Twin Springs Counseling Grows Rural Mental Health Workforce Through Mentorship and Upskilling

Twin Springs Counseling, an Indiana-based rural collective of therapists, is addressing the mental health provider shortage in underserved communities by investing in a unique upskilling model. Founded by licensed clinical social worker Sara Farmer, the practice serves as both a therapy provider and a training incubator for early-career clinicians, with a special focus on trauma-informed care for children.

Farmer’s vision is rooted in mentorship and long-term development. Her practice offers a two-and-a-half-year residency program where employees, referred to as “residents,” receive weekly supervision, hands-on training, and a professional development stipend. This stipend supports specialized certifications such as EMDR and Registered Play Therapy, allowing residents to tailor their learning to their interests and the needs of their clients.

The upskilling process at Twin Springs is deeply experiential. Residents work under Farmer’s license and receive both individual and group supervision. They also benefit from external training opportunities funded by the practice, which helps them build niche skills beyond what is offered in-house.

This model has allowed Twin Springs to expand its reach significantly. Before launching the program, Farmer’s waitlist was often a year long. Now, with a team of trained residents, the practice can serve more children, especially those 12 and under, a population often overlooked in traditional mental health settings.

The residency program has also transformed the workplace culture. “Our team wants more team meetings, I have a staff meeting, and they still ask for more,” Farmer said. “Those meetings tend to be vibrant. So, the culture feels healthy and positive, and I haven’t lost anybody yet.” This strong sense of community has contributed to high retention, with no residents leaving the program since its inception.

Lilli Norris, one of the program’s residents, shared how the training helped her feel confident and grounded in her work: “I felt equipped to use the skills I learned before I had to use them. I was then able to stay more regulated with my clients because I was prepared.”

That preparation is matched by tangible career growth. Residents begin the program earning $24.94 per hour, with wages increasing to $35.35 by the end of their training, reflecting both their growing expertise and the value they bring to the practice.

Farmer believes that upskilling is not just about business outcomes but about meeting human needs. “All humans need challenge and they need to feel mastery,” she said. “If we give human beings what they need, they’re going to be happier and they’re going to be healthier, which brings good business outcomes.”

Twin Springs Counseling is also helping to pave the way for broader recognition of soft-skills-based training. While many upskilling programs focus on technical or trade skills, Farmer’s model demonstrates the value of investing in emotional intelligence, trauma-informed care, and human development, especially in fields where compassion and resilience are essential.

All three of Twin Springs’ current employees began as graduate students under Farmer’s supervision. After completing their academic training, they transitioned into the residency program, continuing their development in a supportive, real-world setting. This pipeline approach not only builds capacity but also ensures continuity of care for clients and long-term sustainability for the practice.

To learn more about Twin Springs Counseling, visit twinspringscounseling.org.