Postdoctoral Residency Program
Advance Your Career in Geropsychology with Deer Oaks Behavioral Health
Deer Oaks – The Behavioral Health Solution - is deeply committed to cultivating the next generation of highly skilled psychologists through our longstanding postdoctoral residency training program. We provide comprehensive clinical supervision, diverse training experiences, and evidence-based learning opportunities designed to support residents’ professional growth.
Our program emphasizes ethical practice, cultural humility, and collaborative care to ensure residents are prepared to excel in complex clinical environments. Through sustained mentorship and structured development, we aim to advance both individual careers and the broader field of psychology.
Program Mission
Deer Oaks Mental Health Associates is a recognized training site in Texas. Deer Oaks is a member of APPIC (Association of Psychology Postdoctoral and Internship Centers) for postdoctoral training.
The APPIC Program is a specialized training program for residents who have completed at least one year of supervised training, preferably at an APPIC or APA approved training site and have completed all other requirements for graduation as a Ph.D., Psy.D., or Ed.D. in the field of Psychology.
Populations Served
Residents provide care to adults and older adults residing in:
Long-term care facilities
Skilled nursing and rehabilitation centers
Assisted and independent living communities
Clinical services may include individual psychotherapy, behavioral management, cognitive assessment, family interventions, and staff consultation.
About the Program
Residency Structure
The postdoctoral residency year is a full-time, 12-month training experience emphasizing clinical skill development and professional identity formation in geropsychology.
Residents are typically assigned to multiple long-term care facilities within a defined metropolitan area (e.g., Dallas–Fort Worth, Austin, San Antonio).
Key program components include:
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Weekly individual and group supervision
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Monthly didactic seminars and workshops
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Clinical rotations focusing on psychotherapy, assessment, and interdisciplinary consultation
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Opportunities for research and program development
Learning Outcomes
The goal of the Deer Oaks Postdoctoral Residency Program are to enhance and further develop clinical psychologists who have a wide range of excellent skills in the following general areas:
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Residents will emerge as true “generalist” clinical practitioners with an advanced level of competency in a brief assessment and treatment model for adults and geriatric psychology; including the full range of psychological services (i.e. diagnostic assessments, consultation, crisis intervention, psychological assessments, and individual, family and in some cases group psychotherapy).
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Residents will emerge with a complete understanding of and sensitivity to ethical principles of psychologists as detailed by the American Psychological Association and the Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists (TSBEP).
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Residents will emerge with a sound comprehension of DSM 5 and ICD 10 diagnostic categories and treatment planning which is based on these diagnoses.
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Residents will emerge with an advanced level of competence in active-directive, cognitive-behavioral treatment approaches for a wide range of psychopathologic disorders, which are both effective and efficient.
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Residents will emerge with specific appreciation for the importance of close clinical collaboration with other health care providers and incorporating a consultation model into their overall practice management.
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Residents will emerge with an awareness of the importance of thorough medical record documentation supporting the medical necessity of clinical interventions provided.
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Residents will emerge with a sensitivity to business operations of outpatient psychology practice, including issues such as time management, efficiency and productivity, interfacing with managed care companies, obtaining authorizations, handling issues related to scheduling and general billing concepts.
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Residents will emerge with a sense of autonomy and confidence, which will prepare them for functioning as independent licensed psychologists.
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Residents will emerge with a sound comprehension of the Licensing Act as set forth by the Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists and the level of knowledge necessary to pass their EPPP and Oral Psychology Exams and meet all requirements to become licensed psychologists in Texas.
Didactic Training Calendar
Residents participate in monthly didactic seminars designed to enhance their clinical and ethical knowledge.
Topics include ethics, severe and persistent mental illness, lifespan development, and multicultural issues in behavioral health.
Program Requirements
Admission Requirements include completion of all degree requirements from an APA/CPA-accredited or regionally accredited institution, and completion of an APA/CPA-accredited internship or an internship that meets APPIC standards.
The APPIC program is a specialized training program for residents who have completed at least one year of supervised training, preferably at an APPIC or APA approved training site and have completed all other requirements for graduation as a Ph.D., Psy.D., or Ed.D. in the field of Psychology. This is defined as having either the diploma in hand or a letter from the director of graduate study verifying the completion of all degree requirements pending institution graduation ceremony, on the first day of the residency
To be eligible for the program, applicants must:
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Have completed a doctoral degree (Ph.D. or Psy.D.) in Clinical or Counseling Psychology from an APA-accredited program
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Have completed an APA-accredited internship
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Be eligible for supervised practice in the state of placement
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Demonstrate interest in geropsychology and interdisciplinary care
How to Apply
Applications are accepted through the APPIC portal.
Required materials include:
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Curriculum Vitae
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Cover Letter detailing clinical interests and goals
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Three letters of recommendation
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Doctoral transcript
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Sample psychological assessment report
Applicants may also email materials directly to: bolsonpsyd@deeroaks.com
For questions, contact Brian Olson, Psy.D., Director of Postdoctoral Training, at (503) 407-6437.
More Information
Apply Now
Take the next step in your professional journey with Deer Oaks Behavioral Health.
Join a team dedicated to improving the mental health and quality of life of older adults.