Overview
The Behavioral Sleep Medicine training program at University of Utah was established in 2003 by Laura Czajkowski, PhD. It is a 1-year training program that is accredited by the Society for Behavioral Sleep Medicine (behavioralsleep.org).
Eligibility
Trainees must be enrolled in a graduate level program focused on patient education, counseling or mental health, including clinical or counseling psychology or social work. Potential trainees must have at least 1 year of clinical experience, including an introduction to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).
Expectations
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- The predoctoral program is a 1-year clinical clerkship for advanced students that involves 12-15 hours per week.
- Postdoctoral training is dependent on the research commitment but may be up to 50% clinical time.
- Clinical Supervision will be provided by Dr. Kelly Baron, PhD, MPH and Dr. Laura Czajkowski, PhD.
- Patient population includes college students, adults and older adults with insomnia, sleep apnea, nightmares, circadian rhythm disorders and other sleep problems.
- Other activities include didactic lectures, case presentations and grand rounds.
Curriculum
The behavioral sleep medicine training program is designed to provide trainees with the opportunity to learn develop a broad base of knowledge of sleep and sleep disorders, to develop clinical skills in multiple areas such as cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) and to experience adequate practical experience in the area of behavioral sleep medicine. Trainees who complete this rotation will have the behavioral sleep medicine experience necessary to apply for the certification exam: Diplomate in Behavioral Sleep Medicine (www.bsmcredential.org).
Goals and Objectives
Trainees in this program will focus on the following areas. We have included brief descriptions below.
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- Interpersonal and communication skills: Communication with patients and the treatment team.
- Clinical competence: Developing techniques in conducting a general behavioral medicine evaluation and follow-up sessions as well as BSM specific evaluation and treatment skills.
- Role of a psychologist on a medical team: Developing effective communication and participating in treatment related conferences and trainings throughout the year.
- Professional behavior: Performing assigned duties in a timely manner, appropriate follow-up, motivation and intellectual curiosity, respecting confidentiality.
- Knowledge of sleep disorders assessment and treatment: Growing the knowledge base of sleep disorders, evaluation and treatment techniques.
Clinical Training
Predoctoral trainee clinical time will include provision of clinical services, supervision time and report/note writing time.
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- Trainees will be scheduled for 8 hours per week in direct face-to-face patient contact at the University of Utah Sleep Wake Center.
- There will be 0.5 hours per week in formally scheduled face-to-face supervision and additional time in session and as needed.
- Additionally, 3 hours per week in report writing and reading
Postdoctoral trainees schedule will be dependent on the clinical time allocated in their position. Minor rotations in BSM can be arranged but the experience will not meet the criteria for the BSM credentialing exam.
Education
Trainees will spend 2 hours per week in didactic lectures (Fri morning) and grand rounds (Wed afternoons) additional time in readings guided by the supervisor.
Research
Trainees are encouraged to participate in ongoing research projects or to develop research projects with the supervisors. If they are interested in behavioral sleep medicine research, they should contact Dr. Baron to arrange additional time in the rotation.
Contact information
For any questions and to apply, please contact Dr. Baron Kelly.baron@utah.edu for additional information.