Clinical Training Program

The Clinical Training in Psychotherapy Program at Adirondack Samaritan Counseling Center, Inc. (ASCC) offers an opportunity for students and graduates of mental health programs to pursue training in psychotherapy services for children, youth and adults in an outpatient setting. ASCC is an independent, not-for-profit, non-denominational counseling and consulting center. Staff include licensed professionals in the following disciplines: clinical social work, mental health counseling, and pastoral counseling.

There are two tracks to the training program:

Internship Track

This is open to graduate students in their final year of study from schools of social work, mental health counseling and marriage/family therapy. Placements are generally from September through April (9 months), with interviews for prospective students conducted in February – March of the same year. Students may spend three days a week between the hours of 9 am to 8 pm.  Interns learn to provide intake and ongoing counseling for children, adolescents and adults. Basic skills are taught through both individual and group supervision and seminars.  Interns are required to attend weekly seminars and supervision.  Theoretical orientations that receive attention include family systems, cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, existential, emotion-focused and psychodynamic (self-psychology). Students are also instructed on the role and practice of integrating spirituality into psychotherapy when appropriate.

Postgraduate Residency Track

This is a two-year residency opportunity, with extension to the second year subject to review at the end of the first year by both the program staff and the resident. Start date is normally February or September.  Postgraduate residents may work between two to four days per week, with at least one evening included. Residents are responsible for conducting clinical evaluations, developing treatment plans for their clients utilizing the Diagnostic Statistical Manual and psychosocial assessment. Ongoing client treatment will be provided by the resident, at times as a co-therapist with his/her supervisor, but normally as an individual therapist. Sessions are encouraged to be audio or videotaped for supervisory review. Clinical supervision will be in individual and small group formats on a weekly basis. Residents may expect to provide up to 10 – 15 counseling sessions per week.

Residents receive regular seminars in areas of clinical theory, ethics, professional issues and treatment methods.  All training seminars are required to be attended. Theory taught will include the aforementioned theories, as well as specific clinical models of intervention for individuals, couples and families. Clinical supervision is provided by senior clinicians. Compensation is based upon client fees collected.

To apply for the Internship or Postgraduate Residency, please send Intern/Resident Application Form, a resume/curriculum vitae, and letter of interest by June 30th or November 30th via email or fax to:

Karen Weidner, LCSW-R, Executive Director
Adirondack Samaritan Counseling Center, Inc.
15 Boulevard, Hudson Falls, New York 12839

fax (518)747-2996
tel (518)747-2994