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General Clinical Fellowship

There are two general clinical fellowships awarded each year.  All fellowships begin July 1 and last for two years.

Eligibility

Fellowship applicants must possess a Master’s or Doctoral degree in a relevant mental health profession. Applicants must have completed at least one graduate course in systemic marital and family therapy and have been supervised at least on some cases by a licensed MFT or a licensed mental health practitioner  who has had some training  in systemic marital and family therapy and experience in supervising  from a systemic family approach.

Time Commitment

Fellowship positions are full time and require a commitment of two calendar years (48 weeks per year).  The position requires a total commitment of at least 40 hours per week.

Clinical Experience

  • Caseload
    Each fellow maintains a clinical practice through The Institute’s Bette D. Harris Family and Child Clinic   The caseload includes individual, couple and family modalities of therapy with clients from diverse cultural backgrounds.  Hours accumulated during the fellowship can be used toward licensure.
  • Group Supervision
    Senior staff clinicians     meet with each cohort of Fellows for two hours per week of supervision in a small group format.  The focus of supervision is on case presentation, video and live interviews and clinical application of The Family Institute model of systemic therapy.  Fellows are required to do at least two observed clinical interviews during the academic year.
  • Individual Supervision
    Fellows meet with an individual supervisor for one hour per week.

Education

  • Teaching Opportunity in Marital and Family Therapy
    Family Institute faculty present weekly lectures to our Northwestern University graduate students on the basic concepts and methods of systems theory.  Fellows have the opportunity to be a Teaching Assistant for some of our courses.
  • Couples Seminar
    Fellows meet on a bi-weekly basis with a senior member of the faculty for a seminar on treating couples.
  • Grand Rounds
    Fellows participate in monthly grand rounds meetings, where a case or topic of special interest is presented and discussed in a theoretical context.  Each Fellow is required to present once per year.
  • Additional Opportunities
    Clinical training is supplemented by a variety of workshops, seminars, colloquia and professional conferences offered throughout the year.  Fellows may also participate in one or more of The Family Institute’s specialized areas which focus on children and adolescents, adoptive families, family business, midlife and aging, psychological assessment, anxiety and panic, and lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender issues.

Professional Development

  • Marketing
    The Bette D. Harris Family and Child Clinic generates case referrals for Fellows.  In addition, Fellows are expected to market their own practices as well as other clinical services offered at The Family Institute.  Initiatives may include speaking to community groups, meeting with representatives from local schools, social service agencies, hospitals or corporations and representing The Family Institute at professional conferences and public health events.
  • Administration
    Professional skills are developed through practical experience with the internal operations of The Family Institute.  These activities include maintenance of schedules, ongoing communication with staff, clients and community, financial and clinical record-keeping, and attendance at staff meetings and ancillary functions.
  • Mentors
    Fellows meet with individual mentors for one hour a week to focus on areas of professional development.

Career Paths

  • Those who have completed The Family Institute at Northwestern University Fellowship have accepted positions in hospitals, universities, government policy positions or private practice.  Several former Fellows have also become valued members of The Family Institute’s highly regarded clinical staff.

Benefits

  • Benefits include: a $28,000 stipend, access to Northwestern University Libraries and Northwestern University Wildcard benefits, paid holidays, 4 weeks of vacation, health insurance and paid professional liability insurance. The fellowship position offers teaching opportunities, mentorship, and career development.

How to Apply

Download the General Clinical Fellowship Application for more information.

The Fellowship Program at The Family Institute is supported, in part, by gifts and grants from individuals, families and foundations.  Your contribution will help us train the thought leaders of tomorrow and advance the science and practice of mental health care.  To make a donation, or to learn more about naming a Fellowship through an endowment gift, please contact the Development office at 312-609-5300, ext. 484 or email family-institute@northwestern.edu.