At ASCEND, we are dedicated to fostering the next generation of mental wellness advocates and professionals. Our Mental Wellness Internship Program provides students and emerging professionals with hands-on experience in community-based mental health initiatives, advocacy, and direct support services.
Are you a student enrolled in an accredited mental health, psychology, or substance use counseling, or social work program?
Check out our internship opportunities here at ASCEND!
Clinical Internships:
Caleo Counseling Services Intern
- Clinical interns must be 18 years or older, a second-year MSW student, an advanced MSW, or an MHC student.
- Hands-on training through supervised observation of experienced clinicians for a minimum of 2-3 weeks.
- Internships typically consist of 16+ hours per week, based on school requirements.
Non-Clinical Internships:
Supportive Residential Care Intern
- Provide Ongoing Resident Support – Check in with residents to offer guidance on maintaining stable housing, addressing concerns, and connecting them with necessary community resources.
- Engage in Outreach and Community Integration– Assist staff in connecting residents with employment, education, and social opportunities to enhance their stability and self-sufficiency.
- Observe and Support Crisis Intervention Efforts– Learn how staff address challenges related to mental health and substance use, gaining experience in de-escalation and problem-solving strategies.
Restorative Residential Care Intern
- Support Daily Living Skills Development – Assist residents with meal planning, budgeting, personal hygiene reminders, and household management to enhance their independence.
- Facilitate Recreational and Social Activities– Organize group activities, outings, and skill-building workshops to encourage social interaction and community engagement.
- Learn and Support Crisis Intervention Strategies – Observe and assist staff in de-escalation techniques and crisis response to gain hands-on experience in mental health support.
East Side Center & Support Services Intern
- Assist with Rehabilitation and Wellness Activities – Support individuals in social, recreational, and skill-building activities/groups at the East Side Center to promote personal growth and community engagement.
- Observe and Learn Person-Centered Approaches – Gain experience in individualized recovery planning by shadowing staff and contributing to support strategies tailored to each person’s goals.
- Engage in Employment Support and Job Coaching – Assist staff in training and coaching individuals in the Work Program, helping them develop job skills and confidence.
Horticulture & Wellness Garden Intern
- Assist with Gardening and Crop Maintenance – Help plant, water, weed, and harvest produce while learning about therapeutic gardening techniques.
- Engage with Members in Therapeutic Activities – Support individuals in hands-on gardening tasks, encouraging mindfulness, stress relief, and self-esteem building.
- Facilitate Educational Workshops – Assist in developing and leading sessions on sustainable gardening, nutrition, and the mental health benefits of horticulture.
All interns must have:
Valid NYS driver’s license acceptable to Agency insurance standards.
Must be of good character and background and display an affinity for working with people with mental illness and/or co-occurring disorders.
Must have the ability to work independently, have good problem-solving skills and can work as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
.
Click Here to print out our Intern Application
You can return your intern application to our Human Resources Department via email at hr@ascendmw.org
.
See what our interns have to say!
“I have a unique background for becoming an intern at Caleo Counseling because I am also a residential specialist through Ascend Mental Wellness. Being part of an agency like Ascend has opened so many opportunities that I have been so grateful for. The population treated at Caleo is so diverse and that is why I wanted to become an intern. Now that I have become an intern, I can say I chose the best counseling site to learn. Clinicians at Caleo make me as an intern feel supported and capable in my abilities as a counselor. I can say with confidence that at Caleo, I am heard and listened to and would recommend applying here to any graduate student.”
– Cassie Goodsell, Caleo Counseling Clinical Intern – 2025
“Interning at Caleo Counseling has been a very meaningful experience. It has only deepened my passion for helping others and affirmed that I’m exactly where I am meant to be. It’s been both validating and inspiring to witness the impact of the therapeutic relationship firsthand. I’ve been fortunate enough to have had the opportunity to work closely with individuals, navigating a wide range of challenges, which has fostered an ideal environment to practice clinical skills and grow personally and professionally. The support I have received from the team has been great. From day one, I felt like an extension of the staff and have always felt that my input was valued and encouraged. The clinicians are so eager to teach and have created a supportive and comfortable environment for interns to learn. The feedback that I have received from my supervisor Kelly has been constructive and nonjudgmental. Supervision has been thoughtful, reflective, and consistently balanced the needs of clients with genuine care for my personal and professional development. My time here has been foundational in helping me find and trust my own therapeutic voice. It has allowed me to grow as a Social Worker who values both connection and clinical skill. The supportive environment encouraged me to show up authentically with clients while staying grounded in a person-centered approach. I am truly grateful for the space Caleo provided to explore, learn, and stay true to myself.”
–Tierra Austin-Madyun , Caleo Counseling Clinical Intern – 2024 – 2025
