Mental Health Counseling Intern

Faith Works Counseling; Albuquerque (NM); On-site; USD 25,000 - 30,000; Part time

Job summary

Faith Works Counseling in Albuquerque seeks a Mental Health Counseling (MHC) Intern to gain hands-on therapeutic experience under licensed supervision. The role offers practical exposure to assessments, treatment planning, and crisis intervention while pursuing a Master’s or Doctoral degree in Social Work.

The internship provides supervised, ethical clinical practice, with a $20 stipend per face-to-face client hour and unpaid documentation requirements.

Qualifications

• Enrolled in a Master’s program or Doctoral program in Social Work
• Demonstrated commitment to ethics, diversity and client-centered care
• Willing to work onsite and commit to at least two semesters
• Completed coursework in foundational counseling theories, ethics and basic therapeutic techniques
• Pass a background check

Responsibilities

• Assist in initial client assessments and histories.
• Facilitate individual and family therapy; co-facilitate group therapy.
• Develop and implement treatment plans under supervision.
• Monitor and document client progress; adjust treatments as needed.
• Participate in case consultations, staff meetings and trainings.
• Provide crisis intervention and coordinate with multidisciplinary team.
• Engage in community outreach and education within Albuquerque and surrounding areas.
• Maintain accurate client records in line with policies and regulatory standards.
• Complete tasks and projects as assigned by supervising counselors.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication

Organizational skills

Ethics & confidentiality

Teamwork

Independent work

Adaptability

Education

Master's in Social Work

Doctoral program in Social Work

Tools

EHR familiarity

Job description

At Faith Works, we are committed to providing inclusive and compassionate care to all clients, regardless of their religious beliefs or backgrounds. Our approach is rooted in respect and acceptance, ensuring that we serve a diverse clientele using a wide range of clinical counseling methods. We believe in hiring a varied team of professionals, valuing diverse perspectives and experiences, which enhances our ability to meet the unique needs of every individual we serve. Our mission is to create a supportive environment where both clients and employees feel valued and understood.

About the Role

The Mental Health Counseling (MHC) Intern reports directly to the Clinical Intern Supervisor. The MHC Intern will gain hands‑on experience in providing therapeutic services under the supervision of licensed mental health professionals. This internship is designed to complement academic learning with practical experience in a dynamic setting, preparing interns for a career in mental health counseling. Interns are paid a $20.00 stipend per face‑to‑face client hour. Documentation and other requirements of internship are unpaid.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist in conducting initial client assessments, including gathering comprehensive client histories and identifying presenting issues.
• Facilitate individual and family therapy and co-facilitate group therapy as needed while maintaining a high standard of confidentiality and ethical practice.
• Develop and implement treatment plans tailored to the individual needs of clients, under the guidance of a licensed counselor.
• Monitor and document client progress, adjusting treatment modalities as necessary.
• Participate in case consultations, staff meetings, and training sessions to enhance clinical competencies.
• Provide crisis intervention and support for clients experiencing acute distress or emergencies, with appropriate supervision.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary team members, including psychiatrists, social workers, and case managers, to coordinate comprehensive care for clients.
• Engage in community outreach and education initiatives to promote mental health awareness and resource availability. Events will be within Albuquerque and surrounding areas.
• Maintain accurate and timely client records in adherence to organizational policies and regulatory standards.
• Complete any additional tasks or special projects as assigned by supervising counselors or organizational leadership.
• Complete documentation required by university program and adhered to its policies.
• Maintain required hours as outlined by your university program and engage in weekly supervision.

Job Qualifications:

• Must be willing to work onsite at our headquarters in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
• Currently enrolled in a second year or advance standing Master's program or Doctoral program in Social Work.
• Must be able to commit to at least two semesters.
• Must have completed coursework in foundational counseling theories, ethics, and basic therapeutic techniques.
• Demonstrated commitment to principles of diversity, ethics, and client-centered care.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Familiarity with electronic health record (EHR) systems is a plus.
• Willingness to adhere to organization’s strict confidentiality and ethical guidelines.
• Must successfully pass a background check.

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.