Parachute Care Psychotherapy Services

Location:

Virtual

Description of the practicum site and student activities:

Parachute Care is a Toronto-based virtual psychotherapy practice providing individual and couples therapy to young adults and adults. Parachute Care offers evidence-based mental health care with a focus on depression, anxiety, self-worth, identity development, emotional regulation, relational concerns, and life transitions. The practicum setting emphasizes a reflective, relational, and supportive learning environment. Clinical work is informed by Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, and Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), with attention to ethical practice, anti-oppressive care, and cultural responsiveness. The student placed at Parachute Care will be supported in developing foundational clinical skills, including assessment, case conceptualization, therapeutic communication, documentation, and professional use of self. The practicum prioritizes gradual skill-building, strong supervisory containment, and opportunities to integrate theory and practice in a real-world clinical setting. In addition to clinical learning, the student will gain exposure to the operational and business aspects of private practice, including, but not limited to, informed consent processes, marketing and advertisement processes, intake and screening workflows, fee structures, insurance considerations, documentation standards, and boundaries in self-employment. Where appropriate, the student may also observe aspects of practice development such as branding, client engagement, and sustainability within a social work framework. Supervision is provided by Melody Liang, MSW, RSW, a University of Toronto MSW alumna and Registered Social Worker with prior experience at CAMH, where she worked as an Inpatient Social Worker and later as an Advanced Clinical Practice Leader in the Psychosis and Recovery Treatment Division. The student will receive weekly individual supervision and ongoing mentorship focused on ethical decision-making, reflective practice, and professional identity development. Parachute Care is well suited for students interested in clinical social work, psychotherapy, and private practice settings, who value thoughtful supervision, curiosity, and learning within a supportive and structured environment.

Regular interaction will be through Gmail (ie. Email and Chat) and Voxer. Clinical work will be completed through Jane Practice Management. Ongoing weekly supervision and daily informal check-ins will be provided. The student will participate in consistent weekly supervision, case discussion, and reflective conversations. Informal virtual check-ins and collaborative work (e.g., planning for both virtual and in-person wellness events) will help maintain a sense of belonging and support. Opportunities such as in-person and virtual team-building activities will also be provided to minimize isolation and promote inclusion.

The population served includes young adults and adults, who primarily identify as East-Asian, navigating anxiety, self-worth concerns, emotional regulation challenges, identity development, relational distress, performance pressure, and life transitions.

The practicum provides a structured, supervision-intensive clinical learning experience. Student will develop skills in intake and assessment, case conceptualization, treatment planning, therapeutic intervention, documentation, and ethical decision-making. Learning occurs through shadowing (with consent), gradual assumption of clinical responsibility, and weekly individual supervision. Student will also gain exposure to ethical private practice operations, including informed consent processes, documentation standards, and practice management and operations within a professional framework.

This placement is well suited for students interested in clinical social work and psychotherapy who are seeking close mentorship, structured supervision, and meaningful integration of theory and practice in a contemporary private practice setting.

Indirect client work in planning workshops, groups, courses as well as group therapy facilitation are offered for student to observe and to be observed in practice. Student will also have opportunities to observe supervisor in direct client work if consent from client is obtained. Clients who agree to work with student will also be offered some sessions provided by supervisor, if needed and consent is obtained.

Client recruitment will be completed through advertising on social media, newsletters, website. Existing caseload of clients will also be notified and offered sessions provided by MSW student. Student and supervisor will collaboratively discuss and plan for student’s comfortability and readiness for therapy sessions. Clients are recruited through the existing practice intake process. Together, the student and supervisor identify appropriate cases and clients are gradually assigned to the student based on readiness and learning goals.

All clients are pre-screened by the supervisor to assess clinical complexity, risk level, and fit with the student’s scope and learning stage. Clients with high acuity or needs beyond the student’s competency are retained by the supervisor or redirected appropriately.

Practicum Requirements:

☒ Police Reference/Vulnerable Sector Check

☒ Comfort working with the population being served

☒ Comprehensive report writing and documentation

☒ Evening attendance

☒ Language (specify in field below)

Other requirements:

Preference for candidates who are members of the racialized Asian community. It would be an asset to understand Cantonese and/or Mandarin.Evening attendance: Most therapy sessions are currently held in the evening (after work hours). The student can start practicum later than the typical 9AM time. Hours and start time are negotiable and can be discussed according to what is sustainable for the student. Weekend attendance is also permitted but only during the mornings of Saturday. If permitted and meets practicum standards, hours can be split up across the week (e.g. Wednesday and Thursday 11am-7pm and Friday 4-7pm and Saturday 10am-12pm).

Please select Fields(s) of Study:

☒ Social Justice and Diversity

☒ Mental Health and Health

☒ Human Services Management & Leadership

Does your practicum require any previous experience?
No

Is this practicum in-person, remote or hybrid?

Remote

Will this practicum involve direct work or a mix of direct and indirect?

Direct

Number of practicums offered:

Field Instructor name and credentials:

Melody Liang, MSW, RSW

Application deadline:

March 12, 2026

Do you require a resume? Or resume and cover letter?

Both

Accessibility Considerations:

Will the student have access to a private space for notes or computer use? No

Are there breaks between clients/patients/meetings? Yes

Is the practicum considered fast-paced? Medium

Is there a high noise level in the practicum? Low

Is the site wheelchair accessible? N/A

What are the physical demands of the practicum? Use of screens and remote technology to complete practicum work

Are there any other accessibility considerations that potential applicants with disabilities should be aware of?

If you are interested in this practicum, please send a cover letter and resume to miri.ben.dat@utoronto.ca by March 12, 2026.Applications will be sent to the site.