Internships
Internships are an integral part of every clinician’s education. SamaraCare offers a Master’s level clinical training program that allows students to learn through direct practice in a real workplace setting. For those seeking to gain practical experience and/or wanting to get a head-start on their career, an internship with SamaraCare may be what they’re looking for. Availability of internships varies depending on the timing of the request.
MA/MSW Clinical Internship
SamaraCare internships are for MA/MSW students looking to develop and strengthen their clinical experience and tools. This is a nine month to one year program designed to meet the field work requirements for graduate students. The program offers exposure to a wide range of clinical issues, treatment needs, diverse populations, and various theoretical frameworks. Due to the highly clinical focus of the internship site, this placement is only appropriate for second year graduate students.
SamaraCare is located in a major metropolitan area, therefore MSW and MA students have the opportunity to work in a multi-racial, multi-ethnic community with individuals from a variety of socio-economic backgrounds. In addition to providing services to children, adolescents and/or adults at our headquarters, in Naperville, IL, students will participate in community outreach at satellite sites of collaborating partners (e.g. Loaves and Fishes in Naperville, a food pantry service).
We employ a collaborative model of supervision and our primary goal is for students to master the skills needed to become independent, ethical practitioners and obtain the highest possible level of competence. Interns receive weekly individual supervision and multiple opportunities for group supervision through our clinical consultation groups. This unique training experience also provides students with the option to become familiar with and trained in working with issues relevant to the integration of religious, spiritual and existential perspectives as well as clinical practice. For more information, please contact Kary Pekarek, LCSW at 630-357-2456 ext. 305 or email her at [email protected].
Pre-Doctoral Clinical Internship
SamaraCare offers a one-year training program to pre-doctoral practicum level psychology students. We also accept advanced therapy practicum students. Both will learn the foundational elements of the behavioral sciences in an outpatient community mental health setting with a broad range of clients.
These interns develop basic competency in the areas of case conceptualization, treatment planning, outcome evaluation and therapy. Therapy practicum students also do some assessments. Interns will have the option of becoming familiar with issues relevant to the integration of spiritual and existential perspectives and clinical practice.
Students in practicum training will provide direct clinical services to children, adolescents and/or adults under the supervision of a licensed clinical psychologist. The program includes working at satellite sites of collaborating partners (e.g. a local food pantry, Loaves and Fishes). This training provides a minimum of 950 hours of supervised professional experience. Availability of these internships varies by the timing of the inquiry. For more information contact our Business Office at 630-357-2456.
