BEHAVIORAL SLEEP MEDICINE within CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY
The University of Alabama
General DescriptionThe clinical psychology program at The University of Alabama is divided into several subspecialty areas. One of these is Health Psychology. Training in sleep disorders, with an emphasis on insomnia, is available within this subspecialty. The training is directed by Professor Kenneth Lichstein.
Clinical TrainingThe primary vehicle for clinical sleep training is through a 20 hour per week year long practicum at the DCH Sleep Center, Northport (James Geyer, MD, medical director). This funded placement is awarded to one clinical student per year and is supervised by Professor Lichstein and Dr. Geyer. This training experience includes conducting psychological evaluations, running a behavioral sleep medicine clinic, providing individual therapy for sleep-disordered patients experiencing anxiety and depression. Our BSM training program is accredited by the Society of Behavioral Sleep Medicine.
Research TrainingOur research program has emphasized basic research investigating the mechanisms of insomnia and clinical outcome studies to develop interventions for this disorder, and the epidemiology of sleep. In the past 25 years, collaborative research with Sleep Disorders Centers has expanded our efforts to include studies of sleep apnea. Recent or ongoing studies have focused on insomnia with co-occurring depression or sleep apnea, insomnia as a risk factor for suicidality, circadian patterns across the lifespan, actigraphy methodology, and management of hypnotic-dependent insomnia.
Postdoctoral TrainingThese are funded by NIH grants to serve as project coordinator for a study. Inquiries are welcome about current availability.
Department OverviewAs a department we are well funded and our 30+ faculty are active and research oriented. The clinical program is APA accredited, includes representation of varied psychotherapy approaches, and is again research oriented. Students having diversified interests in behavioral medicine, aging, and other areas of psychology would find ample opportunities for research and training in allied areas within the department.
See http://psychology.ua.edu. For More InformationStudents should apply to the clinical doctoral program and specify the Clinical Health concentration. Application materials are available on the Department's website. Further information may be obtained by contacting the clinical admissions secretary.
Ms. Mary Beth Hubbard (205) 348-1919 mbhubbard@as.ua.edu |
Current Graduate Students
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