Frequently Asked Questions

For both the clinical assessment and the statement of interest, I see there is a maximum page limit. I wanted to clarify if that page limit is for double-spaced or single-spaced writing?: The assessments we receive are typically 3-5 pages long, double spaced. We have had some shorter and some longer. There isn't a specific word count or page limit.
I am based in New York City and could be on campus part time but would not be able to be onsite every day. Are there virtual options available to allow for applicants who are not New Haven-based?: The fellowship does require residency in New Haven. It is in person and on campus. We do not offer virtual options.
Do I need to pass the LMSW exam before applying? Because I can't take this exam in New York state until I get the master's degree. So I'm a little worried about it.: Applicants need to have their MSW already or anticipate graduating with their MSW prior to July 1st. They don’t need to have the LCSW but will need to get their LMSW prior to July 1st. You will have time to take care of the LMSW requirement between the date you are invited (early April) and the start date of July 1st.
Is this program an academic degree or a job?: The fellowship is a training commitment of 40 hours a week and a Stipend is provided for this training commitment. Fellows receive a certificate of completion from the Yale Child Study Center at the end of the second-year commitment. It is not an academic degree.
I read on the page of the program a brief(de-identified) clinical assessment in narrative form and I didn’t quite understand what it meant.: The type of assessment we are looking for is similar to a biopsychosocial. The narrative clinical report should include the client’s presenting problem, relevant history that you’ve gathered, your rationale for and conclusion re: diagnosis, and any treatment recommendations as warranted. It is better to keep it under 5 double-spaced pages. We ask applicants to use a pseudonym or even just initials to de-identify the client. The case should be a clinical case that you have worked on and that it is de-identified.
Are international students eligible to apply?: The fellowship is open to all – even those who aren’t US citizens; although, your school’s MSW program must meet accreditation standards for the U.S. You also need to satisfy visa requirements.
My recommenders ask if there are any specific questions they need to answer. I know the application checklist simply lists three recommendations from clinical supervisors but let me know if there are any guidelines to follow.: The recommendation letters should address the applicant's foundation/readiness to participate in a clinical fellowship. Specifically, the applicant’s clinical skill, response to supervision, commitment to learning, experience working with children and families – – all good points to cover.
Is it possible for my references to submit their letters independently or do I have to collect each letter to include in my application?: The recommendation letters should be sent to you directly and you need to include them in your completed application packet. They should not be sent to me separately.
When is the deadline for applications?: The deadline is 11:59pm EST on January 5
Will I have to take the CT exam, or will I be able to transfer my license to CT?: Please check the CT website re: regulations to transfer a license to CT.
Is there a timeframe you are requiring of potential applicants? Like within the first year of graduation, etc.: There is no timeframe for applicants. We have had recent graduates and those who have been out of school for 5 years. It varies.
When do applicants typically know if they are offered an interview? When are the final recipients notified once all the interviews are complete?: After all applications are received, the Admissions committee will review application materials and meet to discuss the applicants. Those who meet qualifications for an interview are notified around the end of January to the beginning of February and interviews take place between end of February into early March. A decision is made shortly thereafter. Applicants who are not selected will be notified via email.
If I were to be accepted into the program. I am currently on an F1 visa, would my visa status change?: Please refer to Yale’s Office of International Students and Scholars for any Visa questions.
Does the fellowship offer training in evidence-based modalities like DBT, ACT, or treatments for trauma?: In the past, fellows have engaged in opportunities to train in evidence-based trauma interventions we have available, such as CFTSI (Child and Family Traumatic Stress Intervention), CPP (Child Parent Psychotherapy), TF-CBT (Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) and MATCH, an evidence-based treatment of childhood anxiety, depression, trauma, and conduct problems. There are many variables to consider including supervision, time, and availability of training. Training in evidence-based modalities is not always guaranteed. Fellows have also utilized their professional development fund to acquire training outside of YCSC. This is typically explored in the second year of fellowship.
I have an interest in working with a certain population (dual diagnosis, self-harm, SI, trauma/PTSD, bipolar, chronic emotional dysregulation). Would I have a say on which patients I work with?: We do consider fellows interested and learning needs, when possible, when assigning cases at the outpatient clinic.
I read about the DBT services Yale School of Medicine offers. As a social worker would I be able to participate in this, to any degree? Could I utilize some of the DBT trainings and such in the elective project and/or area of specialization in the second year of the training?: We have offered DBT skills training during the summer of the first year.
What are some of the didactics that have been offered in the past?: Some of the didactics offered to fellows in the past are as follows. There may be variation in what is offered from year to year.

First year didactic experiences
* Grand Rounds: Weekly beginning in September

Fellows Seminar (Rivera Parrott): 1 hour weekly, yearlong

Fellows Orientation (Rivera Parrott and Social Work Fellowship Faculty): July - August

Clinical Services Orientation (Goyette-Ewing, Davila, Voccola): July only

IICAPS Program Orientation (Zecchini): July - August (IICAPS only)

Psychopharmacology (Marachi): weekly July - September

DBT Skills Training (Kamody): July - August

Circle of Security (Myers and Radawich)

Parent Management Training (Tongul): September - TBD

YCSC Promoting Culturally and Racially Responsive Treatment Course Summer Series (Davila, Frometa): July 25 - August 29

YCSC Promoting Culturally and Racially Responsive Treatment Course Fall Series (Davila, Frometa): September 8-29

Child Parent Psychotherapy (CPP) training (Close, Mayo): August 16-18

Practice Seminar (Davila and Gossart-Walker): Weekly in September

First year clinical experiences

Developmental Assessment Services: Weekly observation in first semester (fellows are assigned 1 shared case to observe); in second semester, fellows participate in a weekly seminar; in second year, option to complete 1 independent case (child under 5 with supervision) following completion of spring seminar

Child Parent Psychotherapy (CPP) Supervision: Weekly following CPP training (1 case minimum required for practice; 3 cases for rostering is optional)

YCSC Outpatient Clinical Services: Weekly supervision; 2 supervisors for the full year and 1 specialty supervisor (up to 16 contact hours)

IICAPS Fellow: Weekly clinical supervision and team supervision (up to 16 contact hours/5 families, multiple weekly contact; to model fidelity)

Clinical or research mentorship as requested

Second year didactic experiences

Emergency Department Call for IICAPS fellows only (optional)

Grand Rounds

Fellows Seminar (Rivera Parrott and SWF Faculty): 1 hour weekly, yearlong

Fellows Bi-weekly/Monthly Meeting with Director

Fellow Peer Supervision/Meeting

YCSC Promoting Culturally and Racially Responsive Treatment Course (Davila): July-September

EBP Practice: Choice of 1 (optional)

Second year clinical experiences

Child Parent Psychotherapy (CPP) Supervision: Weekly following CPP training (1 case minimum required for practice; 3 cases for rostering is optional)

YCSC Outpatient Clinical Services: Weekly supervision; 2 supervisors for the full year (up to 16 cases)

YCSC IICAPS: Weekly contact (up to 16 contact hours/5 cases)

Hospital Placement Elective: 2-day commitment/consecutively (optional)

YCSC Social Work Fellowship Specialty Project (5-8 hours)

Dissemination Project/Professional Presentation: Presented in respective Department meetings