SUPPORT FOR OLDER ADULTS WITH MEMORY LOSS AND THEIR FAMILIES

CLINICAL TRAINING

Traineeship at OPICA

OPICA is dedicated to clients (called “members”) experiencing memory loss due to neurocognitive disorders, (such as Alzheimer’s Disease and other forms of Dementia), as well as their families and caregivers.

As a Marriage and Family Counseling training site, OPICA offers our trainees a wide range of clinical opportunities, training, and experiences with client centered advocacy. OPICA offers both in person and virtual training experiences.

Clinical (client face to face) opportunities include:

  • Working directly (In person) with members in the moderate to late stage of dementia and other neurocognitive issues. (In person engagement includes reminiscence therapy, Art therapy, music therapy and other modalities.)
  • Individual Counseling (in person and virtual) for members in the early stages of memory loss, dementia and other neurocognitive issues.
  • Co-facilitation of in person “breakout” engagement and support groups for members.
  • Co- facilitation of virtual caregiver support groups.
  • Co-facilitation of virtual engagement and support groups for members. (from early to moderate stage)
  • Caregiver “check ins” and Individual Counseling
  • Providing counseling and “care consultation” to people with dementia and their families in under resourced areas of Los Angeles. (May require home visits).

Additional non-clinical experiences include:

  • High Quality Supervision
  • Case Management opportunities
  • Program/content development
  • Training opportunities

Requirements:

  • Trainees must be enrolled in a qualified graduate MFT program. OPICA must be an approved training site for the school.
  • Trainees must pass a livescan for both virtual and in person training.
  • In person Trainees must provide proof of TB clearance, and COVID19 vaccination*.
  • Trainees must commit to a minimum of 8 hours per week, for a minimum term of 12 months.
  • There is a $50 per month fee, which covers supervision costs.

Regarding COVID19:

  • OPICA has taken the following steps to reduce the spread of COVID19 and other illnesses (for those attending in person)
    • Masks are to be always worn in the presence of members/clients
    • COVID19 Vaccinations and boosters are required (exemptions apply)
    • Frequent hand washing
  • Trainees/Associates are expected to follow these guidelines:
    • Wear masks at all times in the presence of members/clients
    • Report any symptoms or positive COVID tests
    • Refrain from coming to OPICA if any symptoms are present
    • Frequent hand washing

Dates and Deadlines

  • OPICA Training cohorts start every quarter, coinciding with the quarter start of local MFT programs.
    • Winter Quarter: Beginning of January
    • Spring Quarter: End of March/Beginning of April
    • Summer Quarter: Beginning of July
    • Fall Quarter: from end of August- Beginning of October
  • Application deadlines
    • Winter Quarter: November 1st
    • Spring Quarter: February 1st
    • Summer Quarter: April 1st
    • Fall Quarter: July 1st

 * OPICA will accept applications after the deadline if there is space available in the cohort.

For more information about training opportunities, please contact cheryl@opica.org, or clinicaltraining@opica.org .

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