Mental Illness Research and Treatment Psychology Fellowship Program (MIRECC)

The MIRECC Psychology Fellowship Program at the Charleston VAMC supports the professional development of research-focused psychologists to become clinical investigators in innovative

approaches to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and its comorbidities.

Over the course of the two-year program, fellows receive intensive mentoring and didactics in clinical research competencies such as grant writing, research design, and ethics while

receiving supervised clinical training in cutting-edge treatments and programs. The Charleston VAMC’s Advanced Fellowship Program is affiliated with the Department of Psychiatry and

Behavioral Sciences at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC).

The fellows’ 40-hour work week is comprised of approximately 10-15 hours/week in supervised, direct service delivery, 25-30 hours/week in clinical research activities, and 4 hours/week of

didactics (including 2 hours of face-to-face, individual supervision from a licensed psychologist for clinical and research activities). In addition, up to 5 hours/week of administrative

experiences may be offered to support the fellow’s professional growth and individual goals. In collaboration with research mentors, fellows are expected to develop and implement a research

pilot project, publish and present findings, and utilize the latest technology for educational activities and clinical service delivery. The application for independent federal grant funding

by fellows is strongly encouraged (e.g., VA Career Development Award).