Counseling Psychology InternAt — Behavioral Health Services American Recovery Center

The Counseling Psychology Intern will gain exposure to the behavioral health and substance use treatment field through supervised observation and participation in clinical programming within a residential treatment setting. The intern will shadow the onsite therapist to develop an understanding of the therapeutic process, clinical interventions, client engagement, treatment planning, and professional standards of care. The intern will have opportunities to observe ASAM assessments, clinical therapy sessions, multidisciplinary treatment team meetings, and the implementation of evidence-based interventions. Through structured supervision and mentorship, the intern will gain exposure to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), relapse prevention, trauma-informed care, and other therapeutic approaches utilized in substance use disorder and mental health treatment. The internship is designed to provide practical learning experiences that enhance the student's understanding of behavioral health services, ethical practice, and professional development within a clinical treatment environment.

Tasks:

The student will shadow the on-site therapist during ASAM assessments, individual therapy sessions, and group counseling sessions to gain exposure to the therapeutic process and clinical decision-making. The student will observe the implementation of evidence-based practices, including CBT and DBT interventions, participate in treatment team meetings, review treatment planning processes, and engage in weekly supervision and debriefing sessions. Additionally, the student will assist with therapeutic group preparation, complete assigned learning activities, and develop an understanding of ethical and professional standards within a residential behavioral health setting.

Training:

The student will receive a comprehensive orientation to the agency, including policies and procedures, confidentiality and HIPAA requirements, professional boundaries, safety protocols, and an overview of residential substance use disorder treatment services. Throughout the internship, the student will participate in weekly supervision meetings with the onsite therapist and internship supervisor to review learning goals, discuss observations, and receive ongoing feedback and mentorship. The student will engage in structured job shadowing of ASAM assessments, individual therapy sessions, group therapy, and multidisciplinary treatment team meetings. Additional training will include exposure to evidence-based practices such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), review of relevant clinical materials, case discussions, and regular debriefing sessions to enhance understanding of the therapeutic process and support achievement of internship learning outcomes.

Learning Outcome

By the end of the academic internship, the student will be able to demonstrate an understanding of the therapeutic process in a residential substance use treatment setting, identify the components of ASAM assessments and treatment planning, recognize the application of evidence-based interventions such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and explain the role of the therapist in supporting client recovery through individual and group therapy services.