Meet Our Interns
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Meet Our Interns *
Affordable Therapy with Supervised Interns in Merrillville, IN & Chicago
Intern sessions are often the fastest way to start therapy | affordable, supervised, and high-quality care.
Many clients begin therapy with an intern due to affordability, availability, and quality of care
Not sure what an intern therapist is? See the FAQ section at the bottom of the page!
Ailina Casas, BS, I/T
MFT Intern
Ailina works with individuals, couples, and families navigating relationships, identity exploration, and life transitions. Her style is collaborative, grounded, and thoughtful, blending warmth, curiosity, and gentle challenge to support meaningful growth.
What to expect: Relational, compassionate care with close clinical supervision.
Areas of interest: Relationships • Identity Exploration • Life Transitions
Sessions: $35(flat fee)
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Ailina believes therapy doesn’t have to feel intimidating or clinical, it can be thoughtful, insightful, and supportive. She approaches therapy with empathy and genuine curiosity, helping clients explore emotions, patterns, and relationships in a way that feels safe and authentic.
As a therapist intern, Ailina is closely supervised by licensed clinicians and is committed to providing ethical, attentive, and collaborative care.
Stephanie Peng, BS, I/T
MFT Intern
Stephanie works with individuals, couples, and families navigating identity, relationships, and emotional disconnection. Her approach is attachment-based, collaborative, and culturally attuned, offering a space that feels safe, validating, and supportive.
What to expect: Warm, relational therapy grounded in emotional attunement.
Areas of interest: Family Dynamics • Cultural Identity • Emotional Connection
Sessions: $35(flat fee)
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Stephanie believes healing begins with feeling seen, heard, and understood. She brings warmth, curiosity, and cultural humility into the therapy space, supporting clients as they explore emotions, relationships, and identity at their own pace.
As a therapist intern, Stephanie is closely supervised by licensed clinicians and provides thoughtful, ethical, and supportive care.
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Our intern therapists are advanced graduate-level clinicians who have each completed over 300 hours of direct client work and have been providing therapy for more than a year. They are highly trained, deeply committed to their clients, and carefully selected for their clinical skill, professionalism, and compassion.
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Clients often find intern therapists to be especially engaged, thoughtful, and up-to-date with current therapy research and techniques. They bring fresh perspective, strong motivation, and a high level of care to their work. Many clients also appreciate the increased availability and more affordable rates, without sacrificing quality.
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Yes. All intern therapists receive regular, ongoing supervision from an experienced, licensed clinician. They are currently being supervised by our staff therapist, Elizabeth Hackney, MS, LMFTA, who is also an AAMFT-approved supervisor candidate. This means your care is supported by both your therapist’s direct work with you and the guidance of seasoned professionals behind the scenes.
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Absolutely! Intern therapists follow the same ethical standards, clinical protocols, and evidence-based practices as licensed therapists. With their training, experience, and close supervision, clients consistently receive high-quality, thoughtful, and effective care.
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Yes. Our intern therapists are well-prepared to support clients in meaningful, long-term work, including trauma healing, relationship challenges, identity exploration, and personal growth. Many clients choose to stay with their intern therapist throughout their training because of the strong therapeutic bond and progress they experience.
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Sessions with our intern therapists are offered at a flat rate of $35per session. This allows clients to receive high-quality, supervised care that is both accessible and affordable, without compromising the depth or professionalism of the therapeutic experience.