NEW Clinical Mental Health
Internship Program
We are no longer accepting applications for our Fall 2025 - Spring 2026 internship.
We will begin accepting applications for Spring 2026 - Fall 2026 in September 2025.
Each year, NEW Counseling accepts master’s level social work, marriage and family therapy, mental health counseling and other mental health related degrees interns to participate in our internship program that is a fluid mix of challenge, growth and reward, in hopes of being a part of the movement to nurture and train quality and compassionate social workers, therapists and mental health counselors.
NEW tries to create an internship experience that is reciprocal and one in which interns are able to focus on activities, tasks and clients that are meaningful to them, while also filling a need within the practice. The internship is tailored to each intern and has a strong focus on identifying their specific talents, gifts and style and preparing them to bring their whole self to the counseling experience.
““My internship experience was such a meaningful part of my professional journey— it gave me the space to learn and grow while feeling supported. I was able to clarify the population I’m most passionate about working with, and the experience helped me build confidence in my clinical skills. I’m grateful that I continue to feel that same support and sense of purpose in my role as a therapist at NEW.””
Overview
The internship is geared towards both 1st year and 2nd year graduate school placements (either practicum and internship or just internship) with an expectation of 15-18 hours per week commitment minimum for 1st year interns and 20+ hours per week for 2nd year interns.
The ideal intern needs to be adaptable, self-motivated, and detail-oriented, with the ability to combine strategy with hands-on execution.
Ideal candidates will have either passion, strong desire and lived experience for working with, supporting and advocating for BIPOC, women, LGBTQ+, oppressed and marginalized individuals and communities.
The ideal intern should have a willingness to market themselves via social media, outreach and networking.
The ideal intern will have the ability and openness to provide services both virtually and in person.
A background or interest in community engagement, policy, fundraising, or program development are desirable but not required.
““My internship at NEW Counseling has been both an amazing and challenging experience! Because of NEW Counseling, I know who I am as a therapist and I am forever grateful!”
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The FOCUS
The internship is focused on development of individual/clinical skills (micro), business/organizational skill development (mezzo) and policy and systems work (macro) with a combination of direct and indirect practice experiences with individuals, couples and families, organizations and groups.
Clinical focused interns carry a client caseload comprised of individuals, couples, families and groups representative of both the interns desired client population as well as those who are outside of the desired client population.
Interns have the opportunity to hone their clinical voice and promote their practice through a combination of writing (blog writing, social media management) and speaking (Conscious Conversations, outreach and networking events) experiences.
Interns participate in social justice and advocacy activities as well as policy development and create special projects geared towards clinical business expansion and professional development.
Interns will potentially have the opportunity to conduct and participate in research as a part of their internship experience.
““Interning at NEW has been one of the most impactful experiences I’ve had, both personally and professionally. The team truly cares, and being in that kind of environment pushed me to grow in ways I didn’t expect. I’ve gained valuable clinical skills, but more than that, I’ve grown into someone who leads with authenticity and empathy. I’m really grateful I had the opportunity to complete my internship with NEW. I walked in hoping to gain experience, and now I’m finishing with that and so much more. I’m excited to continue my journey with this team within a new capacity.””
the SKILLS
Interns receive education and have experiences that develop skills around:
Written and verbal communication
Marketing and outreach
Organizational leadership & development
Resource development
Clinical mental health counseling
Clinical Diagnosis, Assessment, Treatment Planning & Documentation
the responsibility
Interns will have a variety of responsibilities including during their internship including:
Direct client care
Group & Workshop facilitation
Social media management
Blog contribution
Special project development
Policy & systems development
“My internship at Nashville Emotional Wellness (NEW) was truly a remarkable experience. I was surrounded by a wealth of knowledge, support, and encouragement that helped me grow both personally and professionally. The team empowered me to meet clients where they are and helped me hone my innate skills to become a more effective, compassionate therapist. I am deeply grateful for the foundation this experience provided as I continue my journey in the field of mental health.”
OPPORTUNITIES BEYOND INTERNSHIP
Interns planning and desiring to enter into full-time practice post graduation are highly desirable. Upon successful completion of internship, NEW interns will potentially be invited to continue on with NEW. In addition, NEW deliberately exposes interns to a variety of professionals within the field of mental health to provide interns with ideas regarding options beyond graduation