Clinical interns get their start at United Counseling Service

UCS has worked with interns from a variety of colleges for many years, though the program has been coordinated by one internship supervisor for only a few years. UCS offers opportunities for bachelor’s level students as well as master’s level graduates. The agency currently works with interns from Capella University, Southern New Hampshire University, Vermont State University, and Johns Hopkins University. They will soon be joined by students from Russell Sage College and Boise State University in Idaho. 

Mariam Shah is an outpatient clinician at UCS—her journey at the agency started with an internship. She appreciates the support provided by fellow staff members and leadership.

“Interns at UCS should know that when they join, there is endless support,” says Mariam. “Interns who come in should feel comfortable going to their supervisor and asking for things, because this is a very receptive organization.”

She describes her internship experience as building slowly from learning and absorbing to eventually working with clients. She realized this was the ideal way to learn. Though in that first month, she was excited to start working with clients, she later understood that this time was for laying the groundwork that would prepare her to be a great clinician. She now sees the value of using an internship as time to grow before jumping into work.

“As an intern, you may feel like things are going very slowly,” says Mariam. “But secretly, it’s just the right pace.”

Unless an intern has designated a specific track, they may be assigned to parts of the agency in which they have little or no experience. If someone has always worked with children, they will be assigned to the adult divisions, and vice versa.

A minimum of one hour per week of clinical supervision is required. During that time, interns discuss topics relevant to clinical work with the internship coordinator, such as self-disclosure and developing a learning contract. Guidance is given when an intern begins to see clients for therapy. 

If you are interested in exploring an internship at UCS, please contact swright@ucsvt.org.