Attention students, please submit applications no later than 4/24/2026. 

Overview:

Paid Master's level Counseling Internships offered will begin Fall Term 2026.

Internships average 16 – 20 hours per week during the academic year. A larger time commitment will be required during the first two weeks following hire date.   

This year Options has identified internship openings in programs serving the following populations in Grants Pass and Medford:

• Adult Outpatient Team (Grants Pass and Medford)
• Mental Health Outreach (Medford)
• Assertive Community Treatment (ACT for adults- Medford)
• Kolpia- Adult Outpatient Mental Health/Substance Use (Ashland)
• Child & Family Outpatient/PCIT cross-county (Grants Pass and Medford)
• Forensics (Grants Pass)
• Crisis Resolution Center (Grants Pass)

When applying, please indicate population interests and preferred location (Grants Pass, Ashland, or Medford) in your cover letter. More information about our programs and services is available on this website.

Description:

The Pre-Master’s intern orients with agency clinicians and develops familiarity with components of Mental Health Services in both Josephine and Jackson Counties. The student learns how to provide initial screening, triage assessment, diagnosis, and biopsychosocial assessment in conjunction with timely and accurate documentation. They also develop the initial comprehensive service plan and assign clients to appropriate services. Required weekly supervision is provided by a qualified clinical supervisor employed by Options.

Responsibilities:

The student learns the duties and responsibilities of a mental health clinician in a clinical setting: 

• Work closely with both internal and external referral resources to ensure access to appropriate forms of care.
• Perform diagnostic assessments.
• Develop service plans in conjunction with the client and other affected individuals as indicated. 
• Provide coordination of services and integrated care.
• Submit timely documentation of services provided using Electronic Health Records and collaborative documentation.

Qualifications:

• The candidate must be currently enrolled in a graduate program for a Master's degree in psychology or a behavioral science field; additionally, they are usually in the final year of their program before starting an Options internship.
• They must also demonstrate experience working with clients with mental illness or have a Bachelor's degree in psychology or a related behavioral science field to meet state qualifications as a QMHA.  See MHACBO.org for qualifications. Please note: Kolpia interns must also register as a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor - CADC-R.
• Computer proficiency is required to use Electronic Health Records. 
• Must pass state-required background and DMV checks, possess a valid driver's license, and have a safe driving record.
• Cooperation with initial and ongoing credentialing requirements is also essential.

In order to avoid potential conflict of interest, applicants for this position cannot have received services from Options for Southern Oregon within the last 12 months.

**Please note- references are not required for internships.**

Options for Southern Oregon provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.