Testimonials

Abby Pfeifer, MA, LPC Licensed Professional Counselor

For nearly a year, I worked directly with Dr. Karla Ivankovich, as a mental health intern at One Patient Global Initiative. One Patient is a nonprofit that provides accessible healthcare to underserved communities. The organization is led by Dr. Karla and her husband Dr. Dan Ivankovich. It was such a privilege working under Dr. Karla and for an organization like One Patient. The organization's holistic approach to healthcare reinforced the intimate nature of the mind-body connection. The exposure I received through this internship not only allowed me to work in concert with the medical community but also allowed me to learn, observe and practice creative ways to apply many theoretical approaches to a diverse clientele. The supportive and collaborative nature of the internship was indispensable. I truly felt my learning was of real importance. Dr. Karla did a fantastic job not only making me feel included in the work but that my opinions and insights accelerated the mission of the organization. This support empowered me to excel in my role and to venture confidently into a new clinical environment. During my time at One Patient, I learned nearly every facet of what it is to be a mental health clinician. I am currently working at a private practice in Chicago with a docket of nearly 25 clients. My success and confidence as a therapist is largely attributed to the experience I gained working with Dr. Karla and One Patient.

Emily Wagner, MA Former Student Intern

Interning with Dr. Karla gave me a tremendously broad experience and the opportunity to work with a diverse set of clients. As a supervisor, she encouraged me to both go out and seek skills and knowledge and develop confidence in those I already possessed. She encouraged me to ask myself difficult questions and cultivate self-awareness. I was honored to take part in her work to address disparity in the health care system and found my experience within the clinic to be invaluable. It is a sure-fire way to a gain experience with assessments, learn medical vocabulary, master intakes and social interviews, and work across fields/professions to advocate for your clients.

Byron Terry, MA Licensed Professional Counselor

Working with Dr. Karla was truly a life changing and enriching experience. She was my internship coordinator during my Master of Clinical Mental Health Counseling program, and during that time she equipped me with the skills to not only be a successful counselor and graduate from my program but also skills to work with populations that face health disparities due to class, race, gender, and sexual orientation, which are populations that I have dedicated my career. It is through this experience that I become a confident and competent counselor, but also gained transferable skills that will allow me toe excel in any field.

Kristin Englund, MA, LPC Licensed Professional Counselor

Being supervised by Dr. Karla Ivankovich allowed me to put my knowledge into practice and encouraged me to continue learning and growing. Dr. Karla’s approach fostered mutual respect and collaboration between clinicians, focusing on the intersection of mental and physical wellness, and addressing disparity in healthcare. I was challenged and supported by Dr. Karla throughout my educational journey and value our professional relationship to this day!

Nicole Nalls, MA, LCPC Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor

Training under Dr. Karla allowed me to challenge the idea of how a therapeutic counselor/client relationship "should" look. I was empowered to develop my counseling style and support people in a way that is authentic, open, and effective. Dr. Karla's clinic allowed me to see the clear connection between mental and physical health, as well as the understanding that reducing barriers can encourage communities to prioritize mental health support as they would an annual physical.

Shuwanda Hudson, MA, LPC Licensed Professional Counselor

I entered the field of psychology feeling a level of uncertainty. Dr. Karla Ivankovich, for me was the blueprint I needed. Dr. Karla's hands on, intimate, transparent approach to training brought forth true awareness on how this field holds the capacity to not only be beneficial personally, professionally, but has the infinite possibility to make a difference with the disparity found within the healthcare field. her drive and commitment to work within communities, and directly with individuals who have been marginalized has inspired me to create a space for my clients that is open, judgement free, and safe. Dr. Karla Ivankovich is walking inspiration.

Zachary McCarthy, MA, LPC Licensed Professional Counselor

Dr. Karla is not afraid to tell you how it is, both as a counselor and a professor. This teaching method truly opened my eyes to the wonders and difficulties of the counseling world. Through my internship with Dr. Karla, I got a chance to see a different side of counseling, one that doesn’t get talked about much and that’s working with clients who can’t afford traditional counseling due to the health care disparity. This taught me that all people need counseling and it’s important to give back to the community. Dr. Karla truly empowered me to become the counselor I am today, I hope my career embodies the teachings that Dr. Karla left on me.