Graduate Practicum Opportunity in CBT, Anxiety Disorders, and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders
Are you passionate about helping people overcome anxiety and OCD and looking for a postdoctoral fellowship in CBT in Philadelphia that truly invests in your growth as a psychologist? Begin your professional journey in an environment that values excellence, mentorship, and genuine care for clients and clinicians alike.
The Center for Anxiety, OCD, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapyâone of the Philadelphia areaâs leading specialty centers for CBT and exposure-based treatment for anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disordersâis excited to offer a psychology externship in CBT for Anxiety and OCD for the 2026â2027 training year. The Center is committed to helping patients of all ages to break free from anxiety, obsessive-compulsive, and related disorders and to cultivate the perspectives and skills needed to experience fulfillment, thrive, and maintain their well-being over time, through evidence-based assessment, therapy, consultation, and dissemination. As part of this postdoctoral psychology fellowship in Philadelphia, fellows receive intensive training in evidence-based approachesâincluding CBT, ACT, and exposure and response prevention (ERP)âfor anxiety, OCD, trauma, and related challenges. Our clientsâprofessionals, college students, adolescents, children, and familiesâcome to us with moderate to significant challenges and a strong motivation to engage in therapy. They reflect the diversity of the greater Philadelphia area, including racially and ethnically diverse backgrounds and many with LGBTQ+ identities. This variety offers fellows a rich opportunity to deepen their CBT skills, adaptability, and confidence in working with complex presentations.
Serving clients throughout the Philadelphia area and beyond, our Center has built a reputation for clinical sophistication; deep understanding of our clients and their struggles; rigorous yet flexible applications of cognitive-behavioral and third-generation cognitive and behavioral approaches to conceptualization and treatment (such as CBT, ERP, ACT, and DBT); and positive, often transformative, outcomes.
Joining the team as a psychology extern offers trainees a rare opportunity to immerse themselves in a supportive, collaborative environment emphasizing excellent clinical training, a growth-oriented mindset, and mentorship along with personalized attention to fellowsâ needs, well-being, and professional development. Our team culture is built on mutual support, care and respect for one another, professional integrity, and a shared commitment to continuous growthâprinciples we aim to embody in our work with fellows and hope they carry into their relationships with our team and their clients.
The Center is led by Dr. Daniel Chazin, Ph.D., ABPP, a board-certified specialist in Behavioral and Cognitive Psychology, Clinical Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Pennsylvania, and regional leader in CBT and anxiety, obsessive compulsive, and related disorders. Nationally recognized for his work with the National Social Anxiety Center, his contributions to ADAA, ABCT, A-CBT, and ABPP, Dr. Chazin brings clinical rigor, warmth, and vision to his leadershipâcultivating an environment where excellence, curiosity, and collaboration thrive. Deeply committed to training the next generation of clinicians, he emphasizes conceptual depth, evidence-based precision, and genuine care for both patients and team members, inspiring externs to grow into thoughtful, confident, and compassionate psychologists.
Why Train with Us:
- In-depth clinical experiences with anxiety-related conditions: Gain exposure to a range of anxiety and related conditions, which may include OCD, social anxiety, performance anxieties and specific phobias, panic disorder, generalized anxiety, emetophobia, health and illness anxiety, hair-pulling, skin-picking, and trauma-related disorders. Externs develop increased understanding and skillfulness with shared cognitive-behavioral principles, disorder-specific presentations, and individual differences that shape disorders and therapeutic processes.
- Evidence-Based Cognitive-Behavioral Training: The externship provides structured, evidence-based instruction in the treatment of anxiety, obsessive-compulsive, and related disorders. Training emphasizes a broad, integrative model of CBT that blends cognitive, exposure-based, and acceptance-based principles, while fostering flexibility, creativity, and responsiveness to individual needs. Externs develop case-conceptualization-driven, multifaceted, and individualized applications of CBT under close supervision and may also gain exposure to specific approaches such as ERP, CT-SAD, CT-OCD, Panic Control Treatment, I-CBT, ComB/HRT, CBT-I, PE, CPT, or SPACE.
- Intensive CBT Bootcamp: Start the year with a multi-day, immersive CBT bootcamp focused on anxiety and OCD, integrating assessment, case conceptualization, evidence-based (cognitive, behavioral, exposure-based, third-wave, and core therapeutic) interventions, and essential real-world practice skills. The bootcamp is purpose-built for trainees to markedly elevate clinical competence and to prepare them to function confidently, ethically, and effectively from the very start of the training year and beyond, including in specialized group practice settings.
- Experience with complexity and comorbidity: Learn to modify your conceptualization and treatment approach for patients with complex and co-occurring challengesâincluding depression, insomnia, ADHD, neurodivergence, and personality-related challengesâusing versatile, evidence-based tools and perspectives.
- Co-leading therapy groups: Co-lead established CBT groups such as a parenting-with-anxiety group or ACT-based board-gaming group, or help design new ones aligned with your clinical interests.Â
- Opportunity for child and family training: Externs will receive exposure to family-focused adaptations of CBT for anxiety-related disorders (e.g., SPACE, Family Consultation Approach) and will have opportunities to gain experience with children, adolescents, and/or families depending on interest and prior experience.Â
- Learning and development: Participate in weekly supervisions and case conference, and monthly didactics focused on anxiety-related issues and cognitive and behavioral interventions. Externs will also benefit from opportunities to publish client- and community-facing materials, give talks in the community, present at conferences, and attend optional workshops and community learning events.
- Manageable Schedule in the Heart of Center City: Our externs work with clients who are typically able to meet at a variety of times during the week, allowing for flexible scheduling and smoother week-to-week adjustments. Youâll train in our Rittenhouse Square office, steps away from cafĂŠs, parks, and bustling city life, providing a vibrant environment training and rich array of opportunities for real-world exposures.
- Insight into private group practice: Gain early exposure to how a specialty evidence-based private practice operates, including ethical and professional considerations in outpatient care.
Practicum Student Responsibilities:
- Conduct comprehensive initial evaluations, including informed consent procedures, diagnostic interviewing, psychometric assessment, and socialization into therapy.
- Administer and interpret structured assessment batteries, tailored to age and presenting concerns, for diagnostic clarification, treatment planning, and outcome monitoring.
- Provide individual therapy for adults, adolescents, and, if desired, children, using CBT, ERP, ACT, and related approaches. Carry a caseload building toward approximately 9-12 sessions per week.
- Provide therapy through our Collaborative Anxiety-Related Evening (CARE) Clinic (MâF, 3â8 PM), a structured program offering accessible, short-term CBT for working professionals and families with school-age children.Â
- Co-lead innovative therapy groups alongside senior clinicians, with additional opportunities to develop and pilot new offerings aligned with your interests and expertise.
- Observe and participate in discovery (initial inquiry) calls with potential patients, building skills in brief assessment, case formulation, and referral processes, while gaining exposure to a wide range of presentations and needs.
- Engage in supervision and training, including weekly individual supervision, team meetings, and case conferences, and monthly Center-wide didactics led by senior clinicians and guest experts.
- Collaborate with a warm, skilled, and diverse clinical team dedicated to clinical and ethical excellence.
- Participate in dissemination, outreach and professional engagement, such as patient-facing written content, community talks, workshops, and presentations through professional organizations, educational institutions, schools, college counseling centers, and medical settingsâaligned with the Centerâs mission.
Distinct Practice Model and Learning Environment:
As a specialty Philadelphia psychology training site with a fee-for-service model, our Center emphasizes depth, collaboration, and individualized care over volume or administrative pressure. Externs join a close-knit, intellectually engaged team that values curiosity, humility, and open dialogue in the pursuit of clinical excellence.
Training takes place in a collaborative learning environment, supported by active supervision, shared consultation, and a culture of continual growth and mutual respect. Externs receive weekly individual supervision, group case consultation, and active mentorship, along with monthly didactics, within a collaborative, growth-oriented environment that emphasizes learning through observation, guided practice, and feedback. They also receive the opportunity to build the foundation for future postdoctoral and early-career opportunities. Outstanding externs are given strong consideration for future postdoctoral fellowship and staff psychologist positions at the Center.
Our team is deeply committed to the broader Philadelphia mental health community through teaching, outreach, and professional partnershipsâhelping patients, trainees, and colleagues thrive together.Â
Practicum Requirements:
- Current enrollment in an APA-accredited clinical or counseling psychology doctoral program, applying for third, fourth, or fifth externship
- Foundational coursework and supervised clinical experience in cognitive-behavioral therapies (e.g., CBT, ERP, ACT, DBT).Â
- Interest in working with anxiety disorders, OCD, and related disorders. (Some prior formal experience in these areas is helpful but not required).
- Familiarity with basic psychodiagnostic interviewing and assessment, including the ability to administer, score, and interpret self-report and interview-based measures, and to use these tools for diagnosis, treatment planning, and progress monitoring.
- Appreciation for evidence-based, measurement-informed approaches, and for integrating clinical science with thoughtful, individualized care.
- Foundational psychotherapy skills, including the ability to build rapport, communicate empathically, manage sessions effectively, and maintain therapeutic boundaries.
- Ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds, maintaining curiosity, empathy, respect, and openness in the therapeutic relationship.
- Commitment to ongoing professional growth, including openness to supervision and consultation, and continued development of clinical and conceptual skills.
- Well-developed interpersonal, organizational, and professional communication skills.
- Ability to work collaboratively and respectfully within a professional team, demonstrating professionalism, clear communication, warmth, and mutual respect and support in relationships with colleagues and trainees.
- Genuine enthusiasm for and alignment with the Centerâs mission, values, and approach.
Application Instructions:
Our practice is a proud participant in PENDELDOT, adhering to a uniform timeline for application submission, interviewing, and notification to streamline the application process for our candidates. For those interested in our training opportunities, please compile all application materialsâincluding the PENDELDOT cover sheet and site agreement, cover letter, curriculum vitae, an unofficial academic transcript (showing coursework related to CBT/ERP, other cognitive and behavioral therapies like ACT or DBT, and/or anxiety-related disorders), a brief case summary demonstrating familiarity with cognitive or behavioral case conceptualization, list of your days and times of availability for externship participation (including all possible days and time ranges you could be available), a brief self-recorded video (1â2 minutes) introducing yourself and sharing what draws you to CBT and anxiety disorders, and what attracts you to our Center and externship, and two letters of recommendation. And submit these directly through the NMS portal. If you have any inquiries regarding training or wish to submit your application materials, feel free to contact our Director through the contact page.
Other Training and Career Opportunities:
Looking to Specialize in CBT and Anxiety Disorders? Explore our Postdoctoral Fellowship Program designed for professionals seeking advanced training and expertise in cognitive-behavioral therapy and related disorders. Our postdoc positions offer a blend of clinical practice and clinical training with opportunities for scholarship and community outreach.Â
Exploring Career Opportunities? Our center is always looking to expand our team with passionate individuals. Whether you’re an experienced professional or a recent graduate, we may have the perfect role for you. Discover how you can contribute to our mission and make a difference by visiting our Careers page.
At our Center, we offer a range of professional growth opportunities, from practicum placements to postdoctoral fellowships, all aimed at advancing your career while contributing to the field of mental health care in meaningful ways.
More About Our Center:
At the Center for Anxiety, OCD, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, we are deeply committed to enriching the lives of individuals and families navigating the challenges of anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorders. Our approach is rooted in expert, evidence-based treatments, and we pride ourselves on our responsive, collaborative care.
To learn more about our center, our dedicated team, and our innovative treatment approach, we encourage you to browse our website. You’ll also find information about our consultation services and our commitment to community outreach. If you have any questions or wish to learn more, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
