Psychology InternshipAt — The National Registry of Marriage Friendly Therapists

This internship is designed to provide students with meaningful exposure to the field of psychology and the mental health profession. Approximately 70–80% of the internship focuses on psychology-related learning and professional development.
Interns will have the opportunity to observe and learn from licensed therapists working with a variety of populations, including couples, individuals, children, and neurodivergent clients. They will gain exposure to therapeutic approaches, treatment modalities, ethical and legal considerations, client care systems, and current topics in mental health practice. Interns will also attend trainings and educational discussions on subjects such as couples therapy, working with challenging clients, professional ethics, and emerging issues in the field.
In addition, interns will receive weekly mentorship and career guidance, gaining insight into graduate education, licensure pathways, and professional opportunities within psychology and mental health.

The remaining portion of the internship includes marketing, administrative, and community outreach projects that provide a behind-the-scenes look at how a private practice operates. These activities may include assisting with educational content, website and social media updates, support group promotion, and community engagement efforts.
This internship is ideal for students interested in psychology, counseling, marriage and family therapy, social work, or other mental health professions who would like to gain exposure to both the clinical and operational aspects of the field.

Tasks:

As an intern, you will work closely with Kathleen Wenger, MA, LMFT, LPCC, supporting projects within a private mental health practice and a national professional registry for psychotherapists. This internship provides students with meaningful exposure to the mental health profession while developing an understanding of behavioral health services, community mental health education, and the role of licensed clinicians.

Responsibilities may include researching licensed psychotherapists and their specialties to identify potential speakers for a national platform, interviewing therapists to learn about their clinical expertise and areas of specialization, and assisting with professional outreach initiatives that promote education within the mental health field.

Interns will also assist in creating some psychoeducational content and social media materials focused on mental health topics, seasonal wellness, and psychological awareness. Students may support community outreach efforts by sharing information about psychotherapy services, support groups, educational trainings, and mental health resources available through the practice.

Throughout the internship, students will have opportunities to sit in on educational trainings led by licensed psychotherapists to learn about various clinical specialties, evidence-based approaches, and emerging topics in mental health. Interns will also meet regularly with a clinical supervisor to discuss career pathways in psychology, counseling, marriage and family therapy, social work, licensure requirements, graduate education, and professional development within the behavioral health field.
This internship is designed to help students develop a broader understanding of the psychology profession, mental health advocacy, professional communication, and community engagement while learning directly from licensed mental health professionals. It is ideal for students considering graduate study or careers in counseling, marriage and family therapy, clinical psychology, social work, or related helping professions.

Training:

-Initial Orientation
-Weekly scheduled meetings with the mentor and team

To help students achieve their learning outcomes, interns will:
-Participate in one-on-one meetings with Kathleen Wenger, MA, LMFT, LPCC, and staff to discuss learning goals, professional development, and current projects.
-Gain exposure to the many facets of the mental health profession through direct mentorship with Kathleen Wenger, MA, LMFT, LPCC. Her professional background includes CEO at The National Registry of Marriage and Family Therapists, owning and operating a private practice with four therapists working toward licensure, and serving as the former Manager of M.A. Clinical Training at Pepperdine University, where she oversaw clinical training and professional development for graduate counseling students.
-Shadow both Kathleen and the practice manager to gain firsthand experience with the daily operations of a private therapy practice and a nationally operated professional registry.
-Learn about the graduate school, licensure, and credentialing process for mental health professionals, including the steps involved in becoming a licensed counselor or therapist.
-Explore ethical and professional standards within psychology and counseling, including an introduction to APA guidelines and professional communication.
-Receive training in community outreach, professional networking, and ethical marketing practices used within the mental health field.
-Gain exposure to website management, social media outreach, SEO, and Google Analytics to better understand how mental health professionals build visibility and connect with clients.
-Learn about insurance credentialing, private practice development, and the business aspects of operating a successful counseling practice.
-Collaborate with therapists and LMFT associates to understand the realities of clinical work, professional growth, and career development in the mental health field.

Learning Outcomes:

Students will develop a broader understanding of the mental health profession, including counseling, private practice management, marketing and outreach, professional development, and the path toward graduate education and licensure. Interns will gain practical experience and professional insight that can help them make informed decisions about future careers in psychology, counseling, social work, or related helping professions.

Interns will:
-Develop an understanding of career opportunities within the mental health field.
-Gain exposure to the operational and business aspects of private practice.
-Learn how therapists ethically market their services and build professional visibility.
-Understand the graduate school, licensure, and credentialing process for mental health professionals.
-Develop professional communication, organizational, and project management skills.
-Gain experience using tools such as website management platforms, SEO strategies, social media outreach, and Google Analytics.
-Explore professional ethics, APA standards, and best practices within the helping professions.
-Build knowledge of the systems and processes involved in supporting mental health services and client access to care.