Mental illness affects millions of people every  year, in fact, just over 47 million adults in the US experienced a mental illness in 2018. These numbers make receiving quality mental health treatment vital. Students who want to prepare for a career path in behavioral healthcare will often find it beneficial to explore internship opportunities that allow them to work in interdisciplinary teams.

What is the benefit of an internship?

An internship is a great professional experience that can expose someone to the many facets of behavioral healthcare, and provide many benefits, some of which include:

• Observing and understanding evaluating clients through assessments and learning how to build individualized care plans around the information they learn.
• Working side-by-side with professionals using evidence-based modalities and the latest research to treat clients.
• Exposure to discharge planning and follow-up care.
• Learn the important role behavioral health plays in ensuring a productive life for individuals.
• Allows students to use their specific skills and knowledge while gaining real-life exposure to areas aligned with their course of study.

Are there internships at Lifeskills?

Lifeskills South Florida is a teaching center. We incorporate master’s level interns as part of the treatment experience. The program utilizes the expertise of licensed psychologists, social workers, marriage and family therapists, and mental health counselors to teach future generations of mental health practitioners the skills necessary for meaningful interventions and careers. At Lifeskills South Florida, we currently have master’s level interns from Florida Atlantic University, Lynn University, and NOVA Southeastern University.

Interviewed about how she sees the program, Associate Director of Clinical Operations, Dr. Krista Valz stated, “The value in having interns is that it offers a fresh perspective from a learner’s eye.  The relationship and supervision with interns at Lifeskills create an atmosphere of collaboration and teaching that keeps our staff sharp and up to date with current practices. Lifeskills South Florida offers a great experience for the intern due to the diverse population, level of expertise of clinicians and the exposure to the full continuum of care”.

Recently, an FAU intern shared his view of the Lifeskills program.  He stated, “Lifeskills South Florida is providing me with the experience and knowledge I need to become an effective professional in the mental health field. The interdisciplinary staff members are accessible, well-informed and willing to guide me through this learning process.”

Our clients reported that they enjoy working with the interns and see a benefit to their treatment. Additionally, internships provide students a firsthand experience of how they can impact another person. They can immediately provide our clients with resources they need to help make their lives better.

We at Lifeskills South Florida are honored to work with these students as we help assist them in being the best they can be in helping clients find long-term recovery. We get to witness the tremendous amount of growth in the students and see the happiness and confidence they gain in helping individuals and families during some of the most challenging times of their lives.

If you would like more information about Lifeskills South Florida, call us today at 954-953-1742 or complete our contact form.