We offer reduced rate treatment options to meet your needs.
We’re proud to be a designated training site for clinical psychology doctoral programs in the Chicagoland area! To make Dialectical Behavior Therapy more accessible to diverse populations, we offer the option of working with practicum students at a discounted rate. This allows you to receive comprehensive DBT services at a cost comparable to typical outpatient therapy. It’s especially helpful for clients without insurance or those using Medicare or Medicaid.
Is Working with a Practicum Student Effective?
Yes! Research shows that the key factors for successful therapy are:
The connection between client and therapist
The quality of the therapist’s training
Whether the treatment is evidence-based
Comprehensive DBT is the most evidence-based treatment for borderline personality disorder and emotional regulation issues. Studies show DBT works well regardless of the therapist’s experience level.
Are Practicum Students Qualified and Supervised?
Absolutely! Practicum students are:
Selected from a competitive applicant pool
Given intensive DBT training before working with clients
Supervised weekly by experienced, DBT LBC-Certified psychologists with 5+ years of postdoctoral experience
Participating in consultation meetings alongside full-time clinicians
All practicum students have a Master’s degree and at least 1-2 years of clinical experience.
Will the Quality of Services Be the Same?
Yes! Clients working with practicum students receive:
The same skills training groups
24/7 phone coaching
No changes to the quality or availability of services
How Long Can I Work with a Practicum Student?
Practicum students work part-time (about two days a week) for one year, starting in late July or early August.
If your therapist leaves during the summer, you can switch to another practicum student or request a full-time staff member at the standard rate.