Counseling Services – Graduate Internship Program
The YWCA is a nonprofit organization with the mission of eliminating racism and empowering women. The YWCA offers free crisis intervention services for victims of domestic and sexual violence as well as flat fee therapeutic services for long-term issues. The YWCA counseling staff consists of seven clinicians including two licensed professional counselors. Our 600-hour internship position is based out of the YWCA Counseling Center located in Downtown Norfolk. The position may require interns to travel to satellite counseling locations throughout Hampton Roads. This position requires a commitment of at least two internship semesters. If a prospective intern is looking for a practicum site, the intern will be required to complete three consecutive semesters to include practicum and internship.
Individual Counseling (Crisis and Long-term)
YWCA provides crisis counseling services for all victims of sexual and interpersonal violence as well as family and friends that have been affected. Community members also seek long-term counseling services (for severe mental illness and/or non- trauma-related issues) and we offer a sliding scale fee for long-term services; however, interns provide this service at no charge for those clients that cannot afford treatment. Because we do not accept payment for services provided by our interns, they often build a diverse caseload and treat a variety of mental health issues.
Support Group
Interns will have the opportunity to co-facilitate a support group and should advance to lead facilitator at the start of the second semester.
Case Management
Interns are required to attend weekly case management meetings held with the entire counseling team. They are currently held every Friday morning.
Data Entry
A large part of working for a non-profit is often data entry. The intern will not only be responsible for all electronic case management of their client load but also any data entry requested for grant reporting purposes. Interns will be trained in this area, but keeping accurate data and client notes are a requirement of the internship.
- Current enrollment in a CACREP-accredited Doctoral or Master’s program in the field of Mental Health Counseling or Social Work.
- Must have completed at least one clinical practicum placement, unless expressing an interest in completing both practicum and internship consecutively.
- Completion of YWCA orientation and advanced training (32 hours) prior to start date.
- Flexible availability with the bulk of internship being held during normal business hours with some early evening groups.
- Interns must commit to working at the YWCA for two semesters and participate in all five components of the program as listed above.