NEW MEXICO VA HEALTH CARE SYSTEM

Southwest Consortium Predoctoral Psychology Internship (SCPPI)

**SCPPI FAQ**

**When is the application deadline?** The postmark deadline for
applications is **December 1st**. 

**Does SCPPI provide health insurance?**  The SCPPI internship has four
funding sources: New Mexico Veterans Affairs Health Care System
(NMVAHCS), University of New Mexico Hospital/Health Sciences Center
(UNMHSC), Indian Health Service (IHS), and Forensic Health Service, Inc.
(FHS). Each source offers different health insurance coverage options.
This form provides some basic, but by no means comprehensive,
information about what each offers in terms of coverage. Please read the
general information below and contact the appropriate source should you
need more information to make your match
decision.                                          

***New Mexico Veterans Affairs Health Care System (NMVAHCS)**:*

The health care coverage options for those funded by NMVAHCS include:
Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Lovelace Health Plan, and Presbyterian Health
Plan. Each of these plans require a deduction per pay period ranging
from approximately \$40 for individuals to approximately \$160 for self
and family on a biweekly basis. In addition to a pay deduction, there
are co-pays, deductibles or a percentage owed by the covered
individual(s) for nearly all services. There is a booklet available
today for you to view upon your request. For more information, please
contact Human Resources at 505-265-1711, extension 2203.  

***University of New Mexico Hospital/Health Sciences Center (UNMHCS),
Indian Health Services (IHS), and Forensic Health Services, Inc.
(FHS): ***

Non-VA sites support their interns in obtaining medical insurance. We
pay a flat rate per month included in your stipend, and then also pay
additional monies to cover the taxes on this money. All of this is
included in your monthly stipend. You can go out on your own to get
coverage, or go through Paul Doak at the Insurance Exchange
(505-262-1000) in Albuquerque. He has a number of policies to choose
from -- indemnity plans, PPO\'s, and HMO\'s. Depending on the coverage
you want, your monthly flat rate could cover the entire care plan or if
you choose something more complete, then you may have to pay a portion
depending on the coverage. (Note that this is true of the VA coverage
also.) If you have a pre-existing condition, then you will want to speak
with Mr. Doak about the best coverage for you. In the application for
coverage, you may have to present some of your old medical records, and
this too can be discussed with him.

If you have other concerns, please discuss this with the representatives
from UNMHCS, IHS, or FHS. *** ***

**What is the intern stipend?** All training sites within the consortium
fund interns at the current Federal rate:  **\$22,898**

**Does SCPPI provide leave for conferences, illness, vacations, etc.?**
Yes, interns are given both accrued Annual Leave and Sick Leave to be
earned at approximately 4 hours per pay period.  In the event of an
extended illness or medical issue, additional leave may be requested
from the SCPPI Training Committee.  However, the intern may be required
to extend his or her time at the SCPPI to ensure that the APA
requirement for training hours is met.

 

Interns may apply for Professional Leave, which does not count against
Annual or Sick Leave.  These requests are granted by SCPPI Training
Committee and can be used when engaging on professional activities, such
as dissertation defense, attending conferences, or interviewing for jobs
or postdoctoral positions. Each request is considered on a case-by-case
basis. Professional Leave requests must take lower priority than
training needs.  

 

**Is my application still considered if I do not attend one of the Open
House sessions?**  Yes.  Although we encourage applicants to attend one
of the Open House sessions at SCPPI, it is not a requirement.  In fact,
there is usually one intern per class, who was selected via a phone
interview and 50% of the interns in a recent class were selected through
telephone interviews.  However, we still believe that face-to-face
interviews provide the best forum for you to assess the match between
your training needs and those offered by SCPPI.

**How many applications does SCPPI typically receive?** Although the
number can be quite variable, SCPPI typically receives between 60 and 90
applications each year.  The internship class at SCPPI is ten interns at
this time.