Master's Level Internship or Predoctoral Practicum Placement: Outpatient Program (Brooklyn Park)

As a Master's Level Intern at Washburn Center, you'll have a variety of responsibilities that will enrich your clinical skillset. You’ll conduct diagnostic assessments, develop treatment plans tailored to individual client needs, and provide individual and family therapy. Additionally, you'll participate in care coordination with other professionals like teachers and case managers, ensuring comprehensive support for each child. Your role will also involve documenting all case activities to meet HIPAA and Minnesota data privacy standards, coupled with regular supervision to discuss your progress and hurdles.

To qualify for the Master's Level Internship at Washburn Center, candidates must be enrolled in a Master's or Doctoral program related to Counseling Psychology, Clinical Psychology, or Marriage and Family Therapy that leads to licensure. You must also earn academic credit for your internship or practicum placement. Additionally, aspiring interns should demonstrate empathy, self-awareness, and a foundational understanding of cultural diversity in therapy, alongside knowledge of trauma-informed practices.

At Washburn Center, professional development is a key component of the Master's Level Internship. Interns can expect weekly supervision focusing on clinical skills, case consultations, and opportunities to attend workshops and in-service training sessions. These experiences are designed to foster your growth as a clinician while allowing you to reflect on your therapeutic practices and progress effectively. Regular team meetings also provide a platform for collaborative learning among peers.

The Pathways Fellowship at Washburn Center is specifically designed to assist BIPOC interns pursuing a career in mental health. It offers mentoring from experienced clinicians of color and provides monthly cohort meetings for mutual support and connection with fellow Pathways Fellows. Moreover, this fellowship also includes a grant of $7500 to alleviate financial barriers while completing your graduate education and licensure process, promoting a more equitable pathway in the mental health field.

The Outpatient Program at Washburn Center offers a distinctive internship experience by emphasizing community engagement and hands-on involvement with children and families. Interns typically work 16-20 hours a week with individualized caseloads, allowing for a comprehensive application of therapeutic practices in real-world settings. This approach not only enhances learning but also allows interns to directly witness the positive impact of their work as they collaborate with families and contribute to children's mental health wellness.

When conducting a diagnostic assessment, it’s crucial to establish rapport with the child and family to create a comfortable environment. Start by gathering information through structured interviews and standardized instruments, ensuring you actively listen to the family's concerns and observations. Demonstrating empathy and cultural competence will also help you accurately understand their context, facilitating a more informed diagnosis and treatment plan.

Trauma-informed care is an approach that recognizes the role trauma plays in a client's life and emphasizes safety, trustworthiness, and choice. As a Master's Level Intern, you should articulate how this approach helps in creating a supportive environment that empowers clients to share their experiences. Talk about the importance of being aware of potential triggers and respecting clients’ boundaries, making them feel safe throughout the therapeutic process.

When developing treatment plans, start by collaborating with clients and their families to establish mutual goals based on their individual needs. Utilizing evidence-based practices, assess the child's strengths and areas for growth, ensuring the treatment plan is comprehensive and adaptable. It’s also important to regularly review and adjust the plans based on ongoing assessments and client feedback to ensure efficacy.

Handling difficult conversations requires active listening, empathy, and clarity. As a Master's Level Intern, approach such situations with openness and a non-judgmental attitude. Use reflective listening to demonstrate understanding and validate their feelings. Being transparent about challenges while focusing on collaborative solutions can help ease tension and foster a more productive dialogue.

Cultural competency is essential in therapeutic practice as it allows the clinician to understand and respect the diverse backgrounds of clients. As an intern, emphasize your commitment to learning about your clients' cultural influences while recognizing how these factors shape their experiences and perceptions. This understanding enriches therapy and ensures that interventions are relevant and effective.

In discussing a challenging case, focus on the specifics of the situation, the difficulties you faced, and the strategies you employed to manage it. Reflect on the importance of seeking supervision and collaboration with peers, utilizing feedback to adapt your approach. Illustrate how this experience contributed to your growth as a clinician and enhanced your understanding of therapeutic processes.

Prioritizing case documentation while managing a caseload involves effective time management and organization. As a Master's Level Intern, outline your strategy, such as scheduling specific times for documentation and using checklists to ensure you cover all necessary components. Emphasize the importance of maintaining accurate and timely records to meet regulatory requirements while providing high-quality care to clients.

When discussing your expectations for the internship, highlight your eagerness to learn hands-on clinical skills, gain insight into children’s mental health therapy, and collaborate with experienced professionals. Discuss specific areas of interest, such as developing treatment plans or understanding case management processes, and how these experiences will shape your future career.

Addressing potential conflicts in a multidisciplinary team requires open communication and a collaborative mindset. As an intern, discuss the importance of addressing issues early through constructive dialogue, focusing on shared goals of client welfare. Highlight your willingness to listen to diverse perspectives and seek compromise, reinforcing teamwork as crucial for effective service delivery.

Reflecting on your passion for children’s mental health is important for this question. Emphasize your commitment to improving the lives of young individuals and families facing challenges. Share any personal experiences or inspirations that led you to this field, making it clear that your drive comes from a genuine desire to promote healing and resilience among children.