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Pediatric Psychology Training

Saint Louis University School of Medicine’s Division of Pediatric Psychology offers psychology training opportunities for advanced graduate students, pre-doctoral interns and postdoctoral fellows, as well as undergraduate and graduate medical students. 

A Message From the Program Director

I am thrilled to introduce you to our comprehensive training opportunities designed to foster the next generation of pediatric psychologists. Our program is committed to clinical excellence and research-driven care, fostering a supportive, multidisciplinary environment dedicated to children and families facing medical and psychological challenges. 

We offer a postdoctoral fellowship and advanced graduate student practicum opportunities. We emphasize a biopsychosocial approach, integrating psychological care with medical treatment to improve outcomes for our young patients, and we value innovation, compassion, and lifelong learning. Trainees often describe the supportive mentorship and collegial atmosphere as highlights of their experience. 

You’ll also train at SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital — a leading academic medical center and designated Level 1 Pediatric Trauma Center that provides the highest level of 24/7 care for critically ill and injured children.  

If you are passionate about making a difference in pediatric health, I encourage you to explore our program further. We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds and are here to answer any questions you may have. Together, we can shape the future of pediatric psychology. 

Warm regards, 

Headshot of Debra Emery

Debra Emery, Ph.D.
Program director

Pediatric Psychology Postdoctoral Fellowship

The one-year postdoctoral fellowship in pediatric psychology prepares trainees to enter professional practice. The dynamic program — tailored to fellows’ clinical interests and professional goals — provides advanced, evidence-based training rooted in cultural sensitivity, ethical decision-making and scholarly inquiry. 

Clinical Opportunities

  • Inpatient and outpatient psychotherapy
  • Specialized assessments
  • Multidisciplinary clinics
  • Rotational specialities, includings:
    • Adolescent medicine and eating disorder
    • Cardiology  
    • Gastroenterology
    • Hematology / oncology
    • Mind-Body Connection / Somatic Disorders (e.g., functional neurological disorders, disorders of brain-gut interaction)
    • NICU Follow-Up Clinic (Bayley developmental testing)
    • Psychological assessment with developmental and behavioral pediatrics  
    • Solid organ transplant
    • Weight management 

Training also includes weekly didactics, a minimum of two hours of supervision per week from a licensed psychologist, and potential opportunities for tiered supervision. 

Eligibility

Applicants must have a doctoral degree from an APA- or CPA-accredited program and must have completed an APA-accredited internship. 

Positions are typically posted in late October; applications are due in December. To apply, send your CV and letter of intent to Program Director Debra Emery, Ph.D., at debra.emery@ssmhealth.com.  

Pre-Doctoral Internship Rotation

The St. Louis Psychology Internship Consortium (SLPIC) --- an APA-accredited organization overseen by the Missouri Department of Mental Health --- offers a one-year, full-time internship for advanced students in APA-accredited doctoral psychology programs. 

Through SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children's Hospital's participation as an SLPIC training site, it offers a core rotation (four days per week for four months) for the program. 

Training Experiences

  • Multidisciplinary collaboration
  • Consultation and liaison work
  • Health and behavior assessments and interventions
  • Evidence-based practices for inpatient and medical clinic settings
  • Individual therapy caseload (primarily patients with co-occuring medical diagnoses)

Explore the SLPIC

Advanced Graduate Student Practicum

The division sometimes offers pediatric psychology clinical training for advanced graduate students. Practicum placement details depend on clinic and supervisor availability in conjunction with student availability and interest. 

For more information about practicum externship experiences, contact Program Director Debra Emery, Ph.D., at debra.emery@ssmhealth.com.