The Intern Counseling Program
at CounselingWorks

Welcome to the Intern Counseling Program (ICP) at CounselingWorks. This program is designed for those who want mental health counseling services but:

•  Have no mental health insurance coverage; or

•  Have exhausted their mental health insurance coverage; or

•  Cannot afford insurance deductibles or co-pays; or

•  Cannot afford to pay standard private therapy fees.

Counseling services through the ICP are provided by a Registered Intern in one of the mental health-related disciplines. A Registered Intern is an individual who has completed the Master’s Degree in a counseling-related field and is in a two-year period of apprenticeship being eligible to take the independent clinical licensing exam. All interns are closely supervised by Elizabeth Ruegg, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 20 years of counseling experience.

Who is eligible?

Registered Interns are qualified to work with children, adolescents, adults, individuals, couples, families and groups.

Ideal candidates for this program include people with mild to moderate depression, anxiety, adjustment problems and relationship conflicts.

What types of counseling methods are used?

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

• Change-focused counseling

• Supportive therapy

• Play therapy

• Sandplay therapy

 Will I be seen immediately?

There may be a waiting list for services through the intern program. If you feel you need to be seen immediately and we cannot give you with an immediate appointment, we can provide you with contact information for other sources of low-cost care in the local area.

Can anyone receive services through the Intern Counseling Program?

Because Registered Interns are still learning the skill of psychotherapy, they are not equipped to treat complicated mental health problems.

As a result, individuals with chronic or complicated mental health issues are generally not eligible for services through the Intern Counseling Program.

 Specifically, the intern counselors are not qualified to treat:

 Sexual disorders
Complex trauma
Psychotic disorders
Dissociative disorders
Co-occurring disorders
Substance abuse disorders
Sexual abuse of children
Domestic violence situations
Severe emotional disturbance
Physically aggressive behavior
Suicidal or homicidal thoughts

 How do I apply for services through the Intern Counseling Program?

If you would like more information or would like to apply for services through this program, please contact Elizabeth Ruegg for a telephone screening interview at 727-967-3320.    

Our current ICP counselors are:  

Kathleen Capelle, MSW  

My name is Kathleen Capelle. I received my MSW from the University of Maryland . In addition to seeing clients at CounselingWorks, I am a hospice social worker.  

Before moving to Florida , I was a clinical social worker at Johns Hopkins Hospital Department of Psychiatry on a general inpatient unit. I also have experience in Employee Assistance Programs, working in a call center, assisting employees obtain counseling for personal or substance related issues.   

I particularly enjoy working with individuals with Type I diabetes, children, teens and adults.

Christine McNamara, M.S.W.

I am Christine McNamara, a Registered Clinical Social Work Intern. I have experience working with individuals with various developmental disabilities and a focus in individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders. I have also worked in community mental health providing psychotherapy and psychoeducational programs to individuals, families, and groups.  

I earned my Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Central Florida and a Masters of Social Work from the University of South Florida .  

I use a solution focused, cognitive based therapy approach that empowers individuals to identify personal goals while enhancing coping and problem solving skills in a supportive environment.

Maritza Martinez, MSW, CAP

Maritza is currently enrolled in the Doctor of Education in Counseling Psychology (Ed.D.) program at Argosy University . She obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Lehman College and her Master’s degree in Social Work from Yeshiva University .

Maritza enjoys providing counseling services to women, men and adolescents.

Maritza has worked intensively with issues of chemical dependency, methadone maintenance, illiteracy, limited/no work histories, academic limitation, victims of domestic violence, ex-offenders, homelessness, cultural diversity, sexual abuse and those presenting with chronic illnesses. Her future plans include opening her private practice after obtaining her LCSW and Ed.D. Degree. 

Marianne Pennisi, MSW

Greetings! I am Marianne Pennisi, a Registered Clinical Social Work Intern with CounselingWorks. This means that I have obtained a Master’s degree in Social Work and am currently in a two year apprenticeship period to earn my license. I graduated cum laude (with honors) from the University of South Florida with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 2001 and a Master of Social Work degree in 2006.  

I have worked in various agencies providing counseling services to children, adolescents and adults. Some of the issues I help people cope with include depression, anxiety, relationship concerns, caregiver stress, improving self esteem, and grief.

I believe counseling should be progressive and create movement in your life. I look forward to joining you on this spectacular journey.

Mary Scharmer, M.S.

Hello, my name is Mary Scharmer, and I am an intern at CounselingWorks.  Originally from Madison , Wisconsin , I have a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education from the University of Wisconsin , Madison .  I taught elementary school for 12 years in Wisconsin , the state of Washington , and California .  While in California , I attended San Jose State University and received a masters degree in counseling education.

For the past 12 years I have been a middle school counselor, first in California , and for the last 5 years, here in Florida .

Some of the programs and services I provide are:  individual and family counseling, peer mediation, peer counseling, new student orientation, Project Wisdom (character building activities); and support groups for children dealing with divorce, anger management, bullying, and social skills.

I am currently working on becoming a licensed mental health counselor.  My interests include:  working with adolescents, conflict resolution, and group therapy.  My goal is to empower individuals to make positive changes to improve the quality of their lives.  I strive to provide service which will help others to live happier lives.