Master’s Clinical Training Program

Clarity Clinic’s training program emphasizes a practitioner-scholar model and closely integrates research with extensive clinical practice. Empirically based psychotherapy treatment models include but are not limited to: Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Trainees are trained in the theory, technique, and implementation of different therapy modalities.  

The training program is designed to provide experience in and exposure to clinical work that is characteristic of an outpatient private practice. All activities and experiences are conducted under supervision to foster the development of new and enhanced skills throughout the process. Supervision is used as a collaborative model, emphasizing strengths, goals, and areas for growth, which will be evaluated throughout the year.  

As emerging professionals in the mental health field, trainees are expected to be self-motivated and disciplined in the areas of documentation and patient care. Clarity Clinic aims to provide a supportive atmosphere, encouraging interns to participate in all activities of the Center, allowing for continued growth, professional development, and collaboration. 

The internship program is designed to facilitate development in the following 12 competencies: Intervention, Assessment, Individual and Cultural Diversity, Consultation, Interprofessional/Interdisciplinary Skills, Ethical and Legal Standards, Research, Communication, and Interpersonal Skills, Professional Values Attitudes, Supervision, and Community Psychology and Outreach Programming. 

Clarity Clinic offers Master’s level practicum/internship training for those seeking a master’s degree in social work, clinical counseling, and marriage and family therapy (MA or MS). 

Master’s Level Clinical Interns will begin the year by participating in a training orientation with a cohort of their peers. The first two days of onboarding occur on-site at our Loop location. Onboarding training is focused on orienting master’s level clinical interns to the policies, populations, presenting concerns, and setting of an outpatient private practice setting. The orientation is also designed to help master’s level interns adjust to the training year and provide information about the internship and operations of Clarity Clinic. 

Master’s level clinical interns may engage in individual, family, group, multi-family therapy/groups, psycho-educational training, and work within an interdisciplinary team. They are supported and work for hand in hand with psychiatrists, psychologists, physician assistants, counselors, social workers, marriage and family therapists, and other staff members. 

Our master’s level clinical interns are supervised by a licensed therapist on a weekly basis. They are also provided additional training through monthly group supervision, didactics, and consultation groups on several topics, such as trauma, substance abuse, child/adolescence, eating disorders, couples/families, and many more. They can expect to receive at least 700 training hours throughout their training year. Our interns are supported and work collaboratively with psychiatrists, psychologists, physician assistants, and other staff members.  

Internships are offered at all locations (Loop, Lakeview, Arlington Heights, River North, Evanston, and Mokena). Our Loop, River North, Evanston, and Lakeview locations are accessible via public transportation. 

Master’s level interns are afforded the opportunity to provide individual and group therapy services at Clarity Clinic. They also work within an interdisciplinary team and can engage in individual, family, group, and/or multi-family therapy sessions and psycho-educational training. They are supported and work for hand in hand with psychiatrists, psychologists, physician assistants, therapists, and other staff members.  

The goal of our training program is to provide interns with the foundational clinical skills needed to become competent and independent practitioners.  

Internship expectations include: 

• The graduate program attended by the applicant is required to have an Active Affiliating Agreement with Clarity Clinic.  
• Applicants must obtain NPI prior to starting the internship 
• Complete all onboarding trainings and attend the New Hire Didactic 
• Weekly individual supervision 
• Monthly site-specific group supervision 
• Monthly site-specific organizational training 
• Monthly Master’s Interns Group Supervision  
• Monthly Training Program  
• Applicants must commit to the minimum time requirements of 9 months. 24 hours per week with a total of 1200 hours. The hours may exceed the minimum number of hours required by the applicant’s school.  
• Therapy practicum students are required to attend psycho-educational trainings and work within an interdisciplinary team.  
• Therapy practicum students are required to provide individual, family, group, and/or multi-family therapy.  
• Therapy practicum students are required to complete a “passion project” during their training year to leave as a legacy upon completion of their training year.  
• Maintain a weekly caseload of outpatient clients 
• Complete documentation to be reviewed by the supervisor no later than 48 hours after the appointment (ideally same day) 

Consultation and Collaboration 

By the end of the year, the interns will demonstrate awareness of multiple and differing worldviews, roles, professional standards, and contributions across roles in the healthcare system. Interns will demonstrate the ability to participate in and initiate interdisciplinary collaboration towards shared goals.  

Onboarding to Clarity Clinic: Interns will participate in a two-day intensive Onboarding & Orientation at our Loop office (333 N. Michigan Ave, Suite 1400, Chicago, IL 60601) with a cohort of their peers. The first few weeks will include completing mandatory trainings via CC’s virtual training tool, (Relias) and New Hire Didactic (1st 8 days after onboarding), attending individual and group supervisions, shadowing supervisor therapy sessions, and discussing afterward as a training opportunity. 

Day 1 and 2 – Onboarding Interns will attend training onsite at the Loop location for onboarding to review the policies and procedures of the company as well as the Psychological Department and how to utilize our EHRs.  

Day 3-8 – New Hire Didactic: This is a supplemental in-depth training to your onboarding covering policies and procedures, initial assessments, SOAP (Subjective, Objective, Assessment, Plan) notes, treatment planning, etc.  

Weekly schedule: Interns will provide their supervisor with a preferred weekly schedule for approval of open hours to see patients. Interns will commit at least 24 hours a week to the internship. 

Weekly individual supervision (1 hour): Interns and their supervisor will coordinate a standing weekly time for supervision 

Monthly Group Supervision (1 hour): Interns will attend their site-specific monthly clinical group supervision with the therapists at their site.  

Monthly Organizational Training (1 hour): Interns will attend a site-specific organizational training focused on administrative updates and review of best practices. 

Monthly Training Program (4 hours): Interns will attend a monthly 4-hour training with doctoral interns. Training topics are focused on Professionalism, Ethics, Evidenced-Based Practices, Interventions, Assessment & Evaluation, Individual and Cultural Diversity, and Relationships and Boundaries. 

Clarity Clinic begins accepting applications for the 2023-2024 master’s training program on a rolling basis beginning January 1st, 2023, and is due at the latest by March 1st, 2023.  

Interns can expect to start the internship on July 10th, 2023.  

Interns should expect a minimum of nine (9) months commitment of training with Clarity. 

Requirements for Application to the Therapy Practicum Training Program 

• Cover Letter  
• CV 
• 3 Letters of Recommendations 
• Transcript – diagnostics and clinical interviewing skills must be taken prior to the internship 
• Please specify if you have a preference for site location 

Email Application Materials to [email protected] 

Clarity Clinic’s mission is to thoughtfully guide the whole person on their journey to find clarity and mental wellness by providing exceptional holistic care. We strive to create a culture in which all races, ethnicities, religions, sexual orientations, physical abilities, and socioeconomic backgrounds can meet, share, learn, and flourish in an accepting environment.  

By creating platforms and opportunities that allow us to come together, we can begin to know and understand each other. And through better understanding, we can effectively meet the needs of our diverse patients and deliver on our mission. 

For More Information: 

Please see our internship manual for additional information.