LANSING, Mich. (WILX) – As the holidays bring extra stress to many, mental health services become more essential than ever. For those in the Lansing area seeking support, a unique resource is available at Michigan State University (MSU): the Couple and Family Therapy Clinic, operated entirely by graduate students working toward their doctoral degrees in Couple and Family Therapy.
The clinic provides free or low-cost therapy to individuals, couples, and families, all while offering MSU students invaluable hands-on experience. The graduate students serving as therapists are required to complete about 1,000 clinical hours at the facility before graduation, ensuring they gain extensive practical experience in a real-world setting.
A Student-Operated Clinic with Professional Supervision
Currently, there are six graduate students serving as therapists at the clinic, with plans to increase this number to seven in the new year. Each therapist typically manages a caseload of eight to ten clients, providing individual, couple, and family therapy sessions. What makes this clinic especially unique is the supervision model that is integrated into each session.
All therapy rooms are equipped with cameras and microphones, enabling live supervision. The clinic has an observation room where supervisors can watch and listen to sessions in real time. This setup allows supervisors to provide immediate feedback to the graduate therapists, helping them refine their skills and navigate complex therapeutic situations.
In-the-Moment Support for Student Therapists
Erica Mitchell, the clinic’s director, explains that the live supervision model is essential for the growth and development of the therapists-in-training. “Our supervisors provide what we call ‘live supervision,’ where they watch the session happen in real-time through an observation room,” Mitchell said. “It allows them to give immediate, constructive feedback to therapists, helping them stay on track and improve their approach.”
The model also allows students to check in with their supervisor mid-session if they feel stuck or need additional guidance. “Sometimes therapists will step out in the middle of a session and check in with the supervisor,” Mitchell continued. “This provides the therapist with more in-the-moment feedback that can be brought back into the session to adjust their approach, making the therapy more effective.”
Tanner Hickman, a graduate student in the program and the clinic’s coordinator, added that while the live supervision process can be intimidating, it is invaluable for professional growth. “Being observed while doing therapy is very vulnerable and scary,” Hickman admitted. “But it’s also eye-opening and incredibly educational. You learn a lot about yourself as a therapist in those moments.”
Clients Appreciate the Extra Support
Despite the presence of additional eyes in the therapy sessions, Mitchell notes that clients generally find the process beneficial. “Most clients are okay with the extra supervision,” she explained. “They recognize that it helps our therapists provide better care. They also appreciate the high level of support the therapists receive, which ultimately improves the quality of the service they receive.”
The live supervision model not only enhances the experience for the therapists but also ensures clients benefit from the latest therapeutic techniques and interventions. For the student therapists, it’s a chance to grow their skills in real time with the guidance of experienced professionals.
Operates on the University’s Calendar
The Couple and Family Therapy Clinic operates on the Michigan State University academic calendar, meaning it is open during the school year when students are available. The clinic takes breaks when the university is on holiday, such as winter and summer breaks. It will reopen after the holidays, providing a continued source of support for individuals and families in the community.
This student-run clinic, in partnership with the university’s rigorous training program, provides valuable therapy services to the community while giving students real-world clinical experience that will shape their future careers. For those seeking therapy, it offers an accessible, quality option during a time when mental health support is more crucial than ever.
Conclusion
The Couple and Family Therapy Clinic at Michigan State University exemplifies the intersection of education, community support, and professional development. By providing affordable therapy and integrating a live supervision model, the clinic ensures both clients and therapists-in-training receive the highest quality of care. As students work toward their doctorate degrees, they not only grow professionally but also contribute to the well-being of those who need it most, particularly during the stress of the holiday season.
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