of group supervision. Supervision is provided by licensed psychologists, four of whom are board-certified in child clinical psychology through the American Board of Professional Psychology. Group supervision takes place in the context of departmental rounds, focusing on case presentations, assessment methods, and relevant research. At the start of each rotation, fellows work with each of their supervisors to identify specific training goals for that rotation. Progress toward those goals is evaluated through formal written feedback at the mid-rotation mark and again at the rotation's end. While Maryland does not require postdoctoral training for licensure, this fellowship satisfies the supervised practice hours required for licensure in several surrounding states, including New Jersey and New York.

Interdisciplinary Training:

Our interdisciplinary training model is supported by the Maternal and Child Health Bureau's Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Other Related Disabilities (LEND) program. Through LEND, child clinical psychology fellows train alongside peers from pediatrics, social work, occupational and physical therapy, speech-language pathology, nutrition, neurology, psychiatry, education, and audiology. During their first year, fellows participate in a year-long interdisciplinary seminar, which lays the groundwork for their second year in the EDGE Clinic - an interdisciplinary program.

Didactic Experiences:

All CNaP fellows have the opportunity to participate in a wide range of didactic seminars, both at Kennedy Krieger and through the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Primary didactic training in child and adolescent clinical psychology is achieved through a weekly series of seminars, including:

  • Professional Development Seminar
  • Case Conferences
  • Neurodevelopmental Disabilities Journal Club
  • Grand Rounds
  • Interdisciplinary Learning Conference