Several maintain small private practices outside of normal work hours, and this source of experience and knowledge further enhances their effectiveness as supervisors of interns. Many graduates initially seek employment in agencies where post-doctoral supervision is easier to arrange, and the inpatient experience of Austin State Hospital is a distinct benefit for such positions. With increasing experience beyond internship, graduates are found in a wide variety of settings around the country. The Austin State Hospital internship is committed to enhancing the sensitivity of all staff members and interns to cultural, lifestyle, and ethnic diversity issues. The hospital has a Diversity Committee that develops training materials, and all staff complete required training on diversity issues.
Psychologists participate in the determination and actual training on diversity topics.
The hospital operates a Spanish Language Interpreter Program, in which staff members from any discipline who are proficient in Spanish can be trained and designed as official interpreters. These official interpreters are available to clinicians needing interpreter services. Beyond the standard hospital training in diversity and cultural awareness, interns also receive coverage of diversity topics during the intern seminars and during individual supervision. Interns at Austin State Hospital are considered temporary employees for the duration of the training year from September 1, through August 3l. Interns are provided the full benefits of hospital employees including paid medical insurance, sick leave, paid vacation, and contributions to a state retirement fund.