At Integrative Counseling Solutions (ICS), we believe that becoming an effective mental health professional requires more than classroom learning. Meaningful clinical experience, professional guidance, and opportunities for reflection are essential to developing the knowledge, confidence, and skills needed to support others.

Our goal is to provide a supportive learning environment where graduate-level counseling students can connect academic knowledge with real-world mental health practice.

Under the professional guidance of Ana Karina Porto, LPC, interns can benefit from more than 20 years of counseling experience across private practice, community mental health, domestic violence services, home-based counseling, and individual, couples, and family therapy.

We value curiosity, ethical practice, cultural awareness, collaboration, and a commitment to continued professional development.

Our Approach to Clinical Training

We believe effective clinical education combines professional mentorship, practical experience, thoughtful reflection, and exposure to a variety of therapeutic approaches.

Depending on the internship placement, university requirements, and available supervision, learning opportunities may include:

Clinical Observation & Learning

Observe experienced counseling professionals and gain insight into therapeutic relationships, clinical communication, and the counseling process.

Assessment & Treatment Planning

Develop a greater understanding of clinical assessment, case conceptualization, treatment goals, and individualized care planning.

Counseling Methods & Interventions

Explore therapeutic approaches such as CBT, DBT, mindfulness, attachment-based therapy, family systems, and trauma-informed care.

Ethics & Professional Responsibility

Strengthen your understanding of confidentiality, professional boundaries, ethical decision-making, and responsible clinical practice.

Clinical Documentation

Learn about treatment documentation, progress notes, professional standards, and the administrative responsibilities involved in providing mental health services.

Case Consultation & Professional Development

Participate in appropriate clinical discussions, receive constructive feedback, and develop greater confidence in your emerging professional identity.

Experience a Relationship-Centered Approach to Counseling

ICS provides counseling services to individuals, couples, parents, and families navigating emotional challenges, relationship difficulties, parenting concerns, and family conflict.

Our clinical approach recognizes that emotional well-being is connected to relationships, family experiences, culture, and the circumstances of everyday life.

Interns may gain insight into how counselors adapt their approaches to meet the unique needs of different individuals and families.

As a bilingual practice offering counseling in English and Spanish, ICS also values cultural responsiveness and the importance of language in building therapeutic relationships.

Mentorship from an Experienced Clinician

Ana Karina Porto, LPC, MEd, brings a diverse professional background to the training environment.

Her experience includes working as a Mental Health Therapist with Fairfax County Community Services Board, providing counseling within a domestic violence women's shelter, delivering home-based counseling, and providing individual and family therapy at Hope Counseling Center.

She has also taught introductory psychology at the pre-university level.

These experiences provide a foundation for helping future mental health professionals understand the practical, ethical, and interpersonal dimensions of clinical work.

Who Should Apply?

We welcome inquiries from graduate students pursuing education in professional counseling and related mental health disciplines who are seeking clinical internship or practicum experiences.

Ideal candidates demonstrate:

• A genuine interest in mental health counseling

• A commitment to ethical and compassionate care

• Willingness to learn and receive constructive feedback

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills

• Respect for cultural differences and individual experiences

• Professionalism, reliability, and initiative

• Interest in working with individuals, couples, parents, or families

Placement opportunities are dependent on program requirements, supervision eligibility, clinical capacity, and availability.

Explore an Internship with ICS

Are you looking for an opportunity to develop your counseling skills and learn from experienced mental health professionals?

We welcome inquiries from students and university internship coordinators interested in exploring potential clinical training opportunities.

To express your interest, please submit:

• Your resume

• Your graduate program and university

• Your anticipated internship or practicum dates

• Your school's clinical hour and supervision requirements

• A brief introduction describing your professional interests and goals

Contact Integrative Counseling Solutions to inquire about internship opportunities.

We look forward to connecting with future mental health professionals who share our commitment to compassionate, ethical, and personalized care.

Contact us at [email protected]