Behavioral Health Staff: Intern & Trainee Program

The BHRS Practicum/Internship Program offers comprehensive clinical training opportunities for master’s- and doctoral-level students enrolled in accredited mental health training programs. Students gain hands-on experience serving the diverse communities of San Mateo County, including children, youth, adults, families, and older adults across a range of cultural, linguistic, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Throughout the placement, students receive structured didactics and specialized trainings designed to strengthen clinical skills, promote cultural humility, and support effective service delivery within public behavioral health settings.

Cultural Stipend Internship Program

The Cultural Stipend Internship Program (CSIP) provides financial support to practicum students and interns who contribute to serving underserved, unserved and inappropriately served communities within BHRS Older Adult, Adult, and Youth Services. Eligible students may receive a cultural stipend of up to $7,000 when working 20 hours or more per week at their placement. Stipends are pro-rated for students working 20–24 hours per week, and students working fewer than 20 hours per week are not eligible.

In addition to their clinical placement, CSIP participants commit to two hours per week of engagement with a Health Equity Initiative (HEI). This includes attending HEI meetings and collaborating on an HEI-related project, as negotiated between the trainee/intern, their supervisor, and the HEI co-chairs. After meeting with HEI co-chairs and reviewing the priorities outlined in the HEI  Strategic Work Plan, students select one priority area and develop a CSIP project aligned with that focus, choosing the project type in collaboration with HEI leadership.

2016 Cultural Stipend Internship Program Final Projects:

• Alexandra Papa and Gail Poust - Spirituality Initiative
  • Presentation Slides
  • Project Write-up
  • Client Survey
  • Provider Survey
• Kyla Lew - Filipino Mental Health Initiative
  • Presentation Slides
  • Project Write-up
  • FMHI Presentation Slides
  • FMHI Project Flier
• Brenda Carrasco - Latino Collaborative
  • Presentation Slides
  • Project Write-Up
  • Pictures
• Claire Clarke - Native American Initiative
  • Presentation Slides
  • Project Write-Up
  • Program Agenda
• Margareth Del Cid - Latino Collaborative
  • Presentation Slides
  • Project Write-Up
  • English Flier
  • Spanish Flier
  • Newsletter Sample
• Daija S. Foster - African American Community Initiative
  • Presentation Slides
  • Project Write-Up
• Christina Gotelli - PRIDE Initiative
  • San Mateo County LGBTQ Resource Document
  • Project Write-Up
  • Presentation Slides
  • LGBTQ Timeline
  • Brochure
• Islam Hassanein and Sarah Tabbarah - Arab Community Workgroup
  • Resources Presentation Slides
  • http://smchealth.org/bhrs/internships
  • http://smchealth.org/bhrs/internships
  • Flier
  • Resources Brochure
  • Sarah Site Presentation Slides 
• Allyson Lent - PRIDE Initiative
  • Presentation Slides
  • Project Write-Up
  • Outreach
• Predair Robinson - PRIDE Initiative
  • Presentation Slides
  • Project Write-Up and Supporting Documents
• Amber Wilridge - African American Community Initiative
  • Presentation Slides
  • Project Write-Up
• Amanda Yates - Diversity and Equity Council
  • Presentation Slides
  • Project Write-Up
  • Photo Voice for Older Adults Training Slides
• Shiyu Zhang - Chinese Health Initiative
  • Presentation Slides
  • Project Write-Up
  • Event Power Point Slides

Placement Opportunities

Current Placement Availability

Students are encouraged to review the BHRS Clinical Placements Overview for detailed information on available practicum/ internship opportunities. This document outlines current placement sites, population focus and training descriptions for each program, helping students identify opportunities that align with their clinical interests and training requirements.

In addition to meeting required supervision hours, trainees participate in weekly didactic seminars and are integrated into clinical case consultations and in-service trainings, supporting professional development and interdisciplinary learning.

MFT, MSW and PCC

Field placement opportunities will be posted on this page as they become available. Clinical students enrolled in accredited MSW, MFT, or PCC programs may apply through the 26–27 BHRS Practicum Application Portal.

Doctoral Practicums

BHRS participates in the Bay Area Practicum Information Collaborative (BAPIC). Clinical students enrolled in accredited doctoral programs should consult the BAPIC centralized directory of practicum training sites to identify BHRS placements currently available.

Contact

For any questions or additional information, please contact us at: HS_BHRS_Internships@smcgov.org

Pre- or Post-Doc CAPIC Internships

For Doctoral students who are seeking Pre-Doctoral or Post-Doctoral Internship placement, see the San Mateo Medical Center Psychology Training Program.

Please note: we are a member of California Psychology Internship Council (CAPIC) and follow their guidelines and procedures.