MFT​/MSW Graduate Student Trainee (School Aged Services

MFT/MSW Graduate Student Trainee (School Aged Services)

Clinical Services 6th Street, 849

E. 6th Street, Los Angeles, California, United States of America

Posted Thursday, December 4, 2025 at 11:00 AM

Para Los Niños’ Mental Health Services Program works to address the mental health needs of children, ages 0‑21, and their families in Service Planning Area 4 of Los Angeles (Skid Row, Downtown, Pico‑Union, Boyle Heights, and Ramona Gardens Projects). We are the area’s only mental health services provider for children in this area. 100% of the children and families we serve come from very low‑income households, with the majority living 250% below federal poverty guidelines.

The current median income of our families is $11,500 for an average household size of 3‑6 people, less than five times the California average. 95% of our clients are Latino; 5% are African‑American. 87.5% of the children’s caretakers read little to no English. Of the children we serve, 18.2% are five years old or under; 52.2% are 6‑10 years old;

25.2% are 11‑15 years old; 4.4% are 16‑20 years old.

Mental Health:
This is a clinical track that entails placement within the Mental Health Department, primarily working with children from the ages of 6 – 18 years old. Students will receive training in Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health documentation and obtain certification in a specific evidence‑informed practice. Students will provide the following services: intake assessment (an extensive bio‑psychosocial history, diagnosis and treatment plan); individual, collateral, family and group psychotherapy;

crisis intervention when needed; targeted case management (i.e. linkage to additional support services) as clinically indicated. Students will also participate in a multi‑disciplinary team aimed at integration and collaboration; consultation with board‑certified pediatric psychiatrist; consultations with teachers, administrators, after‑school staff and other natural supports for their assigned clients. Students will have the opportunity to co‑facilitate groups in the schools on topics such as bullying, social skills, etc.

This internship is a 20‑hour‑a‑week commitment. Internship days and times are flexible. However, Wednesdays are a mandatory training day as this is the day of the week in which staff meetings, trainings and group supervision take place on a weekly basis (9 am‑3 pm).

The primary start date for training is the first Wednesday after Labor Day. However, there are several slots available to start in June for the Mental Health track. There will be a 2‑day orientation that will take place at the end of August to help students with onboarding activities. This 2‑day orientation is necessary to ensure students have completed activities that will support their beginning their clinical training.

It should also be noted that the first two weeks of training in September, most trainings are scheduled to take place on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Attendance to these training days is required unless prior arrangements have been discussed with the respective training supervisor.

We require that all students pass a live‑scan, drug screening and TB test. Agency‑wide trainings are also required (topics on trauma‑informed treatment, child‑abuse reporting, CPR / First Aid, etc.).

• Supervision and Training Plan: (describe format and delivery: individual, group, time, day of training and training topics).
• Supervision:
  Students receive 1 hour of individual and 2 hours of group supervision weekly. Both individual and group supervision are done in person. Group supervision consists of no more than 8 students. Students present cases each week in a structured presentation format to facilitate this area of their professional development.
• Meetings with Preceptors / Mentors:
  Students are assigned a preceptor / mentor at the beginning of the training year. This preceptor / mentor is a seasoned clinician who will essentially be available to support the student as they learn their role in providing services. For the students who are in the Mental Health Track, this…