Intern Program
Work with a supervised graduate intern. Our interns are completing graduate degrees in counseling, psychology, or marriage and family therapy, and see clients under the weekly supervision of our licensed clinicians.
Interns accept the same insurance plans as the rest of our practice, and offer a reduced fee for clients paying out of pocket, so it’s a great option if you’re looking for quality care at a lower cost.
How It Works
Quality care, guided by experienced clinicians
Your intern is a graduate student completing supervised clinical hours at our practice as part of a counseling, psychology, or marriage and family therapy program.
Every intern meets weekly with a licensed clinician for supervision and takes part in team case consultation, so your care benefits from more than one experienced perspective.
You’ll always know you’re working with an intern, and you’re welcome to ask how supervision works at any time.
What you can expect:
- Insurance accepted: BCBS, Aetna, Cigna, and UnitedHealthcare/Optum PPO plans
- Reduced fee for clients paying out of pocket
- Weekly supervision by licensed clinicians on every case
- Culturally sensitive, inclusive care for individuals, couples, and families
- In person in Schaumburg and by telehealth
Our interns work with children, teens, adults, couples, and families on a wide range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, grief, relationship issues, neurodivergence, and life transitions.
Meet Our Interns
Our interns bring dedication, curiosity, and compassion to every session.
Melinda Gonzalez, MFT-Intern
Graduate Student, National University
Melinda is completing her graduate studies at National University, where her training includes comprehensive study in Marriage and Family Therapy. She specializes in child and adolescent therapy, and also welcomes adults, couples, and families into her practice.
While Melinda favors narrative and experiential approaches, she integrates a variety of therapeutic methodologies to tailor each session to her clients’ specific needs. Her work is grounded in compassion, authenticity, and cultural sensitivity, offering an affirming space for LGBTQ+, polyamorous, and kink communities.
“Therapy is a collaborative journey, and I sincerely look forward to traveling that path with you and your loved ones.”
Melinda’s background as an emergency veterinary technician deepened her capacity to connect with individuals in crisis and to walk with them through grief and loss.
Outside of the therapy room, she enjoys time with her daughter, as well as musicals, board games, comics, and dance.
Drew Clark, MFT-Intern
Graduate Student, Adler University
Drew is in the final phase of his master’s degree in Couple and Family Therapy at Adler University. He uses a systemic lens to help clients understand the relationships and pressures shaping their situation, and works with them to build on their strengths and create positive change.
FAQs
FAQs
Questions About Our Intern Program?
Here are some frequently asked questions that may help you along the way
A graduate student completing a master’s or doctoral program in counseling, psychology, or marriage and family therapy. Interns see clients as part of their supervised clinical hours, guided by an experienced licensed clinician at our practice.
Each intern meets weekly with a licensed clinician for individual supervision and joins group supervision and case consultation. Your care is discussed only within our clinical team and kept confidential.
Yes. Interns accept the same PPO plans as the rest of our practice: BCBS, Aetna, Cigna, and UnitedHealthcare/Optum.
Yes. If you’re paying out of pocket, sessions with an intern are offered at a reduced fee, and when available we can offer low- or no-cost sessions. Ask us about current rates when you reach out.
In person at our Schaumburg office, and by telehealth.
Yes. If your needs change, or it just isn’t the right fit, we’ll help you move to another intern or to one of our licensed therapists.
Call (847) 701-4191 or fill out our contact form and mention the intern program. We’ll match you with an intern who has availability.
Work With Us
Are you a graduate student or clinician?
Graduate students: looking for a practicum or internship site with weekly supervision from licensed clinicians? Our training program may be the right fit.
Clinicians: interested in joining a supportive group practice in Chicago, Schaumburg, or Arlington Heights? We’d love to hear from you.
Questions about joining our team? Email jsweet@sweetjtherapy.com.