Practicum and Internship

Mental Health Interns are not paid by Summerville Women’s Mental Health Services (SWMHS), but they do charge clients for each visit. The Mental Health Interns’ reduced-cost fees are as follows:

Mental Health Intern Fees

$65 one-time membership fee in our nonprofit coop The X-Studio: A Mental Health Cooperative

$30 intake session and individual session fee

$40 couples sessions fee

$80 family sessions fee

This is a unique practicum and internship opportunity! The Mental Health Intern’s role is to provide quality mental health care and support to clients, and their families, shadow and assist professional counselors/therapists who provide direct therapeutic counseling/therapy services to individuals, couples, families, and groups as appropriate to address the mental health needs of clients. The Mental Health Intern carries out all counseling/therapy responsibilities following Summerville Women’s Mental Health Services policies and procedures. 

Responsibilities and Duties

All duties are completed under supervision by a direct supervisor. 

• Provide direct/telehealth or in-person clinical treatment/therapeutic counseling as appropriate to children, adolescents, parents/guardians, couples, and families.

• Assess client needs, develop treatment plans, implement interventions, review outcomes, revisit/revise strategies, and employ other methods compatible with SWMHS principles and practices.

• Engage clients, support clients, caregivers, and other key participants in active, change-oriented treatment by identifying and overcoming obstacles to participation.

• Collaborate with all relevant internal/external systems/participants to ensure buy-in and cooperation, and to maximize effectiveness throughout treatment. 

• Link consumers to additional resources as appropriate, including schools, SCDHHS medical/mental health support, etc. 

• Maintain clear and concise documentation of treatment efforts, which promotes peer and supervisory review and feedback.

• Participate in team meetings, staff events, community events, peer support, supervision, and internal or external professional development opportunities to extend knowledge and remain current on best practices.

• Maintain personal integrity and follow the guidelines of the national and state ethical codes of practice as well as SWMHS codes of conduct. 

• Attend regular supervision with a direct supervisor per internship requirements for graduation. 

Qualifications & Skill

Observation is a cornerstone of most mental health internships. You'll have the chance to shadow counselors/therapists during sessions, observing how they interact with clients and utilize different therapeutic techniques. This firsthand experience is invaluable for learning the ropes.

Observation

Observation is a cornerstone of most mental health internships. You'll have the chance to shadow counselors/therapists during sessions, observing how they interact with clients and utilize different therapeutic techniques. This firsthand experience is invaluable for learning the ropes.

Observing counseling/therapy sessions can also give you a glimpse of how professionals establish trust, ask thought-provoking questions, and adapt their style to each client's needs.

Client Interaction

Some practicums and internships offer invaluable opportunities for direct client interaction. Imagine leading support and counseling/therapy groups, facilitating psychoeducational activities, or even assisting with therapeutic tasks under close supervision. These experiences go beyond textbook knowledge, allowing you to put your skills into practice and build valuable relationships. 

Direct client interaction also fosters the development of essential communication and interpersonal skills in a real-world setting. Great counselors/therapists are, after all, masters of active listening and empathy. That said, by interacting with clients, you'll learn to truly listen, validate their experiences, and build trust – all crucial for effective therapy.

Research and Project Work

Research and project work are other possibilities. Some internship opportunities let you participate in research projects, develop new programs, or contribute to community outreach programs. These experiences help you hone your research skills, learn about program development, and gain a broader understanding of clinical mental health services in the community.

Research projects can also expose you to cutting-edge advancements in mental health treatment. The skills you gain here can be valuable whether you pursue a career in research or direct client care.

Professional Development

Some internships offer training sessions and meetings, allowing you to connect with experts, gain fresh perspectives, and learn emerging best practices in mental health care. Take advantage of these opportunities to ask questions, network with other professionals, and learn from their experiences. 

Social Media Platforms, Podcast, and YouTube Channel

Mental Health Interns will be given tasks in the production, management and content posting  of SWMHS’s mental health social media platforms, podcast and YouTube channel. 

Building Your Skillset: What You'll Learn During Your Internship

A mental health practicum and internship isn't just about completing tasks; it's about acquiring valuable knowledge and skills. Here are some key areas where you can expect to grow:

Clinical Skills

Clinical skills are a core focus; you might learn about assessment tools used to diagnose mental health conditions, treatment planning strategies, and different therapeutic approaches like talk therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), etc. Observing experienced counselors/therapists can give you a strong foundation in these essential skills.

But don't just watch people work; ask questions! Understanding the rationale behind therapists' choices can deepen your learning and help you develop your clinical judgment.

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES

Service Requirements

• Counseling/Therapy: Caseload of individuals, couples, or families weekly: intakes weekly.

• Group Counseling/Therapy: Co-lead a group.

• Outreach Programming: Conduct programs/workshops as assigned by the Clinical Director (Xiomara A. Sosa)

Training Requirements

• Supervision: Individual supervision weekly.

• Training Seminars: Regularly attend and participate in training and learning seminars, videos, webinars, etc.

• Meetings:  Attend/participate in a weekly peer consultation meeting with Xiomara A. Sosa

Administrative Requirements

• Clinical Records: Maintain clinical records following SWMHS procedures within 48 hours of the session

• Staff Meetings:  Attend/participate in weekly staff meetings

• Evaluation:  Complete/submit evaluation forms as assigned

Additional and Optional Opportunities

• Training:  Attend conferences/workshops outside of SWMHC.

• Specific Areas:  Seek out additional opportunities in testing, groups, programming, etc.

• Research:  Read/research resources and materials; initiate new projects.

Professional skills are equally important; effective communication, active listening, and cultural competency are all crucial for building rapport with clients and providing culturally sensitive care. Your practicum and internship will provide opportunities to hone these essential skills through interactions with clients and colleagues.

Communication is a two-way street. So, observe both verbal and nonverbal cues to understand what clients are trying to express.

Self-Awareness and Growth

Self-awareness and growth are essential in this field, as working with mental health issues can be emotionally demanding. Your internship will likely involve exploring your own biases and developing healthy coping mechanisms to manage stress and avoid burnout. This self-awareness will serve you well throughout your career.

Networking

Networking is a powerful tool for anyone, and you can do it during your practicum and internship. You can build relationships with your supervisor, colleagues, and other mental health professionals you meet. 

Introduce yourself and ask your supervisor and experienced colleagues questions. Don't be shy! These connections you build during your internship could become valuable mentors or even future colleagues.

Challenges and Triumphs of Your Practicum and Internship

While incredibly rewarding, practicums and internships in mental health care can be emotionally demanding. Difficult situations, exposure to trauma, and complex client interactions are all part of the territory. However, these challenges can also present growth opportunities.

The key lies in maintaining professional boundaries while offering genuine care and understanding. And remember, your supervisors are there to guide you, too; they understand the importance of emotional well-being and can equip you with the tools to navigate tough cases with resilience and compassion.

The rewards are equally significant, helping clients is a rewarding feeling. Witnessing client progress and knowing you're making a positive difference can also be incredibly fulfilling. You'll gain valuable hands-on experience that you can use even outside of a professional setting.  These triumphs can fuel your motivation and solidify your passion for this important field.

Setting Yourself Up for Success: Essential Tips for Your Internship

Preparation is key to a successful internship. So, research the organization you'll be working with, familiarize yourself with their professional dress code, and prepare questions for your supervisor. This proactive approach demonstrates your interest.

Communication is essential; keep your supervisor informed about your progress and ask clarifying questions when needed. This shows you're eager to learn and contribute to the team.

Moreover, keep in mind that respect and professionalism are vital traits to have in this field. So, it's crucial to always maintain client confidentiality, respect boundaries, and uphold ethical practices. Your professionalism will build trust with clients and colleagues and leave a positive impression.

Most importantly, do not skip self-care. Working in behavioral health can be emotionally draining. Be sure to take breaks throughout the day to recharge. Developing healthy coping mechanisms to manage stress is helpful, too. Whether it's exercise, meditation, or spending time with loved ones, find practices that replenish your emotional well-being. Creating a healthy work-life balance is key. And remember, taking care of yourself isn't selfish; it will help you avoid burnout and ensure you can continue providing effective and compassionate care to others.

Post-Practicum and Posa-Internship Prospects

Your practicum and internship could be your springboard for a fulfilling career in mental health:

Applying the Practicum and Internship Experience to Future Endeavors

Your internship isn't just about gaining experience; it's an investment in your future success. For one, the skills you honed are valuable assets that can translate seamlessly into your job search.

Craft a compelling resume highlighting your internship and tailor it to specific job requirements. Meanwhile, during interviews, go beyond simply listing your duties; connect your experiences to the required skills. Did you facilitate support groups? Talk about your leadership abilities and how you cultivated a safe and supportive environment. Gained research experience? 

Emphasize your analytical abilities.

Don't overlook transferable skills! The interpersonal skills developed through client interaction translate well to any field. Effective communication, empathy, and active listening can significantly strengthen your candidacy. Similarly, administrative tasks showcase your organizational abilities and attention to detail. 

By leveraging your internship experience strategically, you'll be well-positioned to land your dream job.

Continuing Education and Professional Development

The learning doesn't stop here! The mental health field is constantly evolving. So, stay up-to-date by attending workshops and conferences and seeking relevant certifications. You may also consider pursuing a graduate degree, such as a Master's in Social Work or a Doctorate in Psychology, to specialize further and advance your career.

Final Thoughts

Your practicum and internship is a journey of discovery. So, embrace the challenges, actively seek learning opportunities, and don't hesitate to ask questions. This experience will equip you with practical skills and valuable knowledge, provide a deeper understanding of the mental health field, build your confidence, and solidify your passion for making a difference in the lives of others.

But the learning continues beyond your internship. Reflect on your experiences and identify your strengths and areas for development; this self-assessment will help you chart your future career path within mental health. Moreover, there are many resources available to support your journey. Professional organizations like the American Psychological Association (APA) offer a wealth of information and career development tools. You can also explore online communities or attend conferences to connect with other mental health professionals.