Oswego & Aurora, IL

​​​Clinical Therapy Internship

Our clinical therapy internship provides practical, hands-on experience in the field of mental health and counseling. A clinical therapy internship offers valuable real-world experience and is a crucial step for those pursuing a career in mental health or counseling. It provides interns with a comprehensive understanding of clinical practice and prepares them for future roles in the field. Here’s a detailed description of what such an internship typically involves:​

Key Responsibilities:

1. Client Interaction:

   • Average of 15 Clients assigned to a caseload

   • Conduct intake interviews and gather client history.​

   • Observe and, under supervision, participate in client assessments and therapy sessions

   • Assist in the development and implementation of treatment plans.

2. Clinical Documentation:

   • Learn to create and maintain detailed and confidential client records.

   • Document session notes, treatment progress, and any significant changes in clients’ conditions.

3. Supervision and Training:

   • Receive regular supervision from licensed therapists 

   • Participate in training sessions, workshops, and seminars to enhance therapeutic skills and knowledge.

4. Therapeutic Techniques:

   • Gain experience in various therapeutic modalities, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), or psychodynamic therapy.

   • Learn to apply evidence-based practices in real-world scenarios.

5. Ethics and Confidentiality:

   • Adhere to ethical guidelines and maintain client confidentiality.

   • Understand and apply legal and professional standards in therapy practice.

6. Team Collaboration:

   • Work with a multidisciplinary team, including Licensed Clinical Professional Counselors, Licensed Clinical Social workers, and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists.

   • Attend monthly team meetings and contribute to case discussions and treatment planning.

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Skills Developed:

• Therapeutic Techniques: Hands-on experience with various therapeutic approaches and techniques.

• Assessment Skills: Ability to assess clients’ needs and develop appropriate treatment plans.

• Communication: Enhanced verbal and written communication skills for interacting with clients and colleagues.

• Professionalism: Understanding of professional boundaries, ethics, and confidentiality.

Duration and Structure:

• Typically lasts 6-12 months, depending on the program and academic requirements.

• May involve part-time or full-time commitment, with flexible hours based on the internship provider’s needs.​

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Requirements are:

• Intern must be currently enrolled in a Masters program in Clinical Counseling, Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy or related. 

• Intern must have completed (or be enrolled to complete prior to start of internship) coursework in psychopathology and diagnosis, in addition to at least one or more counseling techniques courses. 

• Availability to see clients in a combination of evening, weekend, and weekday hours, as well as availability to attend monthly Team meetings and regularly scheduled supervision meetings. 

• Strong interpersonal skills and a commitment to professional development.

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