Universal Psychology Postdoctoral Directory

Elements of quality clinically focused postdoctoral training

Postdoctoral Fellowship in Perinatal / Reproductive Health Psychology and Sexual Trauma

Rush University Medical Center’s (RUMC) Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences in downtown Chicago is recruiting 1-2 Postdoctoral Fellows in the Reproductive Health Psychology (RHP) Clinic.

This fellowship is an exciting opportunity to gain valuable clinical experience working in a multidisciplinary team at a major academic medical center providing direct clinical care to patients during a medically and psychologically vulnerable time in their lives. Fellows are integral members of the multidisciplinary RHP Clinic at Rush, where we treat people with perinatal mood, anxiety, and trauma-related disorders; people struggling with sexual or reproductive health issues; and survivors of sexual violence. Our clinic population includes patients who are pregnant, postpartum, or dealing with other reproductive or sexual health concerns including pregnancy loss, fertility concerns, pelvic pain, sexual functioning, or sexual trauma. Our clinic often serves people residing in Chicago’s historically marginalized communities, thus providing the opportunity to address the many intersectional factors that impact our patients’ mental health. Fellows will receive training in multiple evidence-based treatments (e.g., CBT, ACT, DBT, IPT, CPT, NET, exposure therapy), with an emphasis on specialty outpatient treatment for perinatal populations, including perinatal PTSD, medical/birth trauma, management of mental health conditions in the context of pregnancy complications, and gynecological/obstetric history taking. Fellows will conduct evaluations, provide outpatient therapy, and refine case conceptualization using a trauma- informed lens. RHP fellows also gain experience co-leading Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills groups.

Fellows will also participate in ongoing clinical research and program evaluation projects focused on perinatal mental health, trauma, and health equity. Current projects span perinatal mental health screening and early identification, evaluation of perinatal trauma-focused intervention, and implementation of trauma-informed mental health services with obstetric and community settings. This work draws on clinical, implementation science, and community-engaged approaches and includes partnerships with patients, healthcare providers, and community organizations. Depending on interest and project needs, fellows may gain experience with clinical and implementation research, treatment outcomes, program evaluation, and community-engaged research, with opportunities to contribute to conference presentations and peer-reviewed publications.

The postdoctoral fellowship is for one year, with the possibility of extending it to an additional year by mutual agreement. The ideal candidate will have experience working with perinatal people as well as people who have experienced interpersonal trauma and violence. Experience or interest in evidence-based trauma treatments (especially exposure- based treatments) and interest in conducting group therapy (DBT) is strongly desired. Qualified candidates will have a research background and some publications, and will be interested in establishing a career as a scientist-practitioner. Qualified candidates must have an APA approved doctorate in Clinical or Counseling Psychology. Applicants from underrepresented communities are strongly encouraged to apply.

Rush University Medical Center is committed to increasing the number of doctors from historically marginalized communities. We see diversity as a strength and is essential in helping all of our trainees, regardless of background, to work more effectively and compassionately with their colleagues and patients. We also recognize that because of our hospital’s unique location in one of America’s most segregated cities, we have the privilege of caring for marginalized and underserved populations who have been the victims of systemic racism in medicine for far too long. Importantly, to take advantage of this opportunity and provide equitable care to these patients, our training program understands that we must first challenge our own biases. In addition to patient care and advocacy, our trainees have the opportunity to participate in DEI initiatives meant to increase awareness and promote equity and inclusivity, including DEI-related didactics, book clubs, and/or participation in formal DEI committees within the department.

For a complete application, please send a cover letter and CV by email to Nicole_Heath@rush.edu by December 16th, 2026. Letters of recommendation are not required at this stage, but will be requested when applicants are invited for interview.