Psychologist (PhD, PsyD) - Comprehensive Weight Management

Work where every moment matters.

Every day, more than 40,000 Hartford HealthCare employees come to work with one thing in common\: Pride in what we do, knowing every moment matters here.  We invite you to become part of Connecticut’s most comprehensive healthcare network. 

The Institute of Living, one of the first mental health centers in the U.S., remains one of America’s leading not-for-profit centers for patient care, research and education in the fields of behavioral, psychiatric and addiction disorder. Through our dedicated, experienced and skilled clinicians, we provide patients and their families with the highest quality of personalized care. Programs are offered for children, adolescents and adults struggling with mental illness as well as offering services specializing in Anxiety, Eating Disorders, and Geriatric Service

The Division of Health Psychology at the Institute of Living/Hartford Hospital is pleased to announce a position opening for a full-time psychologist within Hartford Healthcare Digestive Health Institute’s Comprehensive Weight Management program. The Comprehensive Weight Management program takes a patient-centered approach to weight loss, considering the individual physical and emotional well-being of every patient. The program is dedicated to providing the highest quality clinical care to address weight concerns and chronic comorbidities of obesity, including type 2 diabetes, sleep problems, and cardiovascular disease.

Job Summary

The psychologist’s role in the Comprehensive Weight Management program is a highly collaborative one. The psychologist is a member of the core treatment team and will work closely with board-certified surgeons, Obesity Medicine specialists, program coordinators, patient navigators and dietitians to support the mental health needs of this patient population. The psychologist should have experience conducting pre-surgical assessments and be well-versed in evidenced-based approaches to support weight loss, dietary and physical activity-related behavior change, and co-occurring mood and anxiety symptoms. Opportunities for research and training (psychiatry residents and fellows, psychology trainees, medical students) also exist.

Job Responsibilities

1. Conducting pre-surgical assessments of adult surgical weight loss candidates
2. Conducting assessments of suitability for non-surgical obesity interventions, including very-low calorie diets (VLCD) and GLP-1 receptor agonist medications
3. Providing behavioral health services to adult patients both before and after bariatric surgery, and in collaboration with obesity medicine specialists for patients receiving pharmacotherapy (e.g., GLP-1 agonists). This includes assessment and evaluation of treatment needs of medical patients on site, collaboration and consultation with medical providers, and providing brief and evidence-based individual and group interventions for behavioral and mental health issues related to or impacting weight management
4. Independent maintenance of treatment records and timely documentation
5. Effective utilization of screening measures and assessment tools
6. Data management including tracking symptoms and treatment outcomes
7. Participating in program development and quality improvement research
8. Developing and implementing psychoeducational materials for use in the medical setting
9. Participating in team meetings, case management and coordination, outreach and communication with outside providers 
10. Presenting at Grand Rounds and other training and educational experiences to help educate providers and staff about psychological topics.
     

• Doctorate of Philosophy in Psychology (PhD.) or Doctorate in Psychology (Psy.D.) from an APA-accredited institution


• One year APA-approved internship in Clinical Psychology or Clinical Health Psychology


• Licensed to practice Psychology in the State of Connecticut


• Training and experience in clinical health psychology, integrated primary care, or other medical settings


• Excellent written and verbal communication skills


• Self-directed and capable of working independently in a fast-paced, dynamic environment

We take great care of careers.

As a Hartford HealthCare entity, The Hartford Hospital Institute of Living provides eligible employees with an extensive benefits package and all the benefits of working in a thriving centrally located urban community:

• Medical and dental benefits


• 401(k) plan with employer match


• Generous paid time off with accrual starting on the date of hire


• Additional voluntary benefits as well as employee discount programs


• Located on the Institute of Living’s historic park-like grounds designed by Frederick Law Ohlmsted

With locations around the state, Hartford HealthCare offers exciting opportunities for career development and growth.  Here, you are part of an organization on the cutting edge – helping to bring new technologies, breakthrough treatments and community education to countless men, women and children.  We know that a thriving organization starts with thriving employees-- we provide a competitive benefits program designed to ensure work/life balance.  Every moment matters.  And this is your moment.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action employer, the organization will not discriminate in its employment practices due to an applicant’s race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, and veteran or disability status.