Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions on counseling, our center or something else? Just ask!
Here are some frequently asked questions we receive here at Maria Droste Counseling Center. Don’t see what you’re looking for? Just ask!
For a more complete view of our services, please visit the Counseling Services page.
How To Succeed as an Intern
Interns are expected to commit to 20 hours per week.
The size of our intern cohort varies each year depending on the needs of our programs. For the 2025-2026 cohort, we anticipate accepting 8-10 interns.
Maria Droste is an approved field placement site for several graduate programs. If your program is not listed, you may still apply, but it must be cleared with our Clinical Director. Please email us at recruitment@mariadroste.org with your program’s anti-discrimination statement, an overview of your academic and clinical training, and a contact person from your program for consideration.
No, this is an unpaid internship; however, we provide stipends to all interns. Maria Droste Counseling Center is also an off-campus site eligible for Federal Work-Study funding. We are actively exploring additional compensation options for our graduate-level providers.
Applicants must:
- Be enrolled in a master’s or doctoral program
- Commit to 20 hours per week
- Complete a 10-month internship (mid-August to June)
- Attend weekly individual supervision
- Be able to work independently
- Be mission-aligned and committed to personal growth
- Have completed a minimum of 6 counseling sessions (if applicable)
- Attend weekly training on Friday mornings from 8:30 am to noon
- Be available to schedule clients at least one evening per week (4–7 pm)
- Be able to respond to client emergencies as needed
- Complete all required clinical and agency paperwork, including billing
- Submit a minimum of two audio/video recordings
Internships at Maria Droste offer intensive, hands-on training in a real-world setting. Interns take on the role of therapists, working directly with clients, billing sessions, and completing documentation in accordance with Medicaid standards. These internships closely mirror actual therapy jobs and provide invaluable preparation for a career in mental health. Employers consistently express high satisfaction with Maria Droste interns, noting their extensive experience and strong foundational knowledge.