Suncoast Neuropsychology,

LLC

Postdoctoral FellowshipIn Neuropsychology

Joseph J. Sesta, Ph.D., M.P.Director of Training

TRAINING MANUAL

Yolanda C. León, Psy.D., ABPdN Elizabeth Magro, Psy.D.Faculty and Supervisor Faculty and Supervisor

Table of Contents

Mission Statement………………………………………………………………………. 3Program Structure………………………………………………………………………. 4Training Model and Format…………………………………………………………….. 4Clinical Training……………………………………………………………...………… 5

Didactics…………………………………………………………...…………….. 6Training curriculum……………………………………………...………………. 7Faculty and Supervision………………………………………………….…….. 11Cultural Competency…………………………………………………………… 11

Travel, Salary, and Benefits…………………………………………………………… 11Application Procedures……………………………………………………………...… 12 Evaluations…………………………………………………………………………….. 14Fellowship Competencies………………………………………………………….….. 14Specialty Training……………………………………………………………………... 15Grievance/Due Process Procedures…………………………………………………… 16Due Process Procedures…………………………………………………………….…..17

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Mission Statement

Provide Fellows with the requisite post-doctoral education and training to become skilled, competent, independent practitioners and leaders in the field of neuropsychology. Aligned with the postdoctoral training expectations of the American Board of Neuropsychology (ABN), Suncoast Neuropsychology, LLC seeks to enhance the understanding of brain-behavior relationships and application of neuropsychological data in clinical and forensic settings. Fellows will develop advanced skills in analyzing and employing sound and scientific practices to further advocate for clients and the field of Neuropsychology.

Specific objectives include:

Provide advanced training brain-behavior relationships associated with neurological disease, brain injury and neurodevelopmental disorders

Develop competence in a broad array of adult, pediatric and geriatric neuropsychological tests; advanced case conceptualization and integration; differential diagnosis; prognosis and treatment recommendations

Develop neuropsychology practitioners who are fully capable of and excel in interacting in a multidisciplinary context including, but not limited to, medical and legal personnel

Train neuropsychology practitioners to become competent in forensic assessment and understand relevant judicial proceedings/law to aid in forensic neuropsychological evaluation and expert testimony

Train neuropsychology practitioners to become conversant of clinical psychopharmacology and the role of psychoactive medications in the assessment and/or treatment of neuropsychiatric and neurological disorders.

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Program Structure

The postdoctoral Fellowship in neuropsychology at Suncoast Neuropsychology, LLC is structured to comport with the expectations of the Houston Conference on training and education in neuropsychology and the association of Psychology Postdoctoral Internship Centers (APPIC) postdoctoral membership; however, does do not participate in the match process. The training program does require two years of full-time education and training, with all Fellows accruing a minimum of 2,000 training hours per year.

Training Model and Format

The Fellowship utilizes a scientist-practitioner training model and Fellows will receive two hours (at minimum) of face-to-face supervision per week. Fellows will receive individualized training in an apprenticeship-based model and gain experience working in a private neuropsychology and medical practice while frequently collaborating with other professionals across the states of Florida and Louisiana. Within the realm of forensic neuropsychology, Fellows will acquire advanced knowledge regarding neuropsychological assessment in civil and criminal cases involving: personal injury, competency to proceed to trial, mental state at time of offense (sanity), sentencing mitigation, post-conviction death penalty appeals, and involuntary civil commitment of sexually violent predators.

Furthermore, Fellows will have the unique opportunity to gain first-hand experience in the field of medical psychology and clinical psychopharmacology within a comprehensive behavioral health center. Suncoast Neuropsychology, LLC maintains an active partnership with Northshore Counseling and Wellness Center in Covington, Louisiana, which provides services such as medication management, neuropsychological and psychoeducational assessments, child custody evaluations, and counseling for couples, families, and members of the LGBTQ community.

Such advanced training will allow the Fellow to develop skills interacting in a multidisciplinary context with medical and legal personnel, psychologists, psychiatrists, counselors, and other mental health professionals. Weekly didactics and training with a

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faculty of board-certified neuropsychologists and licensed psychologists are available to the Fellow and opportunity for continuing education and attendance at professional conferences is encouraged and supported throughout training.

Clinical Training

Skill and Knowledge Development Activities Training and education is provided in the format of clinical, didactic, and academic training. At least 50% of each Fellow’s time is in professional service activity to patients, consultees, or agencies. Services may include assessment, intervention, consultation, policy-making, program design and implementation, provision of supervision, and clinical research.

In each activity, supervisors and training faculty are designated and the expectations of the Fellow are outlined. The professional activities of a neuropsychologist include the core domains of assessment, intervention, consultation, supervision, research and inquiry, consumer protection, and professional development. Thus, all core domains must be incorporated into the course of training activities. The following graphic details core domain skills and example activities.

Skill Example ActivitiesAssessment Information gathering, history-taking, selection of

tests and measures, interpretation and diagnosis, treatment planning, report writing, provision of feedback, recognition of multicultural issues

Treatment and Intervention Identification of intervention targets, specification of intervention needs, formulation of an intervention plan, implementation of the plan, monitoring and adjustment to the plan as needed, assessment of the outcome, recognition of multicultural issues

Consultation Effective basic communication (e.g., listening, discussing), determination and clarification of referral issues, education of referral sources regarding neuropsychological services (strengths and limitations), communication of evaluation results and recommendations, education of clients/patients and families regarding services and disorder

Research and Inquiry Selection of appropriate research topics, review of relevant literatures, design of research, execution of

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research, monitoring of progress, evaluation of outcome, communication of results

Didactics

Fellows receive at least two (2) hours per week in didactic learning activities. Examples of didactic activity include: case conferences, professional development, staff meetings/collaboration, lectures, observations, empirical readings, licensure and certification preparation, and external programming (e.g., learning activities at local medical centers/universities/agencies and collaboration with local professionals).

Knowledge base Expectations

The course of the training program allows for Fellows to acquire knowledge not obtained via doctoral training. The training program utilizes didactic schedule to ensure the Fellow’s acquisition of any unmet knowledge. Fellows are informally surveyed in the application process and throughout Fellowship as a means to consider learning needs and assist in tailoring an individualized learning experience.

The following graphic depicts the knowledge base expectations of a neuropsychologist.

Foundations for the study of brain-behavior relationships

Functional neuroanatomy; Neurological and related disorders, including their etiology, pathology, course and treatment; Non-neurological conditions affecting CNS functioning; Neuroimaging and other neurodiagnostic techniques; Neurochemistry of behavior (e.g., psychopharmacology; Neuropsychology of behavior

Foundations for the practice of neuropsychology

Specialized neuropsychological assessment techniques; Specialized neuropsychological intervention techniques; Research design and analysis in neuropsychology; Professional issues and ethics in neuropsychology; Practical implications of neuropsychological conditions

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Training Curriculum

Fellows will have at least two hours of didactic training per week. Didactic training will include, but is not limited to, the following subject areas:

Training Curriculum A: Brain-Behavior RelationshipsArea Title Supervisor/

InstructorDate

Functional Neuroanatomy

Functional Neuroanatomy

Neurological Related Disorders

TBI Concussion Anoxic Brain Injury Metabolic/toxic BI CVA/CVD Substance Abuse PD/MS/sub-cortical Memory/dementias Epilepsy/seizure DO Brain Tumors Neurodevelopmental Genetic disorders Metabolic/Systemic

Non-neurological conditions affecting CNS

Psychiatric disorders PTSD OCD Anxiety Depression

Neuroimaging and other neurodiagnostic techniques

MRI/CT SPECT/PET fMRI DTI QEEG

Neurochemistry Neurochemistry of

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of behavior (e.g., pharmacology)

behavior

Training Curriculum B: Applied NeuropsychologyArea Title Supervisor/

InstructorDate

Specialized Neuropsychological assessment techniques

Intellectual SVTs/PVMs Memory Language Visuospatial Attention Processing Speed Executive Functioning Sensory-motor Academic Adaptive Emotional Personality

Specialized neuropsychological intervention techniques

Therapeutic approaches

Functional rehabilitation

PsychopharmacologyResearch design and analysis in neuropsychology

Research design and analysis in neuropsychology

Professional issues and ethics in neuropsychology

Ethics State statutes HIPAA Forensic issues

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Training Curriculum C: Specialty PopulationsArea Title Supervisor/

InstructorDate

Pediatric Neuropsychology

Stroke Demyelination Concussion Rehabilitation Neuroanatomy School system TBI Brain Tumors Leukemia/blood CA Hydrocephalus Learning disabilities Neurodevelopmental

disorders

Adult Neuropsychology

Adult Neuropsychology

Geriatric Neuropsychology

Geriatric Neuropsychology

Rehabilitation Neuropsychology

Rehabilitation Neuropsychology

Forensic Neuropsychology

Independent Medical Examinations (IME)

Competency to proceed to trial

Competency to waive Miranda

Mental State at time of offense

Sentencing mitigation Post-conviction death

penalty appeals Civil commitment of

sexually violent predators

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Training Curriculum D: Professional Development SeriesArea Supervisor/

InstructorDate

Credentialing in Neuropsychology

CPT Coding and billing practices

Multidisciplinary Relationships in Neuropsychology

Clinical Interviewing in Neuropsychology

Effective Report Writing

Patient Feedback

Expert Testimony

Training Curriculum E: MiscellaneousArea Supervisor/

InstructorDate

Alcohol and Substance Use in Cognitive Processes

Psychological Trauma and the Brain (i.e., abuse, neglect, combat, etc.)

Faculty and Supervision

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Joseph J. Sesta, Ph.D., M.P.Director of TrainingPrimary Supervisor

Yolanda C. León, Psy.D., ABPdN Elizabeth Magro, Psy.D.Faculty and Supervisor Faculty and Supervisor

Cultural Competency

Suncoast Neuropsychology, LLC is committed to continued development toward cultural competency in professional practice and everyday interactions with others. As an integral part of training, didactics, and applied practice, it is expected that Fellows and supervisors will strive to understand, appreciate, and interact with people from cultures or belief systems different from their own. Fellows and supervisors will continue to build awareness and knowledge about how cultural differences may impact professional practice.

Travel

The Fellowship at Suncoast Neuropsychology, LLC frequently requires travel within the state of Florida for trials, hearings, and neuropsychological/forensic assessment. Monthly out-of-state travel is also expected for medical psychology practice (clinical psychopharmacology) in Louisiana.

Salary and Benefits

The Fellow earns a salary of $30,000 during the first year of training. The Fellow can earn $38,000 during the second year depending on licensure status. Additional merit-based bonuses and/or stipends may be provided at the discretion of the Director of Training. The Fellow is provided access to a shared office, computer and printer, all testing materials, and electronic scoring. The Fellow is expected to maintain a personal computer, phone, and car. Expenses for out-of-town/state travel and lodging will be reimbursed (e.g., hotel, fuel, meals).

Application Procedures

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Suncoast Neuropsychology LLC offers one (1) available full-time, two-year postdoctoral neuropsychology training position, which typically starts on or about September 1 of each two-year rotation (beginning fall 2016).

Citizenship CriteriaSuncoast Neuropsychology LLC does not maintain preference for citizenship, however, applicants requiring extensive documentation and/or financial assistance or requirements from Suncoast Neuropsychology LLC in order to maintain immigration status in the United States will not be considered.

Applicants with DisabilitiesApplicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and to contact the Director of Training to discuss any needs in regard to the application and interview process. For those who may need any accommodations, please contact Dr. Joseph Sesta (below).

CorrespondenceAll program-related inquiries and application-related inquiries should be directed to Dr. Joseph Sesta, Director of Training, Suncoast Neuropsychology LLC.

Joseph J. Sesta, Ph.D., M.P.President, Director of Training

Suncoast Neuropsychology, LLC437 Apollo Beach Drive

Apollo Beach, Florida 33572drsesta@protonmail.com

Applicant Requirements

1. Beginning in 2018, Fellows must have completed an APA- or CPA-accredited doctoral program and internship. Applicants must be eligible for National Register. Doctoral degrees in clinical (Ph.D., Psy.D.), counseling (Ph.D.), and school (Ed.D.) psychology are acceptable. Applicants with degrees in all other areas of psychology must have received a certificate of equivalency from an APA- or CPA-accredited university program designed for the “retraining” of such psychologists, attesting to the completion of all requirements.

2. Applicants must have doctoral training in neuropsychology, including basics of brain-behavior relationships, test administration and interpretation.

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3. Applicants must have successfully defended their doctoral dissertation prior to postdoctoral start date.

4. Fellows are required to meet eligibility criteria for board certification by the American Board of Professional Neuropsychology (ABN), the American Board of Pediatric Neuropsychology (ABPdN) or the American Board of Professional Psychology-Clinical Neuropsychology (ABCN) at the time of exit from the training program.

Formal Application

1. All applicants must submit the following documentation: Curriculum Vitae A minimum of (2) letters of recommendation including:

o Director of Clinical Training, doctoral programo Director of Internship

Brief cover letter (including a statement of career goals, statement of interest, not exceeding 1 single-spaced page)

2. All applicants must email required documents to:

Dr. Joseph J. SestaRE: Postdoctoral Fellowship trainingdrsesta@protonmail.com

Selection, Notification, and Contract

Based on a review of the application, interviews will be arranged for selected applicants. Video interviews may be available under rare circumstances (international applicants), otherwise face-to-face interviews are required. Applicants may participate in postdoctoral matching programs (APPCN and/or APPIC); however, Suncoast Neuropsychology, LLC does not participate in any applicant-site matching services. Suncoast Neuropsychology LLC reserves the right to offer a Fellowship position to any applicant prior to the applicant registering for the match. If the position is not filled by the match date, then any applicant continuing to seek a Fellowship position subsequent to the match date will be considered eligible for the Suncoast Neuropsychology postdoctoral training position.

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Applicants selected for a Fellowship position will be notified via phone on or about April 1 and upon acceptance, receive a contract outlining training and the expectations of the Fellow.

Evaluations

Fellows maintain a log/calendar of all activity during the course of the training experience. The primary supervisor meets with the Fellow at the end of each quarter to review activities in relation to the training schedule and Fellow expectations.

During quarterly reviews/evaluations, Fellows are evaluated on the core domains identified by the Houston Conference (i.e., assessment, treatment, and intervention, consultation, research, and supervision) and in consideration of individual training goals of the Fellow.

Fellowship Competencies

Completion CriteriaUpon completion of the training program, Fellows will a) demonstrate competence in the areas of focus of the training program, b) demonstrate competence in individualized Fellow training needs, and, c) meet exit criteria a set forth by the Houston Conference guidelines, including:

1. Advanced skill in the neuropsychological evaluation, treatment, and consultation to patients and professionals sufficient to practice on an independent basis

2. Advanced understanding of brain-behavior relationships

3. Scholarly activity

4. Eligibility for state or provincial licensure or certification for the independent practice of psychology and/or board certification

Specific Fellowship Competencies

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Specific competencies include, but are not limited to:

1. Detailed knowledge of neurobehavioral syndromes and psychiatric diagnoses2. Working knowledge of major neurological disorders3. Working knowledge of functional neuroanatomy4. Working knowledge of neurologic and radiologic diagnostic procedures5. Ability to take a comprehensive history6. Ability observe and report on behavioral characteristics based on interview

contact 7. Ability to develop differential diagnoses based on the interview 8. Ability to select a neuropsychological assessment approach that is responsive to

the interview presentation and context of referral 9. Ability to administer, score, and interpret cognitive, motor, sensory, mood, and

personality tests including appreciation of factors to consider in interpreting a patient’s performance and the selection of proper norms

10.Ability to formulate a diagnostic impression that integrates history and examination findings

11.Ability to provide potential treatment recommendations 12.Ability to perform select civil and criminal forensic examinations (CTP, MSO,

IME, SVP)13.Ability to provide effective expert witness testimony in depositions and trials14.Ability to demonstrate a basic understanding of clinical psychopharmacology as it

relates to forensic and clinical neuropsychology 15.Ability to operate effectively in a multidisciplinary environment and know the

roles other professional providers and the role of neuropsychology within that framework

16.An understanding of the common ethical dilemmas that arise in neuropsychological consultation and awareness of a process to work to a resolution of these dilemmas

Specialty Training

The Fellow will receive generalized training in neuropsychology with a focus on the core knowledge-base areas outlined by the Houston Guidelines for training in neuropsychology. Additionally, Suncoast Neuropsychology, LLC offers a wide variety of training experiences within various specialty areas including: pediatric neuropsychology, forensic neuropsychology, medical psychology and clinical

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psychopharmacology. Fellows will gain exposure to select specialty areas through supervisor training and didactic experiences.

Grievance/Due Process Procedures

In the event of a) Fellow concerns (e.g., supervisor competence, quality of supervision, unfair or ethical treatment), b) performance evaluation concerns (e.g., inaccurate or misleading evaluation), or c), general employment disputes, Suncoast Neuropsychology, LLC maintains Grievance and Due Process Procedures. All Grievance and Due Process Complaints are documented, placed in the Fellow’s training file, and are reported to the ABN Postdoctoral Training Accreditation Committee. If contention persists or if special circumstances exist when use of the usual chain of authority is not appropriate, the Fellow may bring grievances to the ABN Postdoctoral Training Accreditation Committee by contacting the Chairman:

Paula Cooper, Ph.D., ABN1250 S. Tamiami Trail

Suite 201Sarasota, FL

941-685-6098paulacooper@yahoo.com

In the event of any conflict of interest, the co-director would be contacted in lieu of the Director:

Scott Mathias, Psy.D., ABN, ABPPPO Box 266

Montoursville, PA 17754941-268-7078

Smathias88@embarqmail.com

Grievance ProcedureSuncoast Neuropsychology, LLC and all training faculty are dedicated to the Fellow’s education and to providing the best possible environment in which to learn. Fellows are encouraged to request help should any problem arise. The Grievance Procedure is to be invoked when the Fellow has a complaint about the training program. The Fellow is first encouraged to discuss matters directly with the supervisor. If the problems do not resolve, the Fellow is encouraged to discuss the matter with the Director of Training (or

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another faculty member if the conflict involves the Director of Training); a meeting will be held with all three parties to develop an action plan to resolve the matter.

Due Process ProcedureSuncoast Neuropsychology LLC is committed to conducting all activities in a professional and ethical manner. Further, the training program is committed to helping Fellows achieve training goals and competence through ongoing feedback, supervision, and formal and informal evaluation. In those instances where the Fellow is perceived to be failing to meet reasonable performance standards, the training program will utilize the following procedure.

The training program will comply with all legal and ethical responsibilities to be nondiscriminatory in the treatment of Fellows. The basic meaning of due process is to inform and to provide a framework to respond, act, or dispute. Due process ensures that decisions about Fellows are not arbitrarily or personally based. It requires that the training program identify specific procedures which are applied to all Fellow complaints, concerns, and appeals.

Problematic Behavior: Problematic Behavior is defined broadly as an interference in professional functioning which is reflected in one or more of the following ways:

1. An inability and/or unwillingness to acquire and integrate professional standards into one’s repertoire of professional behavior

2. An inability and/or unwillingness to acquire professional skills in order to reach an acceptable level of competency

Basic Procedures: If a Fellow receives an “unacceptable rating” from any of the evaluation sources in any of the major categories of evaluation or if a faculty member has concerns about a Fellow’s behavior (ethical or legal violations, professional incompetence) the following procedures will be initiated:

1. In almost all cases, it is encouraged for the faculty member to first speak directly with the Fellow and secondly with the Training Director

2. Once informed about specific concerns, the Training Director will determine if and how to proceed with the concerns raised.

3. The faculty and Director of Training will meet to discuss possivle couse of actions.

Notification Procedures to Address Problematic Behavior or Inadequate Performance: It is important to have meaningful ways to address concerns once

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identified. In implementing remediation or sanctions, the training faculty must be mindful and balance the training needs of the Fellow and all parties involved (i.e., clients, patients). All evaluative documentation will be maintained in the Fellow’s training file.

1. Verbal Notice to the Fellow emphasizes the need to discontinue the inappropriate behavior under discussion

2. Written Notice to the Fellow formally acknowledges that:a. the supervisor is aware of and concerned with the behaviorb. the concern has been brought to the attention of the Fellowc. the supervisor will work with the Fellow to rectify the concern d. the concern(s) are not significant enough to warrant serious action

3. Second Written Notice to the Fellow will identify possible sanction(s) and describe the remediation plan. This letter will contain:

a. A description of the Fellow’s unsatisfactory performanceb. Actions needed by the Fellow to correct the concernsc. The timeline for correcting the concernsd. What sanctions may be implemented if the concerns are not correctede. Notification that the Fellow has the right to request an appeal of this action

If at any time the Fellow disagrees with the aforementioned notices, the Fellow can appeal (see discussion on appeal procedures)

Remediation and Sanctions. The implementation of a remediation plan with possible sanctions should occur only after careful deliberation and thoughtful consideration of the supervisors/faculty and the Director of Training. The remediation and sanctions listed below may not necessarily occur in that order. The severity of the concerns/ problematic behavior plays a role in the level of remediation or sanction.

1. Schedule modification is a time-limited, remediation-oriented, closely supervised period of training designed to return the Fellow to a more fully functioning state. Training during the modified schedule period will include more intensive supervision with the full expectation that the Fellow will soon return to a more independent functioning state

2. Probation is also a time limited, remediation-orientation, closely supervised training period. Its purpose is to assess the ability of the Fellow to complete the

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Fellowship and return to a more independent functioning state. A probation period allows for supervisors to monitor for a specific length of time the degree to which the Fellow addresses, changes, and/or otherwise improves the behavior associated with present concerns.

If the supervisor determines that there has not been sufficient improvement from the Fellow to remove the modified schedule or Probation, then the supervisors and Director of Training will discuss other possible courses of action to be taken. The Director of Training will communicate with the Fellow further plans for remediation, which may include continuation of current remediation efforts or additional recommendations.

3. Dismissal from the Training Program involves the permanent dismissal of Fellows from the training program. When specific interventions do not, after a reasonable time period, rectify concerns regarding the Fellow’s performance/behavior, faculty members and the Director of Training will discuss termination from the Training Program. Dismissal from the training program or immediate dismissal may be invoked when imminent physical or psychological harm to a patient is a major factor or the Fellow is unable to complete the training program due to physical, mental, or emotional illness. The Director of Training will make the ultimate decision about dismissal, following consultation with the ABN Postdoctoral Training Accreditation Committee.

Appeal Procedures: If at anytime the Fellow does not agree with any of the aforementioned handling of a grievance – the below appeal procedures should be followed:

1. The Fellow should submit an appeal in writing (with any supporting documentation) to the Director of Training within five (5) work days from the notification of any of the above

2. Within three (3) work days of receipt of a written appeal from a Fellow, the Director of Training will consult with members of the training faculty and then decide whether to implement a review with ABN Postdoctoral Training Accreditation Committee or respond to the appeal without a review being convened.

Note:

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The Director of Training reserves the right to modify any of the information in this manual at any time. It is the responsibility of the Director of Training to make available the newest edition of the Training Manual to any current or future Fellows and the American Board of Neuropsychology (ABN).

END OF TRAINING MANUAL

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