Internship / Practicum Student

High Plains Mental Health Center•Hays, KS

4d•Onsite

About The Position

Launch Your Mental Health Career with a Comprehensive Clinical Internship at High Plains Mental Health Center! This is an unpaid internship/practicum opportunity designed for students seeking hands-on experience in mental health services. As both a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) and Community Mental Health Center (CMHC), High Plains Mental Health Center (HPMHC) offers diverse opportunities to learn, observe, and grow within multiple programs. Interns will gain exposure to outpatient therapy, crisis intervention, care coordination, community-based services, integrated behavioral health care, and the unique challenges of serving rural Kansas communities. The Crisis Intervention Center provides valuable exposure to acute mental health services, allowing students to develop a broader understanding of the continuum of care. Students will work alongside experienced professionals, attend team meetings, participate in supervision, and gradually develop clinical skills under close guidance. This internship can serve as an excellent pathway toward future employment opportunities and career growth within the organization.

Requirements

Must be enrolled in an approved academic program and in good standing with their institution.
Must have satisfactorily progressed through required coursework and prerequisites.
Must demonstrate professionalism, ethical conduct, and a commitment to continuous learning.
Must possess strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with individuals experiencing mental illness and functional impairment.
Must demonstrate competency with computers, technology, and standard office software.
Must maintain a valid driver's license and driving record consistent with agency insurability requirements.
Must successfully complete applicable background checks.
Must successfully complete a pre-employment drug screen.
Must meet all TB testing and health screening requirements.
Must be physically capable of responding appropriately in crisis situations and maintaining personal safety.

Responsibilities

Shadow licensed therapists and behavioral health professionals in clinical settings.
Observe and participate in individual, family, and group therapy services as appropriate.
Gradually assume increased responsibility in providing psychotherapy and counseling services under direct supervision.
Assist with care coordination and collaboration activities for assigned clients.
Complete clinical and administrative documentation according to agency policies and professional standards.
Attend staff meetings, case consultations, and supervisory sessions.
Track practicum/internship hours and maintain communication with both HPMHC and university supervisors.
Complete required orientation, clinical training, and professional development activities.
Develop skills in clinical documentation, ethics, crisis response, trauma-informed care, and evidence-based behavioral health practices.
Gain exposure to multidisciplinary treatment teams and community mental health operations.