Social Work Internships

Training Model

The training programs at CMHC are dependent on the on-going development of professional competencies. Interns bring many strengths and learn ways to respond to the evolving mental health needs of today’s university students. Our training model includes a focus on professional- specific skills that are developed through direct services, an emphasis on the intersection of identity and mental health, and our Self-and-System approach which stresses the importance of professional self-reflection and growth.

Field Placement Description

The Counseling and Mental Health Center (CMHC) is staffed by social workers, psychologists, psychiatrists and licensed professional counselors. Direct services provided by interns include individual counseling, group interventions, crisis counseling and prevention and outreach activities. The training activities consist of weekly individual and group supervision, membership on clinical teams, weekly seminars and preceptorships/apprenticeships. CMHC staff who lead or provide seminars within the CMHC training programs have joint faculty appointments within the Steve Hicks School of Social Work and College of Education.

Unique Aspects of the Placement

1. August Orientation and Training. A training and orientation program, which runs from August 1 - August 31 is planned for our social work and psychology interns before the fall semester begins. The program is 40 hours per week for the month of August. A variety of presentations, experiential workshops and other activities are scheduled to help interns prepare for their roles and responsibilities. In addition to the intensive training activities, informal social events are planned so that interns can build group cohesiveness and meet CMHC staff members.
2. Training Hours. When classes begin for the fall semester, Social Work interns begin their 20 hour per week placement. The 40 hour per week spring semester block placement begins in January.
3. Compensation. Compensation is provided through an hourly student assignment for each semester.

The CMHC staff is strongly committed to addressing the needs of all student populations, and our training programs strive to incorporate and highlight issues of difference as a fundamental part of the training experience.

Application Process

The CMHC Social Work internship program is open only to students who are enrolled in the master’s program at the Steve Hicks School of Social Work at UT Austin. The application deadline for the 2024-2025 training year is March 28, 2025 at 5 p.m. CST.

Important Dates

Date	Event
February	Informational meeting with CMHC social work staff and interns
March	Application materials submitted for review
March	Interviews are conducted
April	Final selections are made in time for summer and fall registration for the following academic year

For More Information

If you have any questions about our internship program or the application process, please feel free to contact Alicia Garces via e-mail at: agarces@austin.utexas.edu