Click here for information on the aggregate post-doctoral positions of the previous three intern year cohorts, internship program admission requirements, and internship program financial and benefit support.
Institutes + Centers
Adler University’s mission is to graduate socially responsible practitioners, engage communities, and advance social justice. Since 1972, Adler University has expanded access to mental health services for underserved communities through its clinical training programs. Student-clinicians of Adler University have provided these critical services under the direct supervision of licensed clinicians and supervisors ensuring quality of care while training the next generation of practitioners. The first mental health clinic of Adler University was the Dreikurs Psychological Services Center that was located on the university’s Chicago campus. In 2010, the on-campus clinic was innovated into Adler Community Health Services (ACHS) –a community-embedded service model whereby services would occur in the communities most in need of mental health care. This model alleviates community members from the undue burden of traveling for needed services while ACHS’ student-clinicians learn first-hand the social contexts of those they treat providing a deeper educational and clinical experience. This realignment to community-embedded services allows ACHS to be guided by the community itself in its service as mental health practitioners and agents of social change.
ACHS does not profit from its clinical training partnerships. ACHS charges a per-day-of-service fee versus a fee-for-service model. This allows partners access to a broad menu of clinical services for one set per-day fee versus a traditional per-use charge for each service thus broadening access to critical services. The menu of clinical services for each contracted day are: coordination of care, orientation to ACHS services, individual therapy, couple and family therapy, group therapy, psychological assessment, community crisis intervention, mental health crisis evaluation and intervention of ACHS clients, staff training, and staff consultation.
As socially-responsible practitioners, ACHS is committed to seeking alternative funding in the form of government and foundation grants, and individual and/or corporate donations. ACHS, in partnership with Adler University’s Office of Institutional Advancement, explores fundraising opportunities that will pay for the contract fees of our clinical training partners. If ACHS secures funding that covers a partner’s contract fee, ACHS adjusts the contract terms to decrease or eliminate the unpaid portion of the contract due from the partner that the new funding now covers. ACHS asks our partners to submit a letter us as to how the partner reinvested the funds they would have paid ACHS into their community/agency. ACHS submits this letter to the funder to demonstrate the additional impact their gift provided to our community partner.
Adler University is a nonprofit educational institution. As one of Adler University’s centers, ACHS does not profit from the services it provides.
To explore partnership opportunities, or to request a community health services consultation, please email Dr. Kevin Osten-Garner, Executive Director.
The Division of Community Health Chicago within Adler Community Health Services (ACHS) provides extensive behavioral health services to individuals, couples, families, and groups. Services are primarily provided by a multidisciplinary team of master- and doctoral-level graduate students supervised by licensed clinical faculty. The Division of Community Health Chicago serves a diverse range of people throughout the Chicagoland region at the following agencies: After School Matters, Aunt Martha’s, City Year Chicago, St. Leonard’s Ministries, and Thresholds.
Click here for information on the aggregate post-doctoral positions of the previous three intern year cohorts, internship program admission requirements, and internship program financial and benefit support.
Please click the links below for more information on each of our training programs.
ACHS provides clinical and community mental health services informed by the core values of Adlerian theory and the mission of Adler University. We work with and train clinicians who promote, engage and advance socially responsible practice, thereby engaging communities and advancing social justice. Through rigorous training standards and program evaluation, ACHS excels as a leader in the provision of community health services.
Click here for information on the aggregate post-doctoral positions of the previous three intern year cohorts, internship program admission requirements, and internship program financial and benefit support.
Nondiscrimination Policy
The Adler Community Health Services – Division of Teen Wellness & Opportunity is committed to nondiscrimination and equal opportunity in its policies and procedures for recruitment, retention, and development of staff and interns regardless of race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, ability status, veteran status or other individual diversity in any aspect of services. No psychological services will be denied or restricted on the basis of age, race, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, religious beliefs, location or residence, marital status, physical or mental disability, health status, sexual orientation. Reasonable accommodations for staff, clients, and interns are made on the basis of physical and mental disability in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The Program abides by all Adler School of Professional Psychology non-discrimination policies as well as local, state, and federal regulations.
Sexual Harassment Policy
Sexual harassment is not tolerated by the TWO Program and all program staff and intern are expected to comply with the highest professional standards of comportment. If unwelcome sexual behavior occurs, or there are concerns that harassment may be occurring, the intern is encouraged to discuss the situation with his or her Supervisor, the Training Director and/or the MHC Treatment Administrator of the facility who will then take steps to address the situation in accordance with both Adler Community Health Services – Division of Teen Wellness & Opportunity and IDJJ policy.
Declaration of Inclusive Practices
Adler Community Health Services is committed to providing an inclusive learning, working, and clinical environment in which all aspects of diversity are respected, valued, and affirmed. We value and respect the unique perspectives and contributions of each discipline and strive for interprofessional practice and training. We unconditionally reject every form of bigotry, discrimination, hateful rhetoric, and hateful action, whether directed towards one’s ability, age, citizenship, culture, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, immigration status, military status, national origin, political views, religion, race, sex, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, and spirituality. We endorse values of open and respectful discourse and exchange of ideas from the widest variety of class, clinical, cultural, intellectual, political, religious, and spiritual perspectives in pursuit of clinical excellence and training rigor. We uphold and practice with honesty and courage the examination of our biased beliefs, communications, and behaviors to actively counter our own discriminatory beliefs, communications, and behaviors. We approach the mistakes we will inevitably make with humility and openness to learning, and make amends at every opportunity. We commit to seeking individual and collective consultation and supervision in the areas of inclusive practices when we fall short. We pledge to use our privileged status(es) to pursue equity wherever possible within the scope and limits of our clinical and educational roles and responsibilities.
The Division of Teen Wellness & Opportunity within Adler Community Health Services (ACHS) provides extensive clinical behavioral health services for the youth (and their families) in the community. Until 2020, most of the services provided were within an Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice facility. However, due to the decrease in juveniles placed in facilities throughout in Illinois, the Adler Teen Wellness & Opportunity (TWO) Internship Program will now be providing similar services to youth and their families in the community through community-based programs, such as at the Chicago Public High School for the Arts (ChiArts) and After School Matters (ASM). The service delivery is done via telehealth or onsite at school or community-based centers in the Chicagoland area. The interns are supervised by licensed clinical psychologists.
ACHS provides clinical and community mental health services informed by the core values of Adlerian theory and the mission of Adler University. We work with and train clinicians who promote, engage and advance socially responsible practice, thereby engaging communities and advancing social justice. Through rigorous training standards and program evaluation, ACHS excels as a leader in the provision of community health services.
The primary objective of Adler Community Health Services’ (ACHS) American Psychological Association (APA)-accredited Adler Teen Wellness & Opportunity Program (TWO) is to prepare interns for entry level clinical psychology practice who are grounded in the foundational scientific knowledge of the profession and who have applied functional skills for competent practice. A second and related objective is to prepare interns for entry-level practice that integrates socially responsible practice skills and an appreciation of social justice issues. Upon completion of the internship program, interns will have developed proficiency in key areas of clinical intervention, diagnostic assessment, professional development, multicultural issues, and professional ethics and standards.
The program is a collaboration between Adler University and various community-based partners who provide services to young people who might not otherwise receive therapeutic services. The youth often come from low-income areas of Chicago and have experienced trauma.
The Adler Teen Wellness & Opportunity Internship Program at Adler Community Health Services is accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA), and is a member of the Association of Psychology Post-Doctoral and Internship Centers (APPIC).
Upon completion, Adler Teen Wellness & Opportunity Interns are expected to demonstrate:
Click here for the Adler Teen Wellness & Opportunity Internship program brochure.
The APA-accredited Adler Community Health Services’ (ACHS) Division of Teen Wellness & Opportunity (TWO) Internship offered is fully affiliated with Adler University. Only Adler University Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology students are eligible to apply for the program.
The Adler training team includes the Director of Training, two licensed clinical psychologists, and three program managers at Youth Outreach Services (YOS). Additionally, YOS clinical staff are also available to provide additional supplementary consultation, role modeling, and support for the interns (known as adjunct staff). These adjunct staff psychologists are not directly responsible for program requirements and do not have primary responsibility for intern training, supervision and program development. Interns work and interact regularly with these adjunct staff psychologists who serve as a professional and collegial resource. Through the ACHS TWO internship experiences, interns develop proficiency in the nine profession-wide competencies outlined in Section II.B.1.b. of the Standards of Accreditation. The primary objective of the ACHS TWO program is to prepare interns to become entry-level health service psychologists.
Interns offer clinical services to youth at Youth Outreach Services and After School Matters. In addition to providing direct clinical service, interns receive individual, group, and peer supervision; participate in case disposition meetings; and attend didactic workshops and seminars. Interns also provide supervision to therapy externs when available and receive supervision on their supervision by a licensed clinical psychologist.
Services provided include individual, group, and family psychotherapy; group therapy; brief therapy; treatment outcome assessment; personality and cognitive ability assessment; intake assessment; consultation; and psycho-educational programs. All interns are trained in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and some interns may have the opportunity to work with youth who have problematic sexual behaviors.
The purpose of the TWO program is training of doctoral interns for Health Service Psychologist in professional psychology. The program identifies two specific goals in this preparation.
The primary goal of the program is to prepare interns for entry level clinical psychology practice who are grounded in the foundational scientific knowledge of the profession and who have applied functional skills for competent practice. A second and related goal is to prepare interns for Health Service Psychologist that integrates socially responsible practice skills and an appreciation of social justice issues.
Professional psychology has been defined by Adler University faculty as the application of psychological knowledge and skills to forward the improvement of the human condition in the broadest sense with an emphasis on the direct delivery of professional services, including the design, implementation, and evaluation of assessment and change strategies as they are applied to individuals, families, groups, couples and organizations.
The internship uses the scholar-practitioner model of training, as articulated by the National Council of Schools and Programs in Professional Psychology (NCSPP) as the base for its training program.
Consistent with the mission and philosophy of the Adler University and ACHS, the program gives interns an opportunity to explore the application of psychological knowledge and skills to help individuals, groups and families as well as the need for addressing systemic problems, developing increased awareness of social issues, working with underserved populations and fostering social change. To accomplish this, the internship program provides interns with sequential, cumulative, and structured learning experiences (described in detail in subsequent sections of this document). Through the program training curriculum and activities, interns develop proficiency in knowledge and skills across eight foundational areas of clinical psychology called Program Objectives- described in subsequent sections of this document) as well as the values and attitudes of the profession. The program follows a practitioner-scholar model outlined by the National Council of Schools and Programs of Professional Psychology (NCSPP) with one additional area of training identified as socially responsible practice.
The values outlined in the mission are instilled through the practitioner-scholar model of training that includes integration of evidence based knowledge, development of applied practice skills and professional values. Throughout the training, values central to the socially responsive, intellectually honest practice of psychology are emphasized, including the following:
The internship program prepares interns for entry into the field of professional psychology by providing experiential training in the various aspects of professional practice. Interns learn about serving culturally diverse, young, under-served populations through training and experience in the following areas:
Interns are encouraged and mentored to:
The internship program training is designed to prepare interns for Health Service Psychologist practice and develop profession wide competencies in the following areas:
Professional Values, Attitudes & Behaviors: Behave in ways that reflect the values and attitudes of psychology, including integrity, deportment, professional identity, accountability, lifelong learning, and concern for the welfare of others. Engage in self-reflection regarding one’s personal and professional functioning; engage in activities to maintain and improve performance, well-being, and professional effectiveness. Actively seek and demonstrate openness and responsiveness to feedback and supervision. Respond professionally in increasingly complex situations with a greater degree of independence as they progress across levels of training.
Assessment: Select and apply assessment methods that draw from the best available empirical literature and that reflect the science of measurement and psychometrics; collect relevant data using multiple sources and methods appropriate to the identified goals and questions of the assessment as well as relevant diversity characteristics of the service recipient. Interpret assessment results, following current research and professional standards and guidelines, to inform case conceptualization, classification, and recommendations, while guarding against decision-making biases, distinguishing the aspects of assessment that are subjective from those that are objective. Communicate orally and in written documents the findings and implications of the assessment in an accurate and effective manner sensitive to a range of audiences.
Intervention: Establish and maintain effective relationships with the recipients of psychological services. Develop evidence-based intervention plans specific to the service delivery goals. Implement interventions informed by the current scientific literature, assessment findings, diversity characteristics, and contextual variables. Demonstrate the ability to apply the relevant research literature to clinical decision making. Modify and adapt evidence-based approaches effectively when a clear evidence-base is lacking. Evaluate intervention effectiveness, and adapt intervention goals and methods consistent with ongoing evaluation.
Research/Evaluation: Demonstrate the substantially independent ability to critically evaluate and disseminate research or other scholarly activities (e.g., case conference, presentation, publications) at the local (including the host institution), regional, or national level.
Ethical & Legal Standards: Be knowledgeable of and act in accordance with each of the following: the current version of the APA Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct; Relevant laws, regulations, rules, and policies governing health service psychology at the organizational, local, state, regional, and federal levels; and Relevant professional standards and guidelines. Recognize ethical dilemmas as they arise, and apply ethical decision-making processes in order to resolve the dilemmas. Conduct self in an ethical manner in all professional activities.
Consultation & Interprofessional/Interdisciplinary Skills: Demonstrate knowledge and respect for the roles and perspectives of other professions. Apply this knowledge in direct or simulated consultation with individuals and their families, other health care professionals, interprofessional groups, or systems related to health and behavior.
Supervision/Management: Apply supervision knowledge in direct or simulated practice with psychology trainees, or other health professionals. Examples of direct or simulated practice examples of supervision include, but are not limited to, role-played supervision with others, and peer supervision with other trainees.
Individual & Cultural Diversity: An understanding of how their own personal/cultural history, attitudes, and biases may affect how they understand and interact with people different from themselves. Knowledge of the current theoretical and empirical knowledge base as it relates to addressing diversity in all professional activities including research, training, supervision/consultation, and service. The ability to integrate awareness and knowledge of individual and cultural differences in the conduct of professional roles (e.g., research, services, and other professional activities). This includes the ability apply a framework for working effectively with areas of individual and cultural diversity not previously encountered over the course of their careers. Also included is the ability to work effectively with individuals whose group membership, demographic characteristics, or worldviews create conflict with their own. Demonstrate the ability to independently apply their knowledge and approach in working effectively with the range of diverse individuals and groups encountered during internship.
Communication & Interpersonal Skills: Develop and maintain effective relationships with a wide range of individuals, including colleagues, communities, organizations, supervisors, supervisees, and those receiving professional services. Produce and comprehend oral, nonverbal, and written communications that are informative and well-integrated; demonstrate a thorough grasp of professional language and concepts. Demonstrate effective interpersonal skills and the ability to manage difficult communication well.
Each intern is assigned two supervising psychologists. The intern will meet one hour per week for supervision with each of the two supervisors.
The psychologist supervisor of a case is the legal and ethical owner of the case. Interns may seek consultation with another psychologist, but all clinical decisions are the responsibility of the case psychologist supervisor.
The intern should make every effort to audio record therapy sessions. After the supervisor reviews the recorded session, the intern will erase the session. Session recordings are only permissible with informed consent.
Each intern will also provide supervision to 1 extern. The intern will also be required to audio record supervision sessions with their externs periodically, for use in the Clinical Supervision Seminar and for review by their Primary Supervisor.
Individual Supervision (1 hour with 2 different supervising psychologists): 2 hours weekly
The APA-accredited Adler Community Health Services’ (ACHS) Division of Teen Wellness & Opportunity (TWO) Internship offered is fully affiliated with Adler University. Only Adler University Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology students are eligible to apply for the program.
All prospective interns should submit the following documents following the APPIC online application process and provide all data through the APPI form:
Applicants must have:
Applications are reviewed by the Training Director and training supervisors and rated on the applicant’s submitted materials and the team will determine the final applicants who will be invited to interview. Due to the novel coronavirus pandemic, and to support a safe and equitable process, all interviews will be done virtually. Those invited to interview will be interviewed by members of the training team, including the Training Director, training supervisors, current interns and the post-doctoral resident. After all interviews have been completed the Training Director consults with the training team to develop the rank list for submission to the APPIC match program. Internship offers are made in compliance with APPIC guidelines. All internship offers are conditional on successful completion of a required state background clearance and drug screening. The internship site agrees to abide by the APPIC policy that no person at this training facility will solicit, accept, or use any ranking-related information from any intern applicant. The Adler Community Health Services – Division of Teen Wellness & Opportunity program adheres to all Adler University, state, federal and local nondiscrimination policies.
The Adler Community Health Services – Division of Teen Wellness & Opportunity is committed to nondiscrimination and equal opportunity in its policies and procedures for recruitment, retention, and development of staff and interns regardless of race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, ability status, veteran status or other individual diversity in any aspect of services. No psychological services will be denied or restricted on the basis of age, race, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, religious beliefs, location or residence, marital status, physical or mental disability, health status, sexual orientation. Reasonable accommodations for staff, clients, and interns are made on the basis of physical and mental disability in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The Program abides by all Adler School of Professional Psychology non-discrimination policies as well as local, state, and federal regulations.
Click here for information on the aggregate post-doctoral positions of the previous three intern year cohorts, internship program admission requirements, and internship program financial and benefit support.
The Division of Teen Wellness & Opportunity Internship Program at Adler Community Health Services is accredited by the American Psychological Association. The Commission on Accreditation of the APA can be contacted at:
Commission on Accreditation
Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation
American Psychological Association
750 First St. NE
Washington, DC 20002-4242
(202) 336-5979
[email protected]
The Adler Community Health Services – Division of Teen Wellness & Opportunity is committed to nondiscrimination and equal opportunity in its policies and procedures for recruitment, retention, and development of staff and interns regardless of race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, ability status, veteran status or other individual diversity in any aspect of services. No psychological services will be denied or restricted on the basis of age, race, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, religious beliefs, location or residence, marital status, physical or mental disability, health status, sexual orientation. Reasonable accommodations for staff, clients, and interns are made on the basis of physical and mental disability in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The Program abides by all Adler School of Professional Psychology non-discrimination policies as well as local, state, and federal regulations.
Sexual harassment is not tolerated by the Adler Community Health Services – Division of Teen Wellness & Opportunity Program and all program staff and intern are expected to comply with the highest professional standards of comportment. If unwelcome sexual behavior occurs, or there are concerns that harassment may be occurring, the intern is encouraged to discuss the situation with his or her Supervisor, the Training Director and/or the MHC Treatment Administrator of the facility who will then take steps to address the situation in accordance with both Adler Community Health Services – Division of Teen Wellness & Opportunity and IDJJ policy.
Adler Community Health Services is committed to providing an inclusive learning, working, and clinical environment in which all aspects of diversity are respected, valued, and affirmed. We value and respect the unique perspectives and contributions of each discipline and strive for interprofessional practice and training. We unconditionally reject every form of bigotry, discrimination, hateful rhetoric, and hateful action, whether directed towards one’s ability, age, citizenship, culture, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, immigration status, military status, national origin, political views, religion, race, sex, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, and spirituality. We endorse values of open and respectful discourse and exchange of ideas from the widest variety of class, clinical, cultural, intellectual, political, religious, and spiritual perspectives in pursuit of clinical excellence and training rigor. We uphold and practice with honesty and courage the examination of our biased beliefs, communications, and behaviors to actively counter our own discriminatory beliefs, communications, and behaviors. We approach the mistakes we will inevitably make with humility and openness to learning, and make amends at every opportunity. We commit to seeking individual and collective consultation and supervision in the areas of inclusive practices when we fall short. We pledge to use our privileged status(es) to pursue equity wherever possible within the scope and limits of our clinical and educational roles and responsibilities.
Support ACHS in increasing access to mental health services for high-need patients through its community-embedded service model.
Adler University was recently awarded several grants from foundations and corporations to support our work to engage communities and advance social justice.
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