Practicum & Internship in the Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling

Real-World Experience

Clinical practicum and internship experiences are an integral part of the training sequence in the MA in Mental Health Counseling program at the University of Indianapolis. After completion of initial coursework, students participate in a 100-hour beginning practicum. The practicum is 10 weeks over the first summer in the program while students are taking classes full-time. Followed by a 600-hour (over 2 semesters)  internship experience in mental health counseling. Clinical field placements offer a variety of opportunities including the practice of individual, group, couples, and family counseling. In addition, students have the option of gaining experience during an elective 300-hour advanced internship course. 

Students often receive offers from internship placements and can begin work right after graduation. Many of our students have job offers before graduation.

Clinical placements include a variety of sites such as:

We continually add new sites and students are highly encouraged to make suggestions for potential sites.

To ensure high-quality training and supervision, practicum and internship sites and supervisors are evaluated regularly and approved by the Department of Counseling. Students have access to the Practicum and Internship Coordinator for all things related to their placements.  

In addition electronic documentation is kept for each student.

Supervised skill development

All MA in Mental Health Counseling students participate in a minimum of one hour of individual supervision per week by a licensed clinician during practicum and internship placements. In addition, students participate in weekly group supervision seminars. MHC Art Therapy interns receive supervision by individuals who hold clinical licensure and art therapy credentials (i.e., ATR, ATR-BC, and/or ATCS).