RIACT Residency Program: Why We Built This
Todd Schmenk, LMHC |
www.riact.org
TS
by Todd Schmenk
Our Why
Heads, Hearts, Hands
Values-grounded clinicians built for real-world care
Skill Building
Confident, skilled ACT practitioners
Community
Connected, collaborative support network
Ethical Practice
Guidance toward sustainable career paths
A Philosophical Foundation
Lasting Transformation
ACT as vehicle for meaningful change
Flexible Process
Therapy as adaptive, not rigid protocol
Functional Contextualism
Behavior understood within context, not isolation
Filling a Gap in Professional Growth
Unprepared Graduates
New clinicians lack real-world readiness
Inconsistent Supervision
Quality mentorship often missing
No Business Training
Practice management skills overlooked
Residency Solution
Structure, mentorship, direction
Building More Than Clinicians
Process Thinkers
Beyond rigid protocols
Balanced Approach
Clinical depth with practical action
Personal Growth
Engaging own stuck points with flexibility
Community Over Isolation
Weekly Process Groups
Regular peer support and collaboration
Shared Resources
Tools, notes, and clinical materials
Supervisor Network
ACT-informed mentorship
Collective Growth
"We grow better when we grow together"
Business Support with Integrity
Practice Building
Learn to build and manage a private practice
Purposeful Progress
Track outcomes beyond insurance requirements
Sustainable Care
Balance business needs without sacrificing quality
Changing the System
Fair Compensation
70-75% of service income vs industry 50%
Recognizing real value and clinical effort
Sustainable Caseloads
21 clients/week max vs agency 27-35
Quality care, stability, clinician well-being
Modular Network
Connected by philosophy, not hierarchy
More adaptable, less fragile than agencies
The RIACT Difference
Cohort Learning
Progress together in supportive groups
FC/RFT Framework
Embedded theoretical foundation
Experiential Supervision
SEED & SHAPE-based approach
True Residency
Comprehensive, not just supervision
Values Driving the Mission
Integrity
Do what works, not what's easy
Compassion
People first, always
Creativity
Think beyond the manual
Pragmatism
Train for the real world
A Living Vision
Legacy
Impact through mentorship
Shared Success
Collective responsibility and achievement
Meaningful Care
More flexibility, function, and meaning
Join Us
Become a Resident
Start your journey to clinical excellence
Mentor Others
Share your expertise and wisdom
Collaborate
Partner in building something meaningful
Let's build something meaningful—together. www.riact.org/residencyprogram