Mental Health Intern

Reports to: Chief Clinical Officer

Shift: Based on Contract

Job Summary:

A Mental Health Intern provides supervised clinical support, gaining practical experience by assisting licensed therapists with client care, including assessments, individual/group sessions, treatment planning, and maintaining documentation (like chart notes), all while developing therapeutic skills under a supervisor's guidance. Responsibilities bridge direct client contact (telehealth/in-person), administrative tasks (charting, outreach), and continuous learning through supervision, training, and case consultations to support diverse clients.

Importance of Role

• Apply Theory to Practice: Internships are essential for applying academic knowledge and developing practical counseling skills under real-world conditions.
• Exposure to Best Practices: They gain firsthand experience with evidence-based interventions and stay updated on current advancements.
• Develop Professional Identity: Interns learn to navigate diverse clinical situations, build professional commitment, and develop essential personal and professional qualities.
• Innovation & New Perspectives: They bring new ideas, creativity, and a non-hierarchical approach, enriching the therapeutic environment.

Key responsibilities

• Client Assessment: Conduct intake interviews, psychological assessments, and evaluations to understand client needs and goals.
• Counseling Delivery: Co-facilitate individual, family, and group therapy sessions, applying various evidence-based techniques (like CBT, DBT) under supervision.
• Treatment Planning: Help develop, implement, and revise individualized treatment plans with clients, monitoring progress.
• Crisis Intervention: Provide immediate support and intervention for clients in crisis situations.
• Case Management: Manage a caseload, track participant information, and link clients to community resources.

Supervision & Professional Development

• Supervision: Regularly meet with a licensed supervisor for case review, guidance, and feedback.
• Training: Attend team meetings, case consultations, and professional development workshops.
• Self-Reflection: Engage in personal growth and self-exploration, particularly regarding cultural competency, power, and privilege. 

Documentation & Administration

• Record Keeping: Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential client records, including progress notes and treatment plans.
• Administrative Support: Assist with clinical projects, preparing documents, and other agency operations as needed.

Key Competencies:

Active Listening & Communication: Accurately reflecting, paraphrasing, and summarizing; appropriate questioning; observing nonverbal cues; clear verbal and written expression.

Rapport Building: Establishing genuine, warm, and trusting therapeutic relationships.

Empathy & Cultural Competence: Understanding and validating the client's cultural, social, and developmental context.

Assessment & Intervention: Conducting intakes, identifying patterns, applying interventions, and developing treatment plans.

Crisis Management: Remaining calm and providing support during psychological emergencies.

Self-Awareness & Growth: Recognizing personal biases, managing countertransference, seeking feedback, and practicing self-care.

Ethics & Professionalism: Adhering to legal/ethical standards, confidentiality, and maintaining professional boundaries.

Collaboration: Working effectively with supervisors, staff, and potentially other disciplines.

Professional Development: Engaging in ongoing learning, supervision, and self-evaluation.

Education and Experience:

Required:

• Currently enrolled in a graduate counseling program or a related field.
• Have met required coursework to be able to begin their internship based on the requirements of their university.

Working Conditions:

• Works in a standard office environment with extensive computer work and prolonged sitting time
• Shift time: Based on Contract

** This job description indicates the general nature and levels of work expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, responsibilities, or competencies required of an incumbent. The incumbent may be asked to perform other duties as required. **