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Site Name: Connections Internship Consortium

Department: Clinical Training Department

Department : Clinical Training Department

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Member Site Information
APPIC Member Number: 2134
Program Type: Internship
Membership Type: Full Membership
Site: Connections Internship Consortium
Department: Clinical Training Department
Address: 900 Technology Way
Suite 320
Libertyville, Illinois 60048
Country: United States
Metro Area: Not Applicable
Chicago-Joliet-Naperville, IL-IN-WI MSA
Distance from Major City: North and Northwest suburbs of Chicago
Phone: 773-620-6512
Fax:
Email: ggrant@newconnectionsacademy.net
Web Address: http://www.connectionsinternshipconsortium.net
Brochure Website's Address: https://www.connectionsinternshipconsortium.net/about_us
Primary Agency Type: School District
Additional Agency Types:
  • Consortium
  • School District
  • Other
Member of APPIC since:
Accreditation
APA Accreditation Accredited
CPA Accreditation Not Accredited
Internship Staff/Faculty Information
Training Director: Gwen Grant
Chief Psychologist: Gwen Grant
Number of Full-Time Licensed Doctoral Psychologists on Staff/Faculty 8
Number of Part-Time Licensed Doctoral Psychologists on Staff/Faculty 3
Position Information
Start Date: 08/06/2024
Funded
Number of Full Time Slots Expected Next Class: 14
Number of Part Time Slots Expected Next Class: 0
Stipend
Full Time Annual Stipend for Next Class: 32500
Part Time Annual Stipend for Next Class: 0
Fringe Benefits: Dissertation Release Time, Dental Insurance, Health Insurance, Licensing Exam Release Time, Professional Development Time, Sick Leave, Vacation
Other Fringe Benefits (not indicated above): CIC Interns receive: a monthly allowance for therapeutic supplies, free parking, free lunch, dedicated office space, dedicated computer, office phone, printer access, access to therapeutic library/resources, access to age appropriate therapeutic supplies, team-building activities/outings, and professional development activities.
Brief description of the typical work day for an intern at this training site Depending on a CIC Intern’s primary site placement, the on-site time for staff and CIC Interns runs from either 7:30am - 3:30pm, 7:45am-3:45pm or 8:00am - 4:00pm. CIC Interns are in-person Monday through Friday during those site hours. Typical responsibilities include providing individual therapy for a caseload of 8 - 12 child, adolescent, and young adult clients within a Therapeutic Day School Setting. CIC Interns facilitate 2-3 psychotherapy groups per week focused on social skill building, emotional regulation, interpersonal relationships and transition planning. Additional responsibilities include participation in 1 hour per week of site group supervision, 1.5 hours of site structured learning activities, and 4 hours of CIC Intern Seminar on Monday afternoons together as a cohort (includes group supervision and structured learning activities). Additionally, 2 hours of individual supervision are provided weekly with a Licensed Clinical Psychologist. CIC Interns participate in treatment goal writing for student's Individual Education Plans (IEPs), data gathering and monitoring of progress towards achieving treatment goals, and writing therapeutic case notes. CIC Interns will collaborate within a multidisciplinary team setting (with certified Principals, certified Teachers, Program Assistants, Child & Adolescent Psychiatrists, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists, Restorative Intervention Specialists, Art therapists, Music Therapists, Occupational Therapists, and Speech/Language Therapists). CIC Interns will gain experience in crisis management and risk assessments for children and adolescents, and young adults with diverse intersections of identity and a variety of clinical presentations.
Does this site have practicum psychology students on site? Yes
Doctoral Psychology Practicum StudentsYes
Masters Psychology Practicum StudentsYes
Do Psychology Interns/Postdocs Have the Opportunity to Supervise Practicum Students?Yes
Is this program fully affiliated with one or more doctoral programs? No
Is this program partially affiliated with one or more doctoral programs? No
Internship Application Process
Accepting Applicants: Yes
Application Due Date: 11/21/2023 11:59 PM EST
Interviews at this site are: Optional
A Virtual Interview is: Required
Interview notification date: 12/15/2023
Tentative interview date: N/A
Interview process description:

Connections Internship Consortium (CIC) currently offers 14 full-time Doctoral Internship positions at 4 different CIC sites: Connections Academy East, Connections Day School, New Connections Academy and South Campus. Students from Psychology Doctoral Training Programs who have met all the requirements of their program for application for Doctoral Internship are invited to apply for Internship at the Connections Internship Consortium. CIC adheres to the APPIC Match policies and participates in APPIC Match and uses the online AAPI. (www.appic.org).

CIC will base its selection process on the entire application package; however, applicants who have met the following qualifications prior to beginning internship would be preferred:

Application Process

Applicants must complete and submit the online AAPI (APPIC standard application) and include the following:

  • Cover letter (as part of AAPI): Please specify the sites for which you want to be considered.

  • Case Conceptualization Example or Deidentified Report Example

  • Completed Program’s Verification of Internship Eligibility and Readiness from Director of Training

  • Current Curriculum Vita (as part of AAPI)

  • Three Standard Letters of Reference, two of which should be from direct supervisors of your clinical work (as part of AAPI).

  • Official Transcripts of ALL graduate work

 *Please Note: All application materials must be received by the date noted in the current APPIC directory listing in order to be considered.*

Interview Process

  • The CIC training program agrees to abide by the APPIC policy that no person at this training facility will solicit, accept, or use any ranking related information for an intern applicant.

  • All applications will be screened by the CIC Training Committee, using a standard Application Rating Scale, and evaluated for potential goodness of fit with the CIC Internship Program.

  • All application materials must be submitted by Tuesday, November 21st, 2023.  Applicants with incomplete files may not be considered for an interview.

  • All applicants will be notified by email by Friday, December 15th, 2023 regarding whether or not they have been chosen for an interview.  Interviews will be scheduled in December and January and will be scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis. 

  • CIC Intern interviews are virtual.  Participation in a virtual interview is required and in-person tours are optional but not required or preferred. 

  • The CIC Intern interview typically consists of a 1 hour program review, 2-4 hours of formal interviews with the members of the CIC Training Committee and site specific clinical staff, and a group meet & greet with current CIC interns.

  • Interviews for the 2024-2025 training year will be conducted virtually using a Google Meet Platform to increase access and reduce potential financial hardships.  

*Please Note: All interns who match with CIC must successfully pass fingerprint-based criminal background check, medical examination and drug screening before beginning the CIC Internship.*

If you have any questions please contact:

Gwen Grant, Psy.D., NCSP Connections Organization/CIC Clinical & Training Director 

ggrant@counselingconnections.net ~ 773.620.6512

Site Specific Contact Information:

Connections Academy East (CAE):

Ruth Tompkins, Psy.D.

Director of Training

Lake Forest, IL

rtompkins@connectionscademyeast.net

224.544.5920 ext. 101

Connections Day School (CDS):

Kristen Mittl Pollina, Psy.D.

Director of Training

Libertyville, IL

kpollina@connectionsdayschool.net

847.680.8349 ext. 306

New Connections Academy (NCA):

Gwen Grant, Psy.D., NCSP

Director of Training

Palatine, IL 60074

ggrant@newconnectionsacademy.net

773.620.6512

South Campus (SC):

Vanessa Davidson, Psy.D.

Director of Training

Palatine, IL

vdavidson@southcampus.net

847.359.8300 ext. 216
How to obtain application info: Visit Website
Preferred method of contacting the program: Email the Program
We have matched with interns from these programs: Adler University/IL; Alliant International University/CA; Azusa Pacific University/CA; Illinois School of Professional Psychology/IL; Illinois State University/IL; Mercer University/GA; Midwestern University/IL; Northern Arizona University/AZ; Northern Illinois University/IL; Northwest University, WA; Pace University/NY; The Chicago School of Professional Psychology/IL; The Wisconsin School of Professional Psychology/WI; University of Arizona/AZ; University of Missouri/MO; University of Northern Colorado/CO; University of Wisconsin-Madison/WI; Wheaton College/IL; William James University/MA; William Patterson University/NJ; Wright Institute/IL;
Internship Applicant Requirements
US Citizenship Required: No
If NOT a U.S. Citizen, Authorization to Work or to Engage in Practical Training (CPT or OPT) in the US is Required: Yes
Canadian Citizenship Required: No
If NOT a Canadian Citizen, Authorization to Work in Canada or to Engage in Practical Training (CPT or OPT) in Canada is Required: No
Masters Degree Required: No
Comprehensive Exams Passed: Yes, by application deadline
Dissertation Proposal Approved: No
Dissertation Defended: No
Minimum Number of AAPI Intervention Hours (if applicable): 300
Minimum Number of AAPI Assessment Hours (if applicable): 100
Minimum Number of Combined Intervention and Assessment Hours (if applicable):
Minimum Number of Years of Grad Training Required (if applicable): 2
Accepted / Not-Accepted Program Types
Clinical Psychology Accepted
Counseling Psychology Accepted
School Psychology Accepted
APA-Accredited Accepted
CPA-Accredited
PCSAS-Accredited
Non-Accredited Not Accepted
Ph.D Degree Accepted
Psy.D. Degree Accepted
Ed.D. Degree Accepted
This institution, department, internship, or postdoctoral program requires trainees to sign a statement about personal behavior and/or religious beliefs as a condition of admission and/or retention in the program: No
How to obtain text of statement:
Other Requirements: All interns are required to pass a background check and drug screening as a condition of joining the CIC training team.
Program Description

Connections Internship Consortium (CIC) is a Doctoral Internship Training Program comprised of 4 Private Therapeutic Day Schools with the shared mission to integrate school, family and community in order to provide the highest quality academic and therapeutic programs to our youth. These programs are designed to enable students to become successful learners through a sense of belonging, mastery, generosity and independence. 

The CIC training approach is generalist in nature and prepares CIC Interns to function within a multidisciplinary setting. There is a strong emphasis on evidence-based training and practice, and CIC Interns are exposed to best-practices through a variety of training, supervisory, and structured learning opportunities. CIC Interns are provided the opportunity to develop skills in the provision of individual, family, and group therapy, as well as crisis management services/risk assessment, to children, adolescents, and young adults ranging in age from 6 - 22 with diverse intersections of identity and a variety of clinical presentations. In addition, there is a focus on providing training and skill development in the areas of multicultural competence, professional consultation and supervision, and adherence to codes of professional conduct and ethics.

The 4 CIC member schools include: Connections Day School (CDS) located in Libertyville; South Campus (SC) located in Palatine; New Connections Academy (NCA); and Connections Academy East (CAE) located in Lake Forest.  Youth who attend the schools present with a wide variety of diagnoses, including: Anxiety, Bipolar Disorder, Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Adjustment Disorder, Conduct Disorder, Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD),  Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).  

Clinical Work

  • Provide individual & group therapy to children, adolescents, and their families presenting with a wide variety of clinical issues

  • Collaborate weekly with families, and provide parent education and family therapy on a regular basis

  • Consult routinely with teachers and milieu staff regarding clinical and behavioral interventions

  • Develop students’ SCERTS profile (NCA & CAE sites), treatment planning, track therapeutic goals/progress and monitor outcome data on a quarterly basis 

  • Develop and track social/emotional treatment goals for the student’s Individualized Education Plan (IEP)

  • Participate in multidisciplinary treatment staffings and IEP meetings, and complete necessary clinical documentation

  • Participation in crisis management & risk assessments as needed

  • Complete 2000 hours of training with a minimum of 25% (500 hours) direct client contact hours

Supervision & Training

  • Individual supervision (2 hours/week) with Licensed Clinical Psychologists

  • Clinical Team Group Supervision (1 hour/week) with Licensed Clinical Psychologists

  • CIC Intern Seminar (4 hours per week) consisting of various supervision, structured learning activities, and training opportunities including the not limited to: supervision, assessment, research, diversity, theory, conceptualization, family therapy, psychiatric care, and special topics in psychology

  • Case Conference Seminar (1.5 hours per week) focused on case formulation, formal case presentations, and integration of understanding of clinical diagnosis and family dynamics. Each Intern will present a case in Case Conference. Facilitated by Licensed Clinical Psychologists with a strong focus on didactic training in evidence-supported clinical interventions and modalities

  • Bi-weekly case consultations with Board Certified Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

  • Family Therapy Seminar (1.5 hours per month) with a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

  • All Staff Developmental Training (1.5 hours per week) covering relevant educational, therapeutic and milieu topics

  • Ongoing consultation with multidisciplinary staff, including Art Therapist, Music Therapist, Speech and Language Therapists, Occupational Therapists, and Vocational Counselors.

**Please refer to our website for more detailed information: www.connectionsinternshipconsortium.net**

Internship Training Opportunities

Populations
Infants:
Toddlers:
Children: Yes
Adolescents: Yes
Adults:
Family: Yes
Older Adults:
Inpatients:
Outpatients:
Gay/lesbian/bisexual/transgender: Yes
Ethnic minorities: Yes
Spanish-speaking: Yes
French-speaking:
Deaf/Hearing-impaired:
Students: Yes
International Students:
Rural:
Urban: Yes
Low income: Yes
Homelessness:
Other:

(training opportunities continued)

Treatment Modalities
Assessment: Experience (21% to 30%)
Individual Therapy: Major Area of Study (50% or Greater)
Couples Therapy:
Family Therapy: Emphasis (31% to 49%)
Group Therapy: Major Area of Study (50% or Greater)
Community Intervention: Experience (21% to 30%)
Consultation/Liaison: Major Area of Study (50% or Greater)
Crisis Intervention: Major Area of Study (50% or Greater)
Brief Psychotherapy: Exposure (1% to 20%)
Long-term Psychotherapy: Major Area of Study (50% or Greater)
Cognitive Rehabilitation:
Primary Care:
Evidenced Based Practice: Major Area of Study (50% or Greater)
Evidence Based Research:
Supervision of Practicum students : Exposure (1% to 20%)
Other:

(training opportunities continued)

Experience
Health Psychology:
Women's Health:
HIV/AIDS:
Eating Disorders:
Sexual Disorders:
Sports Psychology:
Rehabilitation Psychology:
Physical Disabilities:
Learning Disabilities: Major Area of Study (50% or Greater)
Developmental Disabilities: Major Area of Study (50% or Greater)
Assessment: Experience (21% to 30%)
Neuropsychology-Adult:
Neuropsychology-Child: Exposure (1% to 20%)
Serious Mental Illness: Major Area of Study (50% or Greater)
Anxiety Disorders: Major Area of Study (50% or Greater)
Trauma/PTSD: Major Area of Study (50% or Greater)
Sexual Abuse: Experience (21% to 30%)
Substance Use Disorders: Experience (21% to 30%)
Forensics/Corrections: Exposure (1% to 20%)
Sexual Offenders:
Geropsychology:
Pediatrics: Major Area of Study (50% or Greater)
School: Major Area of Study (50% or Greater)
Counseling: Major Area of Study (50% or Greater)
Vocational/Career Development: Exposure (1% to 20%)
Multicultural Therapy: Emphasis (31% to 49%)
Feminist Therapy:
Religion/Spirituality:
Empirically-Supported Treatments: Major Area of Study (50% or Greater)
Public Policy/Advocacy:
Program Development/Evaluation:
Supervision: Emphasis (31% to 49%)
Research:
Administration:
Integrated health care - primary:
Integrated health care - specialty:
Other:

Additional information about training opportunities: Not all rotations or training experiences may be available as described in the APPIC Directory. Please consult the program's application materials or their website at: www.connectionsinternshipconsortium.net  for a complete description of the training opportunities available at this training site. IF the site has not updated their information by August 1, feel free to contact the Training Director for additional information.

Summary of the Characteristics of the Specified Internship Class
2017-2018 2018-2019 2019-2020 2020-2021 2021-2022 2022-2023 2023-2024
Number of Completed Applications: 15 60 18 30 79 112 82
Number of applicants invited for interviews: 14 50 18 30 50 54 51
Total number of interns: 3 8 13 14 14 14 14
Total number of interns from APA/CPA accredited programs: 2 8 13 14 14 14 14
Total number of interns from Ph.D. programs: 0 0 0 0 3 4 4
Total number of interns from Psy.D. programs: 3 8 13 14 11 10 10
Total number of interns from Ed.D. programs: 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Number of interns that come from a Clinical Psychology program 3 8 9 11 9 10 8
Number of interns that come from a Counseling Psychology program 0 0 0 0 0 0
Number of interns that come from a School Psychology program 0 0 4 3 5 4 6
Range of integrated assessment reports: lowest number of reports written 20 3 8 1 0 0 2
Range of integrated assessment reports: highest number of reports written 25 20 118 97 61 145
Summary of Post Internship Employment Settings of Each Internship Class (1st Placement)
2022-2023
Academic teaching: 0
Community mental health center: 0
Consortium: 0
University Counseling Center: 0
Hospital/Medical Center: 0
Veterans Affairs Health Care System: 0
Psychiatric facility: 0
Correctional facility: 0
Health Maintenance Organization: 0
School district/system: 11
Independent practice setting: 3
Other (Academic Psychology Department): 1
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