CARE Internship Program

The CARE Program is Us Therapy’s internship program dedicated to Clinical Advancement, Reinforcement, and Excellence.

The primary goal of the CARE Program is to prepare interns to become competent and independent clinical psychologists or counsellors. Interns will enhance knowledge and skills in the following core competencies:

  • Assessment
  • Intervention
  • Consultation and Interpersonal Collaboration
  • Professional Ethics and Standards
  • Professional Development
  • Cultural Diversity
  • Program Development and Evaluation

Interns are expected to base their clinical practice on empirically supported research through reviewing scientific literature and evaluating interventions systematically.

Program Structure

Therapists at Us Therapy Singapore

The CARE Program at Us Therapy offers a comprehensive learning experience in counselling and clinical psychology, focusing on both theoretical foundations and practical skills. The program comprises two components: a) didactics/seminars and b) clinical practice. There are two streams:

  1. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) – 6 months duration
  2. Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) – 4 months duration

Interns typically begin with the CBT stream, and those interested can then pursue DBT. Interns with little clinical experience are advised to start in the CBT stream before transitioning to DBT. Candidates with clinical experience or a postgraduate degree in psychology or counselling may be eligible to start with DBT after review.

The CARE Program is part-time, requiring a commitment of approximately 8-10 hours of clinical training and client sessions each week.

Dr. Emma Waddington and Dr. Ariel Ko establish the Training Committee for the Internship Program. Dr. Waddington acts as the Director of Training, ensuring the integrity and quality of the internship program, while Dr. Ariel Ko serves as the Training Lead, coordinating training responsibilities and acting as the primary contact for interns who encounter issues and need support.

Supervision

Supervision will be provided at a minimum ratio of one hour for every four hours of face-to-face clinical contact with clients. Each intern will be supervised by a clinical psychologist.

Supervision may involve discussing clinical cases, observing and being observed during clinical sessions, recording sessions on video or audio, formal case presentations, and professional development and mentorship.

Interns will meet with their individual supervisor biweekly and attend group supervision twice a month.

Overview

Us Therapy therapists are discussing

The CARE Program at Us Therapy is a unique internship program in Singapore. It differs from other internship opportunities in that interns will benefit from didactic seminars coupled with hands-on learning experiences, including face-to-face client contact and individual and group supervision.

The program components include:

Interns learn new therapeutic techniques and develop foundational skills in psychotherapy, including formulation and treatment, on a weekly basis.

Weekly meetings to learn from other clinicians, hear from their cases, and learn new therapeutic techniques or concepts.

Biweekly supervision with a clinical psychologist provides personalized guidance and learning.

Interns review cases and learn from their peers’ experiences twice a month.

Opportunities to practice and refine therapeutic skills with feedback from practicing clinicians.

Direct experience with clients to apply learned techniques.

Access to additional learning and supervision for ACT, psychodynamic psychotherapy, Gottman’s couples therapy, and eating disorders, including monthly Clinician’s Corner and opportunities for external training or professional development.

To help build your network and promote your practice.

To help with scheduling clients, rescheduling, cancellations, payment, and room bookings.

Eligibility and Application

Therapists at Us Therapy collaborating in a group session

To be eligible for the Internship Program at Us Therapy, applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • Be currently enrolled in a master’s program, post-graduate diploma, or professional degree in psychology, counselling, or a closely related field. This does not include a bachelor’s degree.
  • Have completed core courses in psychology or counselling.
  • Be in good academic standing with their university or program.
  • Be available to work 8-10 hours per week during the internship period.
  • Commit to at least 6 months of the internship program.

Applicants are required to submit the following:

  • Current CV – include relevant academic and professional experience.
  • Academic Transcript – can be official or unofficial.

Please email all documents to hello@us-therapy.sg. Not all applicants will receive a reply. Only those shortlisted for an interview will be contacted.