Intern Program
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the Berkeley Therapy Institute?
The Berkeley Therapy Institute (BTI) is a licensed non-profit community mental health clinic, and has been serving the Bay Area since 1972. Our licensed clinical staff includes psychiatrists, psychologists, as well as marriage and family therapists. We are united by a dedication to providing excellent care to our patients and training well rounded thoughtful students.
What is the Post-Graduate Training Program?
A one or two-year post-graduate clinical training program designed to provide a thorough and well-rounded learning experience in multiple theoretical orientations of psychotherapy. A cohort of four to eight individuals participate in individual and group supervision to hone their skills and interventions with their patients. The program also requires attendance at weekly seminars, monthly clinical meetings and other didactic experiences.
Who should apply to the training program?
The candidates best suited to the Berkeley Therapy Institutes Training program are excited to learn and apply their skills with a diverse population of clients. Individuals who are open and curious about their own process as well as those of their patients find the program fulfilling. BTI does not discriminate and welcomes qualified individual of all backgrounds and lifestyles to apply.
When does the Training year begin?
The first day of the training year is August 1st (or the 1st business day in August). The training program requires a commitment of either one or two years and is open to pre doctoral students, postdoctoral students and MFT interns.
Is a stipend available for interns and postdoctoral fellows?
Yes. All first-year interns receive a stipend of $3000. Second-year interns receive a stipend of $4500. Postdoctoral positions are psych assistantships through the California Board of Psychology, please contact Dr. Claramarie Collins for information on financial reimbursement.
Can I complete more than 24 hours a week?
Half time interns are limited to 24 hours a week. You may be able to obtain more than 24 hours a week if full time positions are available. If you are interested in more hours, include this in your application. In addition to providing individual psychotherapy, indicate the training opportunities you would like more experience in acquiring (i.e., psychological assessment, group psychotherapy, outreach, etc.)
How many patients will I be required to see each week?
Interns are expected to see 14 patient hours a week. Since the internship starts in August, initially case-loads are significantly fewer than 14 and will gradually increase to that number over time. (More responsibilities are expected of post-docs.) In addition each Intern is expected to run one group for 8-12 weeks during the year.
What is the client population and how long will I be able to see patients?
The Berkeley Therapy Institute welcomes clients from a wide range of backgrounds, socioeconomic situations and diagnoses. Trainees can expect to see individuals ranging from 8 years to seniors as well as couples and families. BTI is committed to the delivery of long term insight oriented psychotherapy and trainees can expect to see several patients for the duration of their program.
In addition to doing individual psychotherapy, are other opportunities available?
Interns frequently see individuals, couples, and families in on-going psychotherapy. In addition, there are opportunities to do psychological assessment and forensic evaluations and to co-lead psychotherapy groups.
Can I bring my patients with me to BTI?
Yes. We are all committed to long-term psychotherapy. When appropriate, you are encouraged to bring your patients here with you. In addition, when the internship year ends, you may take your patients with you to your next practice location.
When are the required meetings held during the week?
Please note that meeting times are subject to change. Meetings next year will take place on Tuesdays from 10:00 to 4:00.
When is office space available? What are the clinic hours?
Office space is available every day and evenings, including Saturdays. The clinic is open with administrative staff present from 8:30 AM to 5 PM Monday through Friday. Trainees can expect to see patients beyond these hours including weekends.
How are supervisors assigned?
Each intern is assigned one primary and one secondary supervisor. The primary supervisor meets with the intern the full 12 months of the intern year; the secondary supervisor meets with the intern for 6 months. At mid-year a new secondary supervisor is assigned. Supervisors are matched with interns based on a combination of factors: luck, our opinion as to who would work well together, and your choice if any. Interns meet with each of their two supervisors once weekly.
