Orange County Family Wellness Group (OCFWG) is a private practice in Orange County California. OCFWG provides therapy and psychological testing to children, families, and adolescents. The practice and operated by two licensed clinical psychologists, Dr. Nicole Chavez, and Dr. Parie Faridnia. OCFWG is an established training practicum site since 2017, in which doctoral students obtain clinical expertise under the supervision of Drs. Chavez and Faridnia. The internship is fully integrated into the broader structure of Orange County Family Wellness Group (OCFWG), a multidisciplinary private practice dedicated to prevention, early intervention, and family wellness across the lifespan. Interns are considered valued members of the clinical team and participate in all aspects of the practice’s collaborative model. Training is embedded within OCFWG’s existing systems of care, including weekly case consultations, clinical rounds, staff meetings, and didactic seminars. Interns work alongside licensed psychologists, play therapists, and other mental health professionals, receiving layered supervision and mentorship that connects directly to the organization’s mission of fostering whole-family wellbeing. This structure ensures the internship functions as a coordinated training experience rather than on-the-job service provision, emphasizing growth, reflection, and professional identity development within a supportive clinical community.
The Psychology Doctoral Internship at Orange County Family Wellness Group is a full-time, year-long clinical psychology training program. Interns will complete a minimum of 2,000 supervised training hours including: clinical supervision, direct therapeutic and assessment services, interdisciplinary collaboration, and didactic training. Interns in our doctoral psychology internship program have the unique opportunity to earn supervised hours under Registered Play Therapist-Supervisors, Training Director Dr. Parie Faridnia, and/or Psychology Lead/Chief Dr. Nicole Chavez. These supervised hours may be applied toward the requirements for the Registered Play Therapist (RPT) credential, as outlined by the Association for Play Therapy (APT). This specialized training opportunity is designed to enhance clinical competency in play therapy and support future credentialing through APT.
The practice serves a diverse population presenting with a wide range of developmental, emotional, and relational concerns. Interns are fully integrated into the practice’s clinical team.
Interns at Orange County Family Wellness Group (OCFWG) have access to a range of resources that support high-quality training and client care. The facility includes three fully equipped playrooms: one designed for sand tray therapy, another for arts and crafts-based interventions, and a sensory playroom that fosters regulation and engagement for children with diverse needs. In addition, there are three private offices available for interns to conduct therapy, assessment, and telehealth sessions. Each office is furnished and equipped with computers, secure electronic health record (EHR) software, and HIPAA-compliant telehealth platforms. The practice also provides a variety of clinical and assessment materials, including psychological testing, therapeutic aids, and access to digital resources that support evidence-based practice.
Administrative and clerical support are available through OCFWG’s front office team, who assist with scheduling, billing, and client communication. Supervision, case consultation, and didactic training occur weekly and are conducted both in-person and virtually. Together, these resources ensure that interns are supported in developing their professional competencies in an organized, collaborative, and well-resourced training environment.
This internship follows a practitioner-scholar model, grounded in family systems, attachment, lifespan development, and trauma-informed care. Interns will develop competencies in:
- Evidence-based assessment and diagnosis
- Non-directive and integrative play therapy
- Direct therapeutic services to multiple age groups including: children, adolescents, and adults
- Perinatal mental health services (pregnancy to postpartum)
- Parenting and family therapy, including CPRT & FFT
- Early intervention & prevention strategies
- Integration of different theoretical orientations including: psychodynamic psychotherapy, dialectical behavioral therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy.
- Cultural humility, diversity, and ethical professional conduct.
