El Centro de Amistad’s Training Program offers different graduate students/disciplines an opportunity to meet their requirements for graduation.

What is an Internship/ Traineeship?

An internship/Traineeship is an opportunity for MSW, MFT, PCC, Counseling and Psychology graduate students to apply what they learn in graduate school to real-life situations. Placement in the field of mental health will assist students in practicing practical as well as higher-level clinical skills in preparation for entering a professional position post-graduation. The goal of the program is to assist students in increasing their knowledge of community mental health as well as increasing competence in the application of treatment and interventions as well as legal and ethical considerations when working with clients. Furthermore, students will gain opportunities to face challenging cases/situations as a means to promote confidence and competence in the field.

What is the commitment?

The Training Program time commitment may vary depending on differing graduate program expectations. For MSW and PCC programs, internships, on average, follow the academic year beginning in early fall (August/September) and continuing until Spring (early May). For MFT, Counseling and Psychology programs, traineeships can vary from 9 to 12 months. Students must commit to a weekly schedule and 16-24 hours per week.

Training Program Description

Our Training Program currently offers two types of internships: Clinical and Clinical Case Management.

ECDA’s Clinical Training Program provides clinical graduate students the opportunity to conduct mental health services for children, youth, adults, and families of the San Fernando Valley, a predominately Latinx community. Selected candidates will gain hands-on experience with providing therapeutic services with identified consumers that have mental health problems. Interns will develop and maintain an individual caseload working with consumers between the ages of 0-64 to assist with symptom reduction and increase functioning. Candidates will work in a multi-disciplinary team, which may include case managers, a peer partner, employment specialists, and a psychiatrist. Candidates will develop skills in conducting biopsychosocial assessments, diagnosing, treatment planning, individual/family and group therapy, clinical interventions/strategies, advocacy, collaborating with client treatment teams, crisis interventions, clinical documentation, etc. Interns may conduct services in the office setting or in the field, which may include the consumer’s home or school. Candidates may have the opportunity to be trained in select Evidence-Based Practices. Currently offered to MSWs, MFTs, PCCs, Counseling and Psychology graduate students.

ECDA’s Clinical Case Management Program provides graduate MSW students hands-on experience in case management, where interns are tasked with assessing clients’ needs and identifying the factors that may limit their ability to receive adequate support. Interns will collaborate closely with therapists to ensure a seamless continuum of care for clients, conducting thorough needs assessments and identifying available resources to meet those needs. Additionally, interns will work to increase client engagement, fostering stronger relationships and ensuring that clients are actively involved in their treatment plans. A key aspect of the program is addressing underlying system issues that may hinder clients’ access to services, promoting a holistic approach to support and care. This internship offers valuable opportunities for interns to develop essential skills in client advocacy, resource management, and collaborative teamwork. Currently offered to MSW students only.