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Match # 263712 – Sound Psychotherapy & Assessment

About Us

Mission: At Sound Psychotherapy & Assessment, we are dedicated to creating a team of providers who deliver compassionate, integrative, and trauma-informed care to our clients on their journey of self-exploration. Whether seeking psychotherapy or undergoing an evaluation, our mission is to provide comprehensive psychological services guided by ethical principles and tailored to meet individual needs. Our goal is to establish rapport and trust, create safety, collaborate, and support clients in navigating their challenges, empower greater self-awareness and resilience, and promote individual growth, healing, psychological health, and overall well-being.

At Sound Psychotherapy & Assessment, we provide compassionate, trauma-informed care to support clients in their journey toward self-exploration and well-being. Our mission is to offer comprehensive psychological services guided by ethical principles and tailored to meet the unique needs of each client.

Founded in 2008 by Dr. Sierra Swing, we are a growing group practice in Seattle, WA, specializing in psychotherapy and psychological, neuropsychological, and forensic evaluations. We are one of the few practices in the Pacific Northwest contracting with all insurance companies, including Medicaid and Medicare, and serve a diverse range of clients, including those referred by Child Protective Services (CPS) and the Department of Children, Youth & Families (DCYF). We also conduct evaluations for the Department of Disability Determination Services (DDS) and the Office of Public Defense (OPD).

Interns at Sound Psychotherapy & Assessment gain hands-on experience in a multidisciplinary setting, providing psychotherapy and conducting comprehensive evaluations, while learning the intricacies of running a private practice and collaborating with clients and other professionals. You will work closely with Dr. Sierra Swing and Dr. Samuel Collier.  Dr. Swing is a clinical and forensic psychologist with extensive experience in trauma treatment, psychotherapy, and evaluation  services. She is dedicated to supporting individuals in overcoming challenges related to adverse experiences and fostering healing and resilience. Dr. Swing’s approach combines compassion, empathy, and evidence-based practices to create a safe and effective therapeutic environment

Dr. Collier is a former associate of Sound Psychotherapy & Assessment and the founder of Pacific Coast Psychological Services. He specializes in trauma treatment, including complex and developmental trauma, PTSD, and issues related to cultural identity and systemic adversity and has extensive experience in multicultural psychology and he works collaboratively with individuals to empower them in their healing process. Dr. Collier’s compassionate, culturally-sensitive approach makes him a valuable mentor and supervisor for interns seeking to expand their clinical skills, particularly in trauma and identity-focused therapy.

We offer a supportive and collaborative environment where you will develop the skills and competencies necessary to thrive as a well-rounded psychologist.

Training Opportunities

Positions: 1

Setting

Outpatient

Services Provided by Interns

Interns at Sound Psychotherapy & Assessment will have the opportunity to provide a blend of psychotherapy and psychological/neuropsychological assessment services, tailored to their training goals, clinical interests, and areas of expertise.

Therapy Services:
Interns will maintain an active therapy caseload, providing individual therapy to children, adolescents, and/or adults, depending on their preferences and areas of competence. Clients present with a wide range of concerns, including ADHD, anxiety, trauma, depression, identity development, relational challenges, neurodivergence, and emotion regulation. Interns may choose to specialize in certain populations and have the autonomy to advertise themselves accordingly (e.g., through Psychology Today or other platforms), while still receiving ongoing referrals through the practice to support caseload development.

Assessment Services:
Interns will be expected to complete a set number of comprehensive psychological and/or neuropsychological evaluations per month. These may include diagnostic evaluations, ADHD/ASD assessments, learning disability evaluations, and DCYF-referred parenting evaluations with therapy and risk components. Assessments typically involve a combination of clinical interviews, behavioral observations, record reviews, psychometric testing, scoring, report writing, and feedback sessions.

Additional Opportunities:

Interns may be invited to support or supervise practicum students or junior trainees in areas where they have prior training or experience.

Opportunities to observe and discuss expert witness testimony and conduct evaluations at Snohomish County Jail are available for interested interns.

Interns will also develop skills in collaborating with multidisciplinary systems, including DCYF, GALs, and legal teams, particularly when working with underserved and court-involved populations.

All interns will receive weekly individual supervision, group case consultation, and testing-focused supervision, with additional support as needed for report writing, differential diagnosis, and treatment planning. The program is designed to balance autonomy and structure, allowing interns to grow into confident, ethical, and well-rounded clinicians.

Schedule Considerations

Interns will be able to choose their own schedule and hours for the most part, but will be expected to be available at least one evening a week in order for various client populations to have access to care (e.g., students, teachers, people with regular 9-5 jobs), but will be required to attend didactics, group supervision, and individual supervision based on the schedule provided by NPTC and Dr. Swing’s availability.

The intern will likely rotate between the various offices available depending on office availability and the type of services being provided.

Placement Location

 

 

 

Didactics

Didactic trainings are typically held the second Friday of each month from 8:30 am –  5:30 pm. The trainings will be hosted at one of the partner agencies throughout the year. Psychology interns are given a schedule of didactic training dates and locations at the beginning of each training year and will be notified in advance via email if the schedule or location has changed. Please email applicant@psychologyinterns.org for access to our current training manual which includes the full didactic training policy (policies subject to change).

Supervision

All interns receive at least four hours of supervision per week. The requirement includes at least two hours with a licensed psychologist in individual, face-to-face supervision. The other two hours include secondary supervision with a licensed psychologist and/or ancillary supervisor in a group or individual setting. Please email applicant@psychologyinterns.org for access to our current training manual which includes the full supervision policy (policies subject to change).

Clerical and Technical Support

While we do not have in-house office staff or a reception team, we work with a highly skilled virtual assistant based in the Philippines, who supports various administrative tasks, including managing waitlists.

Training Materials and Equipment

At Sound Psychotherapy & Assessment, we are committed to providing interns with all the tools and resources they need to succeed in a professional, well-equipped environment. Interns will have access to fully furnished offices with necessary equipment to conduct psychological and neuropsychological assessments, including testing computers with specialized scoring software installed.

Interns will also have access to a comprehensive database of psychological, neuropsychological, learning, and risk assessment measures, ensuring they can perform a wide range of evaluations. This includes standardized assessments used in clinical, forensic, and developmental contexts, allowing interns to gain hands-on experience with various tools essential to their future practice.

Additionally, interns have access to EBSCO Library resources, providing a broad range of academic journals and research materials to support learning and professional development.

These resources, coupled with the guidance and mentorship from our experienced team, ensure that interns are well-equipped to handle both clinical and evaluative tasks while refining their skills in a supportive and well-resourced environment.

Schedule

Each intern’s schedule may vary according to special interests and needs of the training site.

Example Schedule
Time of Day Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
AM/PM
Direct Client Care, 1 hour of individual supervision
Direct Client Care, Report Writing
Direct Client Care, 2 hours of Group Supervision
Direct Client Care, 1 hour of individual therapy

NPTC Trainings/Didactics, Group Supervision, Report Writing

 

Our Supervisors

While we won’t know your exact supervisor assignments until the internship starts, these are examples of some of the individuals you may work with over the course of your year at the site. 

Site Training Director

Sierra Swing, PsyD

Dr. Swing is a licensed clinical and forensic psychologist with extensive experience in providing psychotherapy for individuals and couples across the lifespan. She specializes in forensic, neuropsychological, parenting, and general psychological evaluations. With a deep understanding of the impact of adverse childhood experiences and trauma, she works with clients facing depression, anxiety, relationship challenges, adjustment difficulties, addictive behaviors, stress, chronic pain, health issues, dissociative disorders, and grief. Dr. Swing integrates various therapeutic modalities and empirically supported treatments to create a collaborative, holistic approach tailored to each client’s needs. She also incorporates her therapy dog, Boomer, as a co-therapist, enhancing the therapeutic experience.

Example treatment modalities (as listed by APPIC):

Assessment
Major Area (50%+)
Individual Intervention
Major Area (50%+)
Couples Intervention
Exposure (1% to 20%)
Family Intervention
Exposure (1% to 20%)
Group Intervention
Exposure (1% to 20%)
Community Intervention
N/A
Consultation/Liaison
Experience (21% to 30%)
Crisis Intervention
N/A
Brief Intervention
Exposure (1% to 20%)
Long-Term Intervention
Experience (21% to 30%)
Cognitive Rehabilitation
N/A
Primary Care
N/A
Supervision of Prac. Students
Exposure (1% to 20%)
Evidence-Based Practice
Major Area (50%+)
Evidence-Based Research
N/A

Interns at Sound Psychotherapy & Assessment will gain rich, hands-on experience working with a diverse client population across the lifespan, with a focus on diagnostic clarity, trauma-informed care, and psychological testing. Our practice serves individuals seeking support for a range of presenting concerns, with frequent diagnoses including ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, PTSD and Complex Trauma, Anxiety Disorders, Mood Disorders, Learning Disabilities, and Personality Disorders. Interns will have the opportunity to engage in both psychotherapy and assessment services depending on their training goals.

A significant portion of our assessment work is in partnership with Washington State’s Department of Children, Youth & Families (DCYF), where we provide comprehensive psychological and neuropsychological evaluations with a parenting and therapy component. Interns will support low-income clients in understanding the impact of mental health, cognitive functioning, trauma, and executive functioning on parenting capacity and treatment planning. These evaluations are deeply integrative and often include behavioral observations, record review, collateral interviews, and extensive psychometric testing.

For those interested, there are also opportunities to:

  • Conduct psychological evaluations on-site at the Snohomish County Jail, offering insight into forensic mental health in a correctional setting;

  • Observe expert witness testimony provided by Dr. Sierra Swing in family court, dependency court, or other legal contexts;

  • Collaborate with DCYF, GALs, attorneys, and community providers in real-world systems-level care.

Interns are encouraged to tailor their experience to fit their professional goals and interests. They may choose to focus more heavily on assessment, therapy, or a mix of both, and their caseloads and training focus will align with how they choose to present themselves to the community—particularly through their Psychology Today profiles and other referral platforms.

Sound Psychotherapy & Assessment is deeply committed to providing compassionate, inclusive care to anyone in need. Interns will receive high-quality supervision that supports clinical skill development, cultural humility, and professional identity formation in a collaborative and supportive group practice setting.

Example supervised experiences (as listed by APPIC):

Health Psychology   Exposure (1% to 20%)
Forensics / Corrections
  Emphasis (31% to 49%)
Women’s Health   Exposure (1% to 20%)
Sexual Offenders
  Exposure (1% to 20%)
HIV / AIDS
  N/A Geropsychology   Exposure (1% to 20%)
Eating Disorders   Exposure (1% to 20%) Pediatrics   Exposure (1% to 20%)
Sexual Disorders   Exposure (1% to 20%) School   N/A
Sports Psychology   N/A Counseling   Major Area (50%+)
Rehabilitation Psychology   N/A
Vocational / Career Development
  Exposure (1% to 20%)
Physical Disabilities   N/A
Multicultural Therapy
  Exposure (1% to 20%)
Learning Disabilities   Experience (21% to 30%)
Feminist Therapy
  Exposure (1% to 20%)
Developmental Disabilities   Exposure (1% to 20%)
Religion / Spirituality
  N/A
Assessment   Major Area (50%+)
Empirically-Supported Treatment
  Experience (21% to 30%)
Neuropsychology – Adult   Major Area (50%+)
Public Policy / Advocacy
  N/A
Neuropsychology – Child
  Emphasis (31% to 49%)
Program Development/Evaluation
  Exposure (1% to 20%)
Serious Mental Illness   Exposure (1% to 20%) Supervision   Exposure (1% to 20%)
Anxiety Disorders   Experience (21% to 30%) Research   N/A
Trauma/PTSD   Emphasis (31% to 49%) Administration   Exposure (1% to 20%)
Sexual Abuse
  Emphasis (31% to 49%)
Integrated Health Care–Primary
  N/A
Substance Use Disorders   Experience (21% to 30%)
Integrated Health Care–Specialty
  N/A
At Sound Psychotherapy & Assessment, interns will work with a diverse client population representing a wide range of cultural, socioeconomic, and clinical backgrounds. Our clients include both privately insured individuals and low-income clients referred by the Department of Children, Youth & Families (DCYF) for court-ordered psychological and neuropsychological evaluations, often with a parenting or therapy component.

Our privately insured and moderate-income clients typically seek care for concerns such as ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, trauma-related disorders, anxiety, depression, executive functioning challenges, and learning disabilities. Many are navigating complex life transitions or seeking diagnostic clarity for longstanding difficulties. This population often includes working professionals, students, and young adults who are motivated to understand their mental health and cognitive functioning more fully.

Our DCYF-referred clients are frequently navigating significant systemic and socioeconomic barriers. Many have limited or no access to reliable transportation, are experiencing housing instability or homelessness, are unemployed or underemployed, and may be underinsured or navigating public systems with limited resources. Substance use, untreated trauma, and cognitive limitations are common concerns in this population. Interns will gain valuable experience working with individuals involved in child welfare systems who are often under significant stress, may have limited trust in providers, and who benefit from a highly sensitive, strengths-based, and trauma-informed approach.

Working with this population provides interns with a deeper understanding of social determinants of health, intergenerational trauma, and the practical and ethical considerations of conducting evaluations in high-stakes, court-involved contexts. Interns will develop skills in adapting communication, building rapport across differences, and providing care that is responsive to complex psychosocial realities.

This dual focus on both community mental health and private practice allows interns to develop a broad clinical skillset, deepen their cultural humility, and explore a range of professional roles in both therapy and assessment contexts.

Children 5%
Adolescents 10%
Adults 80%
Family 10%
Older Adults 5%
Inpatients 0%
Outpatients 100%
LBGTQIA+ 15%
Ethnic Minorities 10%
Spanish Speaking 2%
French Speaking 0%
Deaf/Hearing Impaired 0%
Students 10%
International Students 1%
Rural 7%
Urban 90%
Low Income 25%
Homeless 2% 
 
Number of Counties Served 5
Total Number of Clients Served 200

Annual Pay for the 2025-2026 Training Year: $43,180.80

Benefits provided at this site include:

    • 112 hours of PTO/Sick Time
    • 3 days (24 hours) of CME
    • Health and Dental Insurance
    • Flexible schedule
    • Laptop provided for professional use
    • 401k (no employer match)

Sound Psychotherapy & Assessment observes the following 9 holidays:

    • New Years Day
    • Martin Luther King Jr. Day
    • President’s Day
    • Memorial Day
    • Independence Day
    • Labor Day
    • Thanksgiving
    • Friday after Thanksgiving
    • Christmas Day

Please note that available benefits and observed holidays are subject to change. Matched interns will receive full benefit orientations at their site which will go over all benefit information for the training year. More information about the Support and Benefits offered in each of our regions can be found here.

Sound Psychotherapy & Assessment, LLC is contracted with all major insurance companies, who the intern will be able to bill for services. Interns must have an NPI and create a CAQH profile as part of the insurance contracting process. We are also contracted with the Department of Children, Youth, & Families (DCYF) and interns will need to become approved subcontractors. As part of this process, interns must pass a background check, sign a confidentiality agreement, and complete various trainings to remain compliant with the contract.

Qualified applicants must have completed their Master’s degree and be currently enrolled in a PhD, PsyD, or EdD program in clinical or counseling psychology (preferred) or school psychology (acceptable). All formal coursework should be completed prior to starting the internship. Interns must also hold a Licensed Mental Health Counselor Associate (LMHCA) license in Washington State. Additionally, applicants will ideally have completed EMDR Level 1 training, be EMDR Certified, or have other certifications or training in trauma-specific treatments and/or specialized therapeutic modalities.

We select interns based on their specific areas of interest and experience, their ability to demonstrate self-motivation, hard work, and a willingness to learn, as well as their capability to provide comprehensive, integrated, and client-centered care to a diverse range of clients. Interns will be asked to complete the Predictive Index assessment to ensure that their behavioral profile aligns with the values and needs of our practice, optimizing outcomes for both the intern and the clients they serve.

We are particularly interested in interns who are passionate about becoming long-term members of the team. Our ideal candidates are those who are committed to staying on to complete their postdoctoral training, becoming associates of the practice, and contributing to the growth and development of our internship program and group practice. We view our interns as part of the Sound Psychotherapy & Assessment “family,” and we are dedicated to fostering a supportive and collaborative environment for future career growth within our practice.

Our interview process is designed to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the candidate’s qualifications, fit within the practice, and alignment with our values. The process includes:

  1. Completion of the Predictive Index: All applicants will be asked to complete the Predictive Index behavioral assessment. This helps us understand your behavioral profile and ensures that it aligns with the culture and needs of our practice.
  2. Initial Interview: Qualified candidates will be invited to an interview with Dr. Sierra Swing, PsyD, and Dr. Samuel Collier, PsyD. This interview will provide an opportunity to discuss your experience, career goals, and how you approach client care, as well as learn more about the practice, our approach, and the expectations for the internship.
  3. Interview Format: The interview can be conducted either in person or virtually, depending on the candidate’s location and availability. If the interview takes place in person, it will typically involve a half- to full-day event where you will meet with Dr. Swing, Dr. Collier, and other key members of the team.

We are committed to creating an inclusive and thorough selection process that allows both candidates and our team to ensure a good fit for the internship and future growth within Sound Psychotherapy & Assessment.

Best Areas to Live Around the Site:

  • West Seattle
    Neighborhoods: Alki Beach, Admiral, and Fauntleroy offer proximity to water, parks, and a vibrant community. Ideal for outdoor enthusiasts, West Seattle provides scenic views, numerous parks, and a tight-knit atmosphere.
    Cost of Living: Relatively high due to its prime location.
  • Capitol Hill
    Known for nightlife, diverse dining, and cultural attractions, Capitol Hill is a bustling urban neighborhood with a young, dynamic population. It offers a rich social environment but is farther from West Seattle.
    Cost of Living: High, especially for those seeking urban living.
  • Ballard
    A historic area with trendy restaurants, shops, and breweries. It’s lively with a great farmers market and beautiful Ballard Locks. Though further from West Seattle, it offers a neighborhood vibe with plenty of activities.
    Cost of Living: Moderate to high.
  • Beacon Hill
    Known for stunning views and a blend of residential tranquility with urban convenience. Offers easy access to downtown via light rail, numerous parks, and a strong sense of community.
    Cost of Living: Moderate.
  • Burien
    A quieter, more suburban area offering affordable housing options and a slower pace of life, but still close to the city. Features charming shops, parks, and beach access.
    Cost of Living: More affordable than central Seattle neighborhoods.
  • SODO
    Primarily industrial, SODO offers proximity to downtown and major highways but lacks residential amenities. It is home to sports venues and creative spaces.
    Cost of Living: Lower for industrial areas, but limited housing options.
  • Georgetown
    Eclectic and artsy, known for its creative scene with galleries, studios, and a variety of restaurants and bars. Popular with artists and young professionals.
    Cost of Living: Moderate.

Areas to Avoid:

  • Industrial District
    Noisy and primarily industrial with limited residential amenities and services.
    Why Avoid: Less safe and lacking essential services.
  • South Park
    Known for higher crime rates, this area is in transition and may not be the safest for new residents.
    Why Avoid: Higher crime rates and limited amenities.

Public Transportation:

  • Bus: King County Metro Transit services Seattle, including West Seattle (Routes 50, 21, and RapidRide C Line).
  • Light Rail: The Link Light Rail connects many parts of Seattle, though West Seattle access requires a bus transfer.
  • Water Taxi: A quick and scenic route between West Seattle and downtown Seattle.
  • Ride-Sharing: Uber, Lyft, and traditional taxis are readily available.

Other Useful Information:

  • Parks & Recreation: Alki Beach, Lincoln Park, and Schmitz Preserve Park offer outdoor activities and scenic views.
  • Local Amenities: West Seattle’s Junction is a hub for shopping, dining, and entertainment.
  • Community Events: Enjoy local farmers markets and community events in West Seattle, fostering a connected neighborhood.