The Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) Program offers undergraduate juniors and seniors a unique opportunity to participate in a clinical internship. This experiential course introduces students to the real-world practice of family therapy as they observe therapeutic work with individuals, couples, families, and children through participation in consultation teams at FamilyWorks, the MFT Program family therapy clinic, where they observe live therapy sessions and engage in a variety of clinical learning opportunities.

The MFT Undergraduate Clinical Internship is face-to-face and offered Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters. The Summer internship (June and July) offers additional flexibility while maintaining the same rich, immersive experience.

If you have questions or need more information, please phone (229) 245-4323 or email Dr. Jennifer Lambert-Shute 

  • An overall GPA of 2.7 on all attempted course work or 3.0 or higher for the last two years
  • Minimum of 60 credit hours completed when you start the internship
  • Interview with the MFT Faculty
  • Demonstrate professionalism and the ability to follow ethical guidelines
  • A willingness to collaborate with and learn from others
  • Be enrolled in a 1 credit course, MFTH 4900: MFT Clinical Undergraduate Internship. The course meets one day a week for an hour and is scheduled based on student's availability.

  • Watch weekly live therapy sessions
  • Participate in treatment team meetings
  • Participate in reflecting teams
  • Practice clinical skills
    • Write case notes
    • Use a genogram
    • Navigate ethical scenarios 
    • Conduct a case presentation
    • Read & discuss clinical articles
  • Have the opportunity to talk with current graduate students about the graduate school application process (application, interview, writing samples, etc.)
  • Learn what Marriage and Family Therapists do, where they work, etc.

Virtual Information Session

casas-s.jpeg Salma Casas

Hi! My name is Salma Casas, and I am a senior currently attending Valdosta State University. While I am originally from El Paso, Texas, I have also lived in Italy, and now here! I am majoring in psychology with a minor in women and gender studies and feel that my time here has only strengthened my passion for mental wellness. Beginning an internship at this clinic will not only help with deciding my plans after getting my undergraduate degree, but also give the hands-on experience of assisting those in need.

caitlin-j.jpeg Caitlin Johnson

Hello! My name is Caitlin Johnson. I am a junior majoring in Psychology at Valdosta State University. After I graduate, I plan on continuing my education to get my master's degree in clinical mental health counseling. I plan on using my degree to pursue a career as a Licensed professional counselor.
ghavin-o.jpeg Ghavin Okorley

Hello, my name is Ghavin A. Okorley. I am preparing to graduate this spring, and I am committed to meaningful connections, creative expression, and fostering environments where others feel secure, seen, and heard. I have a strong interest in interpersonal growth, community support, and clinical work. I am currently exploring long-term pathways toward becoming a licensed therapist. I am excited to develop professional skills through hands-on experience in the MFT internship program, including strengthening communication and understanding how effective therapeutic relationships are built. I look forward to growing through supervision, collaboration, and real-world experience while continuing to serve others with professionalism, empathy, and integrity.

alaycia-r.jpeg Alaycia Rowe

Hello, I am Alaycia Rowe. I am a third-year psychology student pursuing a Bachelor of Science at Valdosta State University. My passion for mental health stems from a deep desire to support individuals in communities where conversations about emotional well-being are often overlooked or discouraged. I am especially motivated to help people feel seen, heard, and supported in spaces where seeking help has not always been normalized. I plan to continue my education and get my master's in social work and hope to be a source of healing, advocacy, and change for the communities that I am called to.

danaiya-t.jpeg DaNaiya Thomasson 

Hello! My name is DaNaiya Thomasson. I am a senior majoring in Psychology and minoring in Criminal Justice, with strong interests in both clinical and forensic psychology. I am deeply interested in culture and the unique differences within each that shape individual and family experiences. I am passionate about making meaningful impacts and using my voice to advocate for those who have not yet found theirs and providing spaces where individuals feel heard. I plan to attend graduate school with the goal of becoming a clinical psychologist with an emphasis in forensic psychology and bridge psychological and cultural differences across communities. In my free time, I enjoy building Legos, traveling, reading, and studying different languages (I can speak Japanese)!
ronaya-w.jpeg Ronaya Whipple

Hello, my name is Ronaya Whipple, and I am from Macon Georgia. I attend Valdosta State University and am a senior graduating this spring with a bachelor’s in psychology. I have a passion for helping with mental health, so I will continue my education with whichever path I grow into that will lead me to that goal. I am excited and grateful to be part of this opportunity as an intern with the MFT Undergraduate Clinical Internship.

Internship Applications

To apply click on the following link: Application for MFT Clinical Undergraduate Fall & Spring. To see the exact due date please click on the application link.

Cost:

Face to Face Course: The class counts as a 1 credit hour course. Tuition And Fee Schedule Click Here

 

Clinical Internship:

 The summer semester only occurs face to face and is offered as a zero credit, as this only includes attending the consultation team. The consultation teams, where the intern can observe live therapy cases, meet one day a week from 12-7 for the entire summer semester. Interns can choose how often and for what duration they would like to attend. To see exact dates possible, please click on the application link. 

For more information, please contact Jennifer Lambert-Shute at jjshute@valdosta.edu

To apply click on the following link: Application for MFT Clinical Undergraduate Internship Summer  

Cost:

The Course counts as a 0-credit course, thus there is no cost for this experience.

Non-VSU Student Information: As a non-VSU student you will have to apply for transient status at VSU. After a student has been accepted the following will need to be completed:

  • Meet with our academic advisor to discuss the steps you will need to follow at your own institution to be a transient student at VSU.
  • Complete an application (This will be emailed to you once you have been accepted.)
  • A letter of transient permission from UF. This can be official from the Registrar or an email from your advisor saying you have permission to take a course at VSU.
  • A copy of your driver’s license (this is for Verification of Lawful Presence purposes).