Clinical Training

General Information

Training at Relational Psychology Group is ideal for a candidate who is deeply passionate about working with neurodiversity, LGBTQI2SA+ clients, and poly/kink communities from a systemic framework. An ideal candidate will have expressed interest and experience in working with members of the LGBTQI2SA+ and poly/kink communities, engage in their own anti-racism work,
and be comfortable asking for support.

By the end of this experience, our trainees will be prepared to continue their training in working with marginalized clients in a variety of settings, including private practice, community mental health, and social service agencies They will have advanced experiences with insurance, billing, marketing, and navigating community resources to learn the best practices in growing and
building a private practice or similar organization. Trainees can expect to receive support in developing their clinical niche and exploring ways to translate that into a thriving clinical practice. Trainees will be supervised for up to one (1) year to allow for the completion of their required clinical hours. Ideally, this program will feel moderately challenging while also emphasizing the self-care of the clinician through reasonable work expectations, support, and time off.

Clinical Training

Practicums and Internships at Relational Psychology Group are tailored to the specific needs of candidates at the individual’s phase of clinical development. During this training phase, the focus of the training will be on learning solid and grounded clinical skills, increasing trainees’ confidence in their conceptualization and treatment of clients, and deepening their understanding of treatment modalities and practices.

Specific emphasis will be placed on working with and meeting the needs of LGBTQI2SA+ individuals and communities, and decolonizing mental health care through a focus on engaging in their own anti-racism work through training, supervision, and personal support.

Professional Development Training

A major concentration of the training year will be on teaching trainees the business, administrative, organizational, legal, and financial skills needed to demystify working in private practice. Trainees will be introduced to standards and practices of billing, taking insurance, maintaining an electronic records-keeping system, telehealth systems, and marketing.

Supervision

Trainees will receive two (2) hours of supervision each week (individual and group) focused on clinical and professional development. Supervision will be tailored to the trainees’ needs at different phases of the training process to ensure consistent progress toward graduation and eventual licensure. Weekly staff meetings will provide additional consultation opportunities with staff therapists to provide additional clinical perspectives and support. Drs. Catania & Sytsma-Ramos will also be regularly available to consult with trainees as needed throughout the workweek.

Trainee Prerequisites

• Completion of required coursework as determined by the trainee’s accredited institution
• Residency in the state of Illinois
• An expressed interest in working with LGBTQI2SA+ and neurodiverse clients

Trainee Duties and Responsibilities

• Conduct psychotherapy sessions from home or another quiet and private space, or in-office at the practice location at either our Andersonville or Skokie office
• Maintain a small caseload determined by the trainee’s learning institution requirements
• Trainees not to exceed an average of 24 hours per week
• For diagnostic students, conduct psychological assessments to meet practicum battery requirements
• Participate in weekly supervision meetings with Drs. Catania and/or Sytsma-Ramos
• Participate in weekly consultation meetings with Relational Psychology Group staff
• Participate in group trainings provided in collaboration with peer organizations
• Learn and utilize the functions of electronic healthcare records systems
• Complete progress notes, intakes, and treatment plans within 48 hours of sessions
• Complete and submit all materials necessary for timely client billing
• Learn and actively participate in client marketing. In the initial months of training, while a trainee’s caseload is building, they will assist in filling their own caseload. This includes engaging in administrative tasks related to client screening, insurance benefits verification, and marketing
• Attend all ethically or legally required trainings and workshops

Application Process

Please send a CV, cover letter, and 3 letters of reference to [email protected] with the subject line: Internship/Practicum: 2026.