Mental Health Practicum & Internship Program
About the Program
The SAVE Mental Health Practicum & Internship Program is a partnership-based training and access program designed to support emerging mental health professionals while expanding access to care in underserved communities.
SAVE does not provide clinical services. Instead, SAVE works alongside licensed mental health providers, graduate programs, and community partners to coordinate supervised practicum and internship placements, reduce financial barriers during training, and strengthen the future mental health workforce.
Our role is to bridge gaps—between students and providers, training and real-world practice, and workforce development and community need.
Program Purpose
Many graduate students in social work, marriage and family therapy, counseling, and related fields are required to complete extensive supervised clinical hours to progress toward licensure. These training periods are often unpaid or underpaid, creating financial strain that can delay completion, limit who can enter the field, or push students out altogether.
The SAVE Mental Health Practicum & Internship Program exists to:
Support students during critical training stages
Assist provider partners with placement coordination and workforce development
Increase long-term access to mental health services by helping future clinicians stay on track
How the Program Works
SAVE partners with licensed mental health providers who host and supervise practicum and internship students.
SAVE coordinates placements, alignment with academic requirements, and program logistics.
When funding is available, SAVE helps offset training-related financial barriers through stipends or training support.
Clinical supervision, service delivery, and case management remain the responsibility of the licensed provider partners.
Training Experience
Training experiences vary by placement site and are defined by the hosting provider and academic institution. Depending on the site and level of training, participants may engage in:
Supervised clinical observation and direct client services
Individual, group, or family-based work (as appropriate)
Case documentation and professional development activities
Regular supervision provided by licensed clinicians
SAVE does not control clinical curriculum or caseloads but ensures that placements align with academic and licensing requirements.
Who the Program Serves
Graduate students enrolled in accredited programs such as:
Social Work (MSW)
Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT)
Clinical Counseling (PCC)
Psychology and related fields
Licensed provider partners seeking structured, supported training placements
Communities facing barriers to consistent mental health care over time