Masters Graduate Student Internships in Mental Health
We are no longer accepting applications for internships
Located in Scotch Plains and Branchburg, New Jersey
Welcome to Brave Minds Psychological Services, where passion meets purpose in shaping the future of children and families. Our internship program offers an immersive experience for graduate school students seeking to delve into the world of individual and family psychotherapy.
Our practice is dedicated to preventing the intergenerational transmission of anxiety and trauma through providing high quality mental health care that can change the course of individuals and loved one’s lives. We seek to create a safe space for individuals affected by difficult, traumatizing and painful childhood experiences to learn to trust, heal, connect and move forward.
About Brave Minds
Here at Brave Minds, we believe in nurturing talent and fostering a supportive environment for aspiring therapists. Our focus lies in empowering interns to make a tangible difference in the lives of children and families. Through a combination of hands-on experience and multidisciplinary collaboration, we aim to shape well-rounded professionals ready to excel in the field of psychotherapy.
Eligibility
- Current enrollment in a graduate program of social work, counseling, or marriage and family therapy.
- Passion for working with children and families, demonstrating empathy, and a commitment to making a positive impact.
- Demonstrate cultural humility, awareness and dedication to antiracism.
- Demonstrate a commitment developing culturally affirming, LGBTQIA+ affirming and neuro-divergent affirming practices.
- Strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively within a multidisciplinary team.
- The ability to follow instructions and work independently.
- Strong time management skills and organizational skills.
Internship Highlights
Hands-On Experience: Engage in individual and family psychotherapy sessions under supervision, gaining practical skills and insights.
Multidisciplinary Approach: Collaborate with a diverse team of professionals, including psychologists, social workers, marriage and family therapists, and professional counselors.
Holistic Learning: Develop a deep understanding of various therapeutic approaches and methodologies in a real-world setting.
Client-Centered Care: Work closely with children and families, tailoring therapy to meet their unique needs and circumstances.
Professional Development: Receive mentorship and guidance from seasoned therapists, enhancing your clinical skills and confidence.
Internship Length
Many of our interns are at our site for an entire academic year. Our placement requires a minimum of 8 months. Counseling, Marriage and Family Therapy and 2nd year Social Work Interns typically do 8 month to 12 month rotation developing skills in providing therapy. First Year Social Work Interns learn the art of matching prospective clients with therapists during phone calls as well as developing therapy skills through the assignment of 1-2 clients.
Mandatory Meetings
Most mandatory meetings for interns are held between 10am and 3pm on Thursdays. These include:
- Staff Meeting, Peer Consultations & Staff Support Meetings
- Practice Manager Office Hours
- Weekly meetings with the Clinical Director for additional supervision
- Annual Trainings
Required Availability
Interns must be available for internship on the days their supervisor and office space is available (supervisor schedule below).
Due to the nature of working with children and families, interns must be available until about 7 pm on days they are working in office. (Exceptions may be if class conflicts with one of those days.)
Blogging
Interns are required to complete 2-3 blogs during the course of their internship. Blogging is a great way to deepen your understanding of the material you are learning or working with. Being able to present your knowledge in a digestible format for an identified audience is an important skill. It will allow you to decrease mental health stigma, increase public knowledge and share your passions with others. Interns are coached through writing blogs and encouraged to consider a series of blogs where they can go deep into a particular subject of interest. Read previous intern blogs below.
- Adult Child of a Narcissist: 3 Part Series by Claire Regel
- Reasons Why You Might Be Putting Off Therapy and How a Therapy Intern Can Help by Linda Farag
- You’re Not Lazy, You’re a Chronic Procrastinator by Linda Farag
- The Importance of Finding a Culturally Sensitive and Affirming Therapist by Megan Herelle
- 5 Things You Should Know About Therapy for Children as a Parent by Linda Farag
- Wedding Trauma and the Effects on Marriage by Megan Herelle
Meet the Supervisors
Fawn McNeil-Haber, PhD, Owner & Clinical Director: (not currently accepting new interns as a primary supervisor)
- Meets with interns the first 4 months of internship
- Meetings are typically held Thursdays at 10 am, 1 pm or 2 pm
- Focuses on skills to develop the ability to provide comprehensive psychosocial assessments
Lisa Weiss, LCSW Social Worker Liaison: Holds SIFI certification, does not hold board approved CE credits related to clinical supervision. (not currently accepting new interns as a primary supervisor)
- Interns must be available in Branchburg, NJ on Wednesdays and Fridays
- Interns must be available virtually Thursdays.
Lauren Grossbach, LMFT LMFT and Counseling Liaison: Holds 30-hour AAMFT Supervisor Course.
- Interns must be available in Branchburg, NJ on Mondays and Thursdays.
- Interns must be available virtually on Fridays.
Elaine Harrison-Yau, LCSW: Does not hold SIFI certification, but willing to obtain it if provided by graduate program. Does not hold board approved CE credits related to clinical supervision. Elaine’s interns are required in Branchburg and Scotch Plains.
- Interns must be available in Scotch Plains, NJ on Mondays
- Interns must be available in Branchburg, NJ on Wednesdays.
- Interns must be available virtually Thursdays.
Why Choose Brave Minds?
Impactful Work: Make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families by contributing to their emotional well-being.
Supportive Environment: Experience a nurturing and inclusive atmosphere that encourages learning and personal growth.
Networking Opportunities: Connect with professionals and build a network within the field of child and family therapy.
Skill Enhancement: Hone your therapeutic skills through hands-on practice and exposure to diverse cases.
Application Process
- Submit Your Application with subject (Internship Application): Please include the following:
- A cover letter
- A resume
- A document outlining your internship parameters and needs. This is typically provided by your school.
- MFT interns and Counselor interns please email LaurenGrossbach@bravemindsnj.com
- Social Worker interns please email LisaWeiss@bravemindsnj.com
- Complete Our Application Form.
- Interview: Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview to assess suitability and discuss interests. Interviews are conducted by the Clinical Director, Practice Manager and a Supervisor.
- Selection: Successful candidates will be notified and onboarded for the internship program.
Previous Intern Testimonials
Dr. Fawn McNeil-Haber is unflinchingly dedicated to fostering a work culture of cooperation, mutual support, mutual growth, and professionalism. I have been given ample opportunities to learn and develop personally and professionally through individual and practice-wide trainings, ever-available mentorship, and peer supervision. In my time here I have gained experience of immeasurable value that I am positive will prove useful for the rest of my career, though at this point I cannot foresee leaving this practice anytime soon. This is an excellent practice at which to begin or elevate a career as a psychotherapist.
Linda Farag, LSW (Former Rutgers MSW 2nd Year Intern)
When offered the opportunity to intern at Brave Minds, I was beyond excited. It is a great feeling starting your internship, but it comes with a lot of nerves. When choosing your internship location you want to make sure you’ll be able to meet school requirements, and that you have a knowledgeable supervisor who will aid in your learning. Within a week of interning with Brave Minds, I knew that I was in good hands as a student, and future therapist. Brave Minds has an incredible community of therapists and team members that welcome you in, offering insight and tips to embark on the journey of becoming a great clinician. I loved my time as an intern at Brave Minds, and I’m so grateful for the way it’s shaped me as a therapist!”
Megan Herelle, LAMFT (Former Syracuse MFT Intern)