The MIRECC faculty is internationally recognized for serious mental illness research in schizophrenia-spectrum disorders, severe affective disorders (e.g., bipolar disorder), and suicide. Research areas of expertise and interest among the faculty include:

• Using neuroimaging, psychophysiology, and molecular biological techniques to better understand the neurobiology of serious mental illness
• Psychosocial and behavioral approaches for the treatment of psychosis (e.g., cognitive behavioral therapy for psychosis), suicide (e.g., dialectical behavioral therapy), and cognitive impairments associated with schizophrenia, depression, and suicide (e.g., cognitive remediation, aerobic exercise)
• Digital mobile assessment and interventions (mHealth); predictors of neurocognitive and daily functioning (e.g., exercise, sleep); ketamine for treatment-resistant depression; community-based approaches to reduce racial disparities in mental health treatment; and implementation science to promote evidence-based practices

Applications for the VA Advanced Fellowship in Serious Mental Illness Research and Suicide Treatment open in the fall, in the year before the start of your fellowship. The start date is flexible, and typically falls between July and October. See our VA VISN 2 website for more information.  

Psychologist Applicant Requirements

Psychologist applicants must be U.S. citizens, hold a doctorate from an American Psychological Association (APA)-accredited program in clinical or counseling psychology, and be enrolled in or have completed an APA-accredited internship in clinical or counseling psychology. Doctoral requirements, including dissertation, must be completed before the start of fellowship.

Psychologists must submit the application materials listed below using the Association of Psychology Postdoctoral and Internship Centers Central Application System (APPA CAS).

Psychiatrist Applicant Requirements

Psychiatrist applicants must have completed Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education-accredited residency training, be board-eligible or board-certified, and have an active, unrestricted U.S. license to practice medicine. International medical graduates must also have a current visa and an Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) certificate that is valid indefinitely. Applicants on a J-1 visa must have current ECFMG sponsorship as well.

To apply, psychiatrists must email the below items directly to Chi Chan, PhD, at chi.chan1@va.gov.

Application Materials

1. A letter of interest that includes:
   • Your career goals and how these align with the mission of the Veterans Integrated Services Network Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Centers
   • Your chosen primary research mentor and how your education, research, and clinical experience aligns well with this mentor’s research program*
   • The clinical and research skills that you would like to hone during fellowship
2. A current curriculum vitae/CV
3. A signed letter of completion or expected completion from your graduate or residency program stating the accreditation status of the program and the doctoral internship that you are in
4. Three letters of recommendation
5. Graduate/medical school transcripts
6. Writing sample
7. Optional: A two-page proposal for the research project you plan to pursue with the guidance of your chosen mentor

*Applications will only be considered when a specified mentor has been identified in the cover letter. A close working relationship with an identified mentor allows our fellows to maximize their productivity and develop a successful career trajectory. Applicants are encouraged to consult with their chosen mentor early in the application process.

The annual stipend for fellows is based on standardized rate schedules. Benefits include health insurance, life insurance, paid vacation and sick days, as well as paid federal holidays, fully paid travel to one conference, and a public transit fare benefit to offset commuting costs.