Outpatient Mental Health Internship

Description

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Thompson Child & Family Focus is seeking a Clinical Mental Health Counseling Intern from the Counselor Education Program at North Carolina Central University (NCCU). The internship provides supervised clinical experience designed to enhance counseling skills through direct client services, professional development, observation, documentation, treatment planning, and participation in agency activities. 

The intern will work under the supervision of a qualified clinical professional and will have opportunities to apply counseling theories, develop clinical competencies, and gain experience serving children, adolescents, adults, and families in a community behavioral health setting. This position is structured to meet NCCU Counselor Education Program internship requirements

Essential Responsibilities

Direct Clinical Services

· Provide individual counseling services under supervision.

· Facilitate or co-facilitate psychoeducational and therapeutic groups.

· Participate in client intake, assessment, and treatment planning processes.

· Maintain the required amount of direct service hours as outlined by the university internship requirements.

· Observe and participate in multidisciplinary treatment meetings as appropriate. 

Documentation and Administrative Duties

· Complete clinical documentation in a timely, accurate, and professional manner.

· Maintain client records in accordance with agency policies and HIPAA requirements.

· Assist with case management activities and coordination of care.

· Utilize electronic health record systems and other agency-approved technology. 

Professional Development

· Participate in weekly individual supervision with the assigned Site Supervisor.

· Attend required university group supervision sessions.

· Engage in staff meetings, trainings, and professional development opportunities.

· Demonstrate professional conduct consistent with the American Counseling Association Code of Ethics.

· Incorporate feedback from supervisors into clinical practice. 

Program Participation

· Participate in agency programs, meetings, and interdisciplinary collaborations.

· Develop an understanding of community behavioral health services and resources.

· Gain exposure to a broad range of clinical interventions and treatment modalities.

· Collaborate with agency staff to support client outcomes while maintaining appropriate intern responsibilities. 

Learning Opportunities

The internship is designed to provide:

· Supervised counseling experience with diverse client populations.

· Individual and group counseling experience.

· Exposure to assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning, and case conceptualization.

· Opportunities to strengthen clinical documentation skills.

· Experience working within a multidisciplinary behavioral health environment.

· Professional mentoring from licensed clinical staff. 

Requirements

Qualifications

· Enrollment in the North Carolina Central University Counselor Education Program.

· Completion of program requirements necessary to begin an internship placement.

· Professional liability insurance as required by NCCU.

· Ability to maintain confidentiality and comply with HIPAA standards.

· Strong interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills.

· Commitment to ethical and professional counseling practice. 

Preferred

· Interest in working with children, adolescents, and families.

· Experience in behavioral health, human services, education, or related settings.

· Knowledge of trauma-informed and strengths-based approaches.

Supervision

The intern will receive:

· A minimum of one hour of individual site supervision each week.

· Ongoing consultation and support from the Site Supervisor.

· Opportunities for case review, skill development, and professional growth throughout the internship experience. 

Physical and Work Environment

· Work is conducted onsite at Thompson Child & Family Focus.

· Access to office space, telephone, supplies, clinical records, and agency resources necessary to complete internship responsibilities.

· Any telehealth activities must be conducted onsite and in accordance with agency, state, and federal requirements. 

Expected Outcomes

By the conclusion of the internship, the intern will have demonstrated:

· Competence in counseling interventions and clinical documentation.

· Ability to establish and maintain therapeutic relationships.

· Understanding of ethical and legal standards in behavioral health practice.

· Increased professional readiness for entry into the counseling profession.

· Successful completion of direct and indirect service hour requirements established by the university.