To facilitate support and connection across LGBTQ clinicians at different stages in their careers, the Chicagoland Queer Therapist Network is establishing a mentorship matching program. Having had supervisors and mentors who share our identities, we recognize the power of having someone who has shared identities and lived experiences support you in navigating the field.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this program is to connect clinicians with mentors in the field who share their identities and can provide support and guidance. This is not meant to be a supervisory relationship, nor should it take away from supervision a mentee may be receiving. Instead, this relationship should focus on enhancing the mentee’s professional performance and development.

CRITERIA

To become a mentor, you must have a terminal license (LCPC, LCSW, LMFT, Licensed Clinical Psychologist) and at least five years of experience in the field. Mentors will have the opportunity to determine which particular identities and experiences they are most interested in providing mentorship around (i.e. race/ethnicity, sexuality, gender, military experience, chronic health conditions, religion/spirituality, parenthood, etc.).

EXPECTATIONS

Mentors and mentees are encouraged to set a regular meeting schedule (once per month or every other month is recommended) to connect either in person or virtually. At the beginning of the mentorship relationship, it may be helpful to discuss each person’s hopes/goals for this relationship.

We recognize that mentorship is a complex relationship and just because two clinicians share identities, does not mean they will be a good mentorship fit.

While the Mentorship Committee will do their best to vet mentors and mentees, we cannot guarantee a good fit, and participants should consider a match to be an introduction with the possibility of a continuing relationship rather than a guarantee of a mentorship relationship.

Interested in Providing or Receiving Mentorship?

Complete this contact form and a member of our Mentorship & Training Committee will reach out to you about next steps in potential matching!