Postdoctoral Training Program
The Postdoctoral Training Program at Mid Island Psychology Associates (MIPA) offers advanced clinical training for doctoral-level psychologists seeking specialized experience in evidence-based, cognitive and behavioral therapies. This program is designed to support the transition from trainee to independent practitioner, with a strong emphasis on clinical depth, diagnostic clarity, and professional development.
MIPA specializes in the assessment and treatment of anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive and related disorders, and complex presentations including Functional Neurological Disorder. Postdoctoral fellows receive intensive training in empirically supported treatments, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Additional opportunities include involvement in comprehensive psychological and diagnostic assessments, including evaluations for Autism Spectrum Disorder and other neurodevelopmental conditions.
Training occurs within a collaborative, supportive private practice setting. Fellows work closely with a team of licensed psychologists and receive regular individual and group supervision focused on case conceptualization, treatment planning, and skill development. Emphasis is placed on working with children, adolescents, and adults across a range of clinical presentations, including complex and co-occurring conditions.
All supervisory staff are licensed in New York State and are committed to providing high-quality mentorship in a collegial and growth-oriented environment.
Patient Populations
At Mid Island Psychology Associates (MIPA), we work with a broad range of clinical presentations across children, adolescents, and adults. Our practice has particular expertise in the many ways anxiety manifests, and we frequently treat individuals with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and related spectrum conditions, phobias, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, and trauma-related disorders, including Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.
In addition to anxiety-based conditions, we commonly work with individuals presenting with co-occurring or overlapping diagnoses that often include a significant anxiety component. These include Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, body-focused repetitive behaviors (e.g., skin picking, hair pulling), mood disorders, eating disorders, hoarding disorder, and Tourette Syndrome.
Our practice also has specialized experience in working with complex and nuanced presentations, including Functional Neurological Disorder, as well as individuals with emotion regulation difficulties and personality-related concerns, including borderline personality features. Across all cases, we emphasize careful assessment, differential diagnosis, and individualized, evidence-based treatment planning tailored to each patient’s unique presentation and goals.
Therapeutic Modalities
All clinicians at Mid Island Psychology Associates (MIPA) are trained in the evidence-based treatment of depression, anxiety disorders, and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. Our approach emphasizes the use of scientifically supported interventions tailored to each individual’s needs, with a strong foundation in cognitive and behavioral therapies.
Many members of our team have advanced expertise in exposure-based treatments, including Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Prolonged Exposure (PE), and Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy (VRET). These approaches are considered gold-standard treatments for anxiety, OCD, and trauma-related disorders.
In addition to exposure-based work, clinicians integrate a range of evidence-based modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Treatment is always individualized, drawing from these approaches to address symptom reduction, emotional regulation, behavioral change, and overall functioning.
Across all modalities, our focus remains on delivering practical, effective, and collaborative care that supports meaningful, lasting change.
Professional Training & Support
The training programs at Mid Island Psychology Associates (MIPA) are led by a senior team of licensed psychologists committed to high-quality, evidence-based clinical training within a collaborative and supportive environment. Mitchell Schare, Ph.D., provides oversight of the training program. Dr. Schare is a licensed New York State psychologist, Board Certified in Behavioral & Cognitive Therapies by the American Board of Professional Psychology, and a Fellow of the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies. He is also a Professor of Clinical Psychology at Hofstra University, a former Director of Clinical Psychology for the Ph.D. program, an active researcher, and has over 35 years of clinical experience.
Training and supervision are further supported by senior psychologists at the practice, including Christine M. Newmanand Loren Packer Hopke, who contribute to supervision, didactics, and program development. In addition, Despina Konstas, Jamie Whitenack, and Ashleigh Garretson play an integral role in supporting new clinicians and postdoctoral psychologists through mentorship, consultation, and ongoing training.
MIPA emphasizes a highly collaborative model in which all team members actively support one another’s professional growth. Training is embedded within a culture of shared learning, peer consultation, and continuous skill development, ensuring that clinicians at all levels benefit from collective expertise and a strong, collegial environment.
Postdoctoral Training Activities
- Serve as a primary therapist with a full-time caseload, utilizing evidence-based treatments including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)
- Provide treatment for individuals with anxiety, depression, and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, as well as related conditions
- Co-lead therapeutic groups
- Provide executive functioning intervention and skills-based support
- Participate in 1 hour of weekly individual supervision
- Participate in 1 hour of weekly group/staff supervision
- Attend weekly didactics focused on evidence-based treatment, assessment, and case conceptualization
- Engage in staff consultation and multidisciplinary collaboration as needed
Additional Training Opportunities
- Conduct comprehensive psychological and diagnostic evaluations, including assessments for Autism Spectrum Disorder and differential diagnosis in complex presentations
- Apply Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy (VRET) to clinical work when appropriate
- Collaborate with outside providers, including schools, psychiatrists, pediatricians, and other specialists
- Opportunities to participate in research initiatives
- Opportunities to develop and present workshops for patients and parents
- Opportunities for presentations, community outreach, and professional training
Postdoctoral Candidate Qualifications
- Completion of a doctoral degree (Ph.D. or Psy.D.) in Clinical, School, Counseling, or related health service psychology program
- Eligibility for or current pursuit of New York State licensure
- Strong foundation in evidence-based treatments, particularly CBT (experience with ERP preferred)
- Cover letter and current CV
- Two letters of recommendation (at least one from a clinical supervisor or academic setting) attesting to clinical competencies
- All application materials can be sent to admin@midislandpsych.com