75% of counseling clients receiving services in their primary language demonstrated improvement and reported increased knowledge.

Internships at MHS

Counseling & Social Work Internships

MHS programs are recognized as a leader for mental health services to the multi-ethnic, multi-lingual population of the Washington, DC metropolitan area. MHS demonstrates a solid, long-standing commitment to a population that has been traditionally underserved, particularly in the area of mental health.

The Falls Church office is staffed by multi-ethnic, multilingual social workers, psychiatrists, counselors, art therapists and graduate interns from local universities. Many staff come from an immigrant/ refugee background and bring an understanding of the culture, language and the potential effects of the immigrant/refugee experience (typically involving periods of family separation and great uncertainty) on a family system, as well as to the traumatic effects of war, civil strife, and oppression. All services are trauma-informed; staff is experienced in recognizing and treating trauma symptoms. Services are provided in the client’s dominant language by professionals from their own culture whenever possible. Professional interpreters are used when necessary. Staff is trained to work effectively with interpreters and as interpreters.


Description of Internship

Interns bringing significant clinical experience may participate with other MHS mental health programs for the remainder of their weekly schedule. These limited opportunities may include therapeutic activities or interventions with agency-based clients, PSTT, Intensive Home-Based Services, Batterers' Intervention Program and others. Please note that some programs have requirements for additional didactic training, team meetings/group supervision, and evening or Saturday hours.

At MHS, the eight-month internship year begins in September and includes the number of hours of service as required by the placing university.

The Program requirements include:

  • Wednesday Morning Clinical Meeting (10-12 noon) :
    This weekly session includes 1 hour of didactics and 1 hour of case consultation. Senior staff presents clinical topics on cultural sensitivity, cross-cultural issues in psychotherapy, and the unique requirements of specific cultural groups. Case discussions focus on case conceptualization and therapeutic interventions that are culturally appropriate;
  • Individual Supervision :
    One-hour weekly sessions with a licensed Professional Counselor, Social Worker or Marriage and Family Therapist. Please note that some programs have requirements for additional didactic training, team meetings/group supervision, and evening or Saturday hours.

While there is no specific language requirement for many MHS programs, there are only limited opportunities to provide therapeutic services to English-speaking adult clients.

Internship Application

Prerequisites:
  • Good standing in a graduate program in Social Work, Counseling or Marriage and Family Track.
  • At least second year status in such a program.
  • Experience in child or family-centered counseling is essential.
  • Familiarity with play therapy is recommended.
  • Strongly desired - fluency in one of the following languages : Spanish, French, Arabic, Farsi, Amharic, Korean, Vietnamese or extensive multicultural experience.
  • Students should have interest in cross-cultural issues and community based clinical service delivery.
Application Materials:
  • Letter of interest including reasons why the applicant is interested in working with a multicultural population plus the applicant’s previous experience with people from other cultures;
  • Curriculum vitae
  • Three letters of recommendation, one of which must be from the applicant’s major adviser, and two from persons who are familiar with the applicant’s clinical work
  • Statement of Internship Readiness from Academic Program Director or equivalent at applicant’s graduate school
  • Most recent academic transcript


Application Deadline:
May 1 for September placement

Please address all applications and inquiries to:
David Perry, MHS Clinical Coordinator
(571) 748-2804,
dperry@nvfs.org 
6400 Arlington Blvd,
Suite 110
Falls Church, VA 22042

Who to Contact