The Sleep and Circadian Health Fellowship

Sleep Medicine Center | Stanford Health Care – Redwood City

Located in the Stanford Sleep Medicine Center, the Sleep & Circadian Health Program is part of a fast-paced, multidisciplinary academic medical setting. This fellowship program provides advanced training in sleep and circadian assessment as well as diagnosis and intervention from a health psychology perspective. Training ensures that those who complete the program are eligible to sit for the Diplomate in Behavioral Sleep Medicine (DBSM) exam.

The fellowship is part of the Department of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences APA-accredited Clinical Psychology Postdoctoral Fellowship. The Program at the Sleep Medicine Center is accredited by the Society of Behavioral Sleep Medicine. The Stanford Sleep Medicine Fellowship Program is accredited by AASM and ACGME.

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Application deadline:
December 5, 2023

Application requirements
Stanford Clinical Psychology Fellowship (Adult Program)

Fellowship Director:
Fiona Barwick, Ph.D., D.B.S.M.
fbarwick@stanford.edu

Patient Care

 As one of the longest established and best-known centers for sleep disorders in the country, Stanford Sleep Medicine Center sees a high volume of patients with a wide variety of sleep disorders in the context of medical and psychiatric comorbidities. Fellows are trained in the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of insomnia, circadian rhythm disorders, nightmares, hypersomnia, parasomnias, sleep apnea, restless legs, and pediatric sleep problems. Interventions include:

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I)
  • Imagery Rehearsal Therapy for nightmares (IRT)
  • Mindfulness-based and Acceptance-based therapies for insomnia
  • Augmentation techniques for Circadian Rhythm Disorders (melatonin and cortisol testing, bright light therapy)
  • Adjustment to PAP (Positive Airway Pressure therapy) for obstructive sleep apnea
     

Given the high service demands of a busy clinic, treatment follows a stepped-care model that includes individual and group formats, as well as self-management options. Fellows see individual patients but also observe and/or co-facilitate one or more of the four different groups currently offered to patients. Patients are mostly adults (ages 18-75+) but include some children (ages 7-17). Lifespan developmental issues are actively discussed to help fellows recognize unique challenges in different age groups and cohorts. Length of treatment typically ranges from 2 to 8 sessions, with a modal number of 5 sessions.

Recognizing the importance of individually tailored treatment, this fellowship emphasizes training in case conceptualization and integration of evidence-based interventions to address the complex needs of individuals with sleep problems and medical or psychiatric comorbidities (e.g., anxiety, depression, trauma, chronic pain or fatigue, cancer, concussion, POTS, or IBS). Fellows continue to refine skills in motivational interviewing and interpersonal processes to promote treatment adherence and facilitate behavioral and cognitive changes.

As fellows work with a diverse patient population, relevant aspects of cultural identity and background are included in assessment, case conceptualization and treatment. Fellows are encouraged to adapt treatment flexibly and to actively reflect on how their own background and worldview might impact treatment. Throughout this fellowship, they will gain expertise in addressing sleep concerns while considering medical, psychiatric, interpersonal, and cultural factors.

Postdoctoral fellows, Andrew Guzman, PsyD, and Shantha Gowda, PsyD, answering questions and handing out prizes at the Stanford 15th Annual Wellness Fair

Consultation

Fellows provide formal and informal consultation to MD fellows at the Sleep Medicine Center. Medical residents and interns sometimes join fellows during individual patient assessment and treatment sessions. Fellows also give 4 presentations during the year and can co-present lectures given to other Stanford departments with Dr. Barwick, Dr. Molzof or Dr. Tingey. Fellows have the opportunity to give educational talks and do community outreach for Stanford Sleep Medicine Center’s monthly AWAKE meeting, the Pain Science Lecture Series, or the BeWell seminars.