The Critical Role of the Partner Therapist
Saga’s partner clinicians play a critical role in ensuring the fidelity of Saga’s mental health services. We trust our clinicians to treat clients with respect, compassion, and understanding. We rely on our partner clinicians to work with clients in order to integrate their emotional, relational and mental health challenges with their journey of faith. And we work hard to support our partner clinicians in their unique role with Saga.
Saga’s team of Lead Clinicians offers ongoing support for partner therapists. The team conducts monthly support meetings, where clinicians have a chance to share with each other, learn from each other, and support one another. The Lead Clinicians also work with the team to design and deliver ongoing training and continuing education relevant to each clinician’s work. Specific training, focused on the integration of mental health treatment and Christian faith, is a key component of Saga’s work with its team of partner clinicians.
Saga’s Director of Mental Health Services, working with the Lead Clinical Team, offers additional support to partner clinicians. Often, clerical or administrative support is also available. In short, Saga endeavors to do everything possible to support our partner clinicians as they provide services to their clients, especially those referred through Saga’s intake process.
The Opportunities Saga Provides
Saga’s partner clinicians receive a host of benefits and opportunities.
Client referrals
We anticipate approximately 150 referrals within the first six months, as we work with our partner churches. Each of these referrals will be matched with a partner clinician, who will provide services directly.
Opportunities to create and facilitate therapeutic support groups
Saga will compensate its partner therapists who are interested in facilitating support groups for Saga clients. These groups may target whatever issues are pertinent to current clients, and will be conducted at Saga’s group facility.
Regular professional support
Saga’s Lead Clinical team, Saga’s Mental Health Services Director, and the entire team of partner clinicians create a supportive professional environment for otherwise independent clinicians. Monthly meetings and other opportunities provide time and space for collaboration and support.
Creative opportunities for leadership and influence
Saga partner clinicians are invited to participate in creating and facilitating
educational opportunities related to their specific area(s) of expertise. Saga partner clinicians also have the opportunity to work with counseling interns, and to mentor the next generation of mental health professionals.
Opportunities for continuing education and training
Saga offers courses, some for continuing education credit, targeting mental health professionals. Saga partner clinicians get preferred enrollment in the courses of their choice.
Advertising
Saga offers its partner clinicians advertising on Saga’s website.
For more information about partnering with Saga as a clinician, please contact Susanna Bundy at susanna@sagacenter.org