Post-Doctoral Training Program

The post-doctoral position at Mid Island Psychology Associates (MIPA) provides advanced training for doctoral-level clinicians seeking specialization in evidence-based cognitive and behavioral therapies. Our practice focuses on anxiety and obsessive-compulsive spectrum disorders, offering fellows hands-on experience with Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT).

Fellows work with a range of presentations across the lifespan, including complex and co-occurring conditions such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Functional Neurological Disorder (FND). Training takes place in a collaborative, supportive environment, with regular supervision from licensed psychologists in New York State and opportunities for interdisciplinary consultation.

MIPA is committed to developing skilled, confident clinicians equipped to provide high-quality, evidence-based care.

Patient Populations

At Mid Island Psychology Associates (MIPA), we specialize in the treatment of anxiety and obsessive-compulsive spectrum disorders (OCD) across children, adolescents, and adults. We are experts in the many ways anxiety can present, including obsessive thoughts, compulsions, phobias, panic, generalized anxiety, and avoidance behaviors that interfere with daily life.

We frequently work with individuals experiencing:

• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and related conditions
• Phobias (e.g., school avoidance, medical fears, separation anxiety)
• Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) and chronic worry
• Panic attacks and somatic anxiety symptoms
• Trauma-related anxiety, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Depression, particularly when it co-occurs with anxiety or OCD

We have particular expertise in working with individuals with OCD and co-occurring Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Our clinicians are skilled in adapting evidence-based treatments, including Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), to meet the unique cognitive, sensory, and behavioral needs of individuals with autism.

In addition to anxiety and OCD, we also treat Functional Neurological Disorder (FND). These presentations can vary widely and may include functional tics, non-epileptic events, episodes of weakness or paralysis, dissociation, or other neurological symptoms that are not explained by a primary medical condition. Our team helps families understand these symptoms and supports a return to functioning using structured, evidence-based approaches.

Many of our patients present with overlapping or co-occurring concerns, which we address in an individualized and integrated way. These may include ADHD, body-focused repetitive behaviors (such as hair pulling or skin picking), tic and Tourette’s disorders, hoarding, eating disorders, and personality-related challenges.

For parents, we understand that symptoms often look different across settings—home, school, and social environments. We work closely with families to identify patterns, provide clear and practical strategies, and collaborate with schools and other providers when needed to ensure consistent support.

Whether you are seeking help for OCD, anxiety, depression, FND, or a complex combination of concerns, our goal is to provide clarity, effective treatment, and meaningful, lasting progress. We focus on building skills, increasing flexibility, and helping each individual feel more confident and capable in their daily life.

Therapeutic Modalities

Clinicians at Mid Island Psychology Associates (MIPA) are extensively trained in evidence-based, exposure-based treatments, which are considered the gold standard for anxiety and obsessive-compulsive spectrum disorders. Most staff members have advanced expertise in Exposure Therapy and its specialized applications, including Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Prolonged Exposure (PE), and Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy (VRET).

In addition to exposure-based approaches, our clinicians integrate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to tailor treatment to each individual’s needs. This flexible, integrative approach allows us to effectively treat a wide range of concerns—from anxiety and OCD to mood disorders and complex presentations—while promoting lasting behavioral change and emotional resilience.

Clinical Development & Supervision

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. Newman, Ph.D. and Loren Packer Hopke, Psy.D. who contribute to supervision, didactics, and program development. In addition, Despina Konstas, Ph.D., Jamie Postal, Ph.D., and Ashleigh Garretson, Psy.D.  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.

Training:

Post-Doctoral Experiences

• Primary therapist for a variety of cases using evidence-based treatments
• Co-lead DBT skills group
• Executive Functioning rehabilitation
• 1 hour weekly of individual supervision
• 1 hour weekly group/staff supervision
• 1 hour weekly didactics
• Staff consultation as needed

Additional Opportunities

• Integrative psychological evaluations
• Application of VRET to casework when plausible
• Consultation with schools, psychiatrists, pediatricians, nutritionists, etc
• Opportunities for research
• Possible presentations/community outreach/training

Minimal Candidate Qualifications:

• Graduated from a Doctoral Psychology program for Clinical/School/Counseling/Community health service providers.
• Cover letter
• Current CV
• Two letters of recommendation (minimum of one from a clinical setting) attesting to clinical skills. Letters may be sent directly to admin@midislandpsych.com
• Students with CBT training/experience preferred.