Externship/Licensure Candidate
The path towards licensure
At Forge Counseling Collective, we seek motivated, skilled, and hardworking licensure candidates to join our dynamic team. Becoming an extern with us is more than a step toward licensure—it’s an opportunity to immerse yourself in a collaborative community dedicated to growth, excellence, and shared success.
We value individuals aligned with our mission and vision, ready to contribute meaningfully to our collective, and eager to grow with us long-term. This role is not just about earning hours; it’s about making an impact. We’re also actively vetting candidates for potential full-time positions within the collective.
Joining Forge means embracing a culture of collaboration, continuous learning, and mutual support—qualities that make our work both fulfilling and impactful.
What We’re Looking For
A Licensure Candidate
Excited to work with diverse presenting problems, ages, payor sources, and identities.A Self-Aware Professional
Possesses strong self-awareness, clear communication skills, and a genuine passion for growth—both personally and alongside their clients.A Grounded and Passionate Team Member
Values humor, trust, hard work, and flexibility while embracing the growth opportunities that come with taking risks.
Testimonials from Our Team
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"Forge has been an excellent site for my externship because I get a great balance of supervision and autonomy. I’m supported with everything I could need, while the supervisors trust me to manage my own caseload and schedule. Forge offers consistent, high-quality supervision, including from PhD-trained supervisors—something not many counseling sites provide. Best of all, Forge makes me feel important, accepted, and cared for, while encouraging me to be my most authentic self."
— Current Extern, second year with Forge (began as an intern) -
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"My name is Bre, and I am an LPC at our Colorado Springs office. I’ve been with Forge since my first semester of internship, followed by my externship, and I’ve been overjoyed to continue my training and career development with this team. I chose to stay with Forge after graduation for many reasons, but primarily because of the opportunities for continuing education and mentorship (both providing and receiving), training in billing and insurance, caseload building and maintenance, the flexibility to set my own schedule, and the chance to work with clients I’m passionate about. Most importantly, the relationships I’ve built with my colleagues have been invaluable."
— Current LPC, began as an intern and completed externship with Forge -
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"I have loved being an intern and extern at Forge. Coming from a community mental health practicum site, I was searching for a place where I could not only gain exposure to a variety of clients and clinicians but also feel embraced as a person. I wanted supervision that allowed me to grow into my own unique identity as a clinician, rather than conforming to someone else’s mold. Forge has been exactly that. The group collaboration and friendly environment have supported me in discerning who I am—and who I am not—as a clinician."
— Current First year Extern, began as an intern with Forge -
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"I started at Forge Counseling Collective as a practicum student and instantly felt like I had found my work home. While the work itself is fulfilling and impactful, there’s also a strong focus on building meaningful connections within the team and community. Supervision is supportive, tailored to different specialties, and adapted to multiple developmental stages. This has helped me grow both personally and professionally. There are always opportunities to learn and explore new areas, and I’m encouraged to pursue continued education in areas that matter to me. Forge truly fosters an environment where you can thrive and develop in all aspects of your career."
— Current First-Year Extern, began as a practicum student and completed internship with Forge -
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"Forge has provided the optimal environment for starting my career as a therapist. I have felt encouraged, challenged, and supported while pursuing my areas of interest and discovering who I am as a clinician. Having both individual and group supervision, as well as opportunities to consult with other Forge clinicians, has greatly enhanced my clinical skills and confidence. Forge emphasizes hard work and dedication to our clients, while never losing sight of the importance of fun, humor, and fostering a sense of community within our team."
— Current Second-Year Extern, began as an intern with Forge -
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"I love that there’s no shortage of clients here—many of my peers from graduate school are struggling with this, but not at Forge! The space is warm, and inviting, and has a truly supportive community feel. I feel encouraged to keep learning, growing, and developing my identity as a professional counselor."
— Current First-Year Extern, joined Forge as an external hire -
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"Forge has provided me with a supportive, growth-oriented environment as I’ve transitioned to being a full-time therapist. There is always someone to turn to when I’m stuck or unsure, and people who witness and validate my experience. I feel very lucky to be part of Forge as an extern."
— Current First-Year Extern, joined Forge as an external hire
What You’ll Receive
What You’ll Receive at Forge Counseling Collective
Forge Counseling Collective, an established brand in 2013, has built a strong reputation in the community with clients, counselors-in-training, universities, and licensed professionals. At Forge Counseling Collective, we value your dedication and strive to support your professional growth and well-being. Below is an overview of the competitive pay, benefits, and opportunities you can expect when joining our team as an extern.
Compensation
First-Year Externs:
Earn 45% of the income generated from your sessions, paid biweekly. A portion of the income allocation goes toward essential operational expenses, including supervision by experienced professionals, advertising to maintain a steady client flow, access to a robust charting system, office space and supplies, and other overhead costs necessary to run a thriving therapeutic private practice. This structure ensures externs have a strong foundation to grow and develop professionally.
Second-Year Externs:
Receive a raise to 50% of the income generated from your sessions, increasing your earning potential as you progress toward licensure. This percentage reflects Forge's dedication to providing a strong support system, covering essential operational expenses that allow you to focus on honing your craft and developing your professional identity.
Benefits
401(k) with Matching: Available after your first 6 months, offered through Guideline.
Wellness Stipend: $500 annual wellness stipend to support your health and well-being.
Continuing Education Support: $500 annual continuing education stipend to advance your skills and knowledge.
Supervision: Weekly individual supervision with a licensed, full-time Forge team member, with hours counting toward licensure.
Flexible Scheduling: Enjoy a blend of in-office and remote work options for a balanced schedule.
Growth Opportunities: Potential to grow into future roles, including full-time licensed clinician positions.
Professional Development
Externship Leadership & Mentoring Opportunities: Contribute to Forge by:
Leading new training initiatives.
Providing clinical support.
Streamlining systems and processes.
Creating and facilitating therapy groups.
Assisting with administrative tasks, including the call log and handbook development.
Mentoring future counselors and externs.
Training and Mentorship:
Learn from industry leaders to achieve your clinical goals.
Access mentorship opportunities through our Training Institute.
Ongoing Development Support:
Weekly individual supervision with a licensed supervisor.
Twice-monthly team meetings and group supervision.
Opportunities for interdisciplinary consultation and in-house trainings.
Mentorship to prepare for clinical supervision roles.
Work Environment
Beautiful Office Space:
Work in a warm, inviting environment designed for comfort and productivity.
Team Collaboration:
Join a supportive team that fosters growth and innovation.
Forge Counseling Collective is committed to creating an environment where you can thrive personally and professionally. We look forward to supporting your journey toward becoming a skilled and compassionate clinician.