Internship / Practicum Student

High Plains Mental Health Center; Hays (KS); On-site; Part time

Job summary

High Plains Mental Health Center is offering a part-time clinical internship for students to develop practical skills in mental health services. Interns gain hands-on experience through shadowing professionals, participating in therapies, and learning about care coordination.

This unpaid internship provides exposure to community mental health operations and fosters professional relationships in a supportive environment. Ideal candidates should be enrolled in an approved program and committed to ethical conduct in their training.

Qualifications

• Strong interpersonal skills to work with individuals experiencing mental health issues.
• Commitment to continuous learning and professionalism.
• Competency with standard office software.

Responsibilities

• Shadow licensed therapists in clinical settings.
• Participate in individual, family, and group therapy services.
• Assist in care coordination and client documentation.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Professionalism

Technological competency

Education

Enrolled in an approved academic program

Job description

Launch Your Mental Health Career with a Comprehensive Clinical Internship at High Plains Mental Health Center!

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Please submit all required application documents to our Recruiting Coordinator ([e-mail]) no less than 60 days prior to the beginning of the semester.

Position: Internship / Practicum Student (Part-Time)

Location: Any HPMHC office location (Hays, Norton, Phillipsburg, Colby, Goodland, Osborne)

Job Type: Unpaid Internship / Practicum | In-Person

Why You Should Apply:

Not all internships provide the same experience. At High Plains Mental Health Center (HPMHC), you'll gain exposure to a wide range of mental health services that most students simply won't experience in a traditional private practice setting. As both a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) and Community Mental Health Center (CMHC), we offer diverse opportunities to learn, observe, and grow within multiple programs.

In addition to outpatient therapy services, interns have opportunities to learn about crisis intervention, care coordination, community-based services, integrated behavioral health care, and the unique challenges and rewards of serving rural Kansas communities.

Our Crisis Intervention Center provides valuable exposure to acute mental health services, allowing students to develop a broader understanding of the continuum of care. You'll work alongside experienced professionals, attend team meetings, participate in supervision, and gradually develop clinical skills under close guidance.

Many of our team members began their journey as students. We are committed to developing future behavioral health professionals and are proud of our culture of promoting from within. This internship can serve as an excellent pathway toward future employment opportunities and career growth.

This opportunity is intended for students who are not currently employed by HPMHC or current employees who do not wish to participate in the separate paid work-study/scholarship program.

What You’ll Do:

• 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.

Why Join Us?

At High Plains Mental Health Center, we're here for you—not only for the individuals and communities we serve, but for every member of our team.

Our mission drives everything we do, and that includes supporting students as they begin their professional journey. When you join us, you become part of a purpose-driven organization where learning is valued, mentorship matters, and your contributions have meaning.

Through this internship, you'll gain:

• Hands-on clinical learning opportunities
• Individualized supervision and mentorship
• Exposure to a wide variety of behavioral health programs
• Experience within a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC)
• Training in crisis intervention and community mental health services
• Opportunities to build professional relationships and strengthen your clinical skills
• Insight into career pathways within community behavioral health
• Valuable experience serving diverse populations across rural Kansas

Submitting Your Application:

If you're ready to gain valuable hands‑on experience and explore a future career in community mental health, we'd love to hear from you. To express interest in this internship opportunity, please submit:

• A current resume
• A letter of interest outlining your academic program, internship/practicum requirements, and career goals

Please send application materials to [e-mail] no less than 60 days prior to the beginning of the semester.

After reviewing your resume and letter of interest, a member of our team will contact selected candidates regarding the next steps in the internship application process, including submission of additional required documentation.

If you have questions about internship requirements, placement opportunities, or documentation, please contact [e-mail].

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.