Undergraduate Apprenticeship Program
Summit Counseling Solutions is looking for motivated, growth-oriented individuals who are interested in gaining meaningful hands-on experience in the mental health field. This is an excellent opportunity for students or individuals pursuing careers in psychology, social work, counseling, marriage and family therapy, nursing, or related behavioral health professions.
We are not looking for “babysitters.” We are building a team of future mental health professionals who want to learn, grow, and actively contribute to client success in a highly supportive clinical environment.
Our adolescent Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) works with teens and families to support social, emotional, academic, and mental health improvement. Our program utilizes a DBT-based, relational curriculum and experiential approach to help clients and their families develop practical coping skills and improve daily functioning.
Position Overview
Apprentices work directly alongside licensed therapists and other members of the clinical team to support group therapy intervention, client engagement, skills practice, and therapeutic activities. Therapists lead and facilitate groups while apprentices receive hands-on training through observation, mentorship, collaboration, and progressive participation in group facilitation.
As apprentices demonstrate confidence and competency, they may become eligible to co-facilitate or lead portions of groups and activities, receiving feedback from and in collaboration with a licensed therapist.
This role is ideal for someone who:
- Wants direct experience in adolescent mental health treatment
- Is eager to learn from licensed clinicians
- Enjoys mentoring and working with youth
- Wants exposure to DBT, relational intervention experience, group dynamics, and behavioral health programming
- Is interested in developing leadership and therapeutic communication skills
A $500 stipend will be provided upon successful completion of an 18 week semester commitment.
Morning, afternoon, and evening shifts are available. For the most robust experience, an Apprentice would participate in a combination of two-three shifts (morning afternoon, evening) each week.
Responsibilities
- Build positive, supportive relationships with adolescent clients
- Support therapists during therapeutic groups, activities, and programming
- Observe and learn effective group facilitation and behavioral intervention skills
- Assist with experiential activities, life skills groups, and therapeutic programming
- Gradually participate in co-facilitating groups with therapist guidance and feedback
- Utilize appropriate therapeutic communication and relationship-building skills
- Support clients in practicing coping skills and treatment goals in real-time situations
- Learn about client diagnoses and appropriate behavioral responses/interventions
- Maintain professionalism, boundaries, and a therapeutic environment
- Communicate effectively with the clinical team regarding client progress and observations
- Complete required documentation and administrative responsibilities
- Participate in training, supervision, and ongoing learning opportunities
- Be adaptable, teachable, and willing to grow professionally
Qualifications
- Interest in mental health, psychology, social work, counseling, or related fields
- Experience working with adolescents preferred but not required
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to remain calm, professional, and engaged in a fast-paced environment
- Must be dependable, coachable, and willing to learn
- Must pass a background check
- Preferred age 21+
What You’ll Gain
- Direct clinical exposure in an adolescent PHP setting
- Mentorship from licensed therapists and behavioral health professionals
- Experience with DBT-based, relational treatment approaches
- Opportunities to develop leadership, communication, and group facilitation skills
Valuable preparation for graduate programs and careers in mental health