Internships
Independent Management Services of Minnesota is committed to training the next generation of mental health practitioners and professionals through providing internships that are challenging, engaging, and focused on direct client care. We strive to provide all interns with an experience that is positive and supportive. We work cooperatively with you and your university to ensure we are assisting you in meeting your specific requirements.
Clinical Therapy Internships
Currently, IMS is able to support masters level clinical internships for individuals working toward LICSW and LPCC licensures. Unfortunately, we cannot support LMFT programs at this time.
Clinical Therapy Intern Experience
Interns start their experience shadowing IMS clinicians on a rotation to see different clinical styles. Interns will also have the opportunity to shadow DBT Groups as well.
The intern will then be assigned 1-2 clients to see on their own, with direct supervision assisting in guiding and coaching the intern in session with the client – otherwise known as “shared cases”. The direct supervisor will assist and guide the intern on how to appropriately complete documentation to ensure it is in compliance with agency and statute standards.
Finally, the intern will spend the last part of their internship working with their own clients, while occasionally being shadowed by the direct supervisor to check on intern progress. This is done either with the supervisor sitting in on the session, or by shadowing virtually, with the shadowing type being determined by client choice and comfort level.
Client Continuity of Care During an Internship
During an internship, there are a number of factors involved in transitioning interns from shadowing to seeing their own clients independently.
Some universities require interns to not work at their internship site when the university is on a scheduled break. This presents a problem for continuation of care for the client. For this reason most interns will not start their independent client work until after they return from an extended break (winter/spring). At that time, the shared clients will be fully transitioned to the intern. Other factors include the direct supervisor’s determination of the intern’s appropriate skill level needed to be successful completing individual therapy.
Intern Evaluation
Intern evaluation is a vital component to ensuring they can be successful clinicians. To that end, IMS intern direct supervisors will use the Counselor Competencies Scale – Revised (CCS-R) to evaluate the intern’s skills development and professional competencies.
Interns will also have direct, face-to-face individual supervision sessions with their internship supervisor. Regular meetings with university staff will also be completed as required by the intern’s program.
Bachelor Level Internships
Independent Management Services offers bachelor level internships in ARMHS and CTSS. If someone has 2,000 hours of supervised experience, they will qualify as a practitioner and are able to see clients independently. If they do not have 2,000 hours of supervised experience, they will stay with a practitioner and learn the program. They will assist in teaching clients skills as well as how to appropriately document, and assist in running groups. Both will participate in clinical supervision with a Mental Health Professional.
What to Expect as an Intern
As an intern, your responsibilities may include
- Shadowing staff during client meetings and service delivery.
- Teaching clients skills.
- Communicating with clients as appropriate
- Assisting with required documentation.
- Reviewing and becoming familiar with Diagnostic Assessments (DAs) and Individualized Treatment Plans.
- Attending team meetings and case consultations.
- Attend weekly supervision with your supervisor(s).
- Your schedule may vary depending upon agency needs and learning opportunities.
Documentation and Paperwork
An important part of our work is documentation, not only for regulatory and insurance reasons, but also to keep a record of what a client is working on and their progress. This assists others working with them to know what needs to be done in case they need to fill in or assist. It is an essential part of your learning and role as an intern.
At all times as an intern, one must always maintain confidentiality!
As an intern, you may be expected to:
- Use an Electronic Health Record (EHR)
- Write progress notes, case summaries, etc.
- Complete documentation in a timely manner.
- Follow agency-specific formats and documentation standards.
Documentation must focus on observable facts, be clear, concise, and objective, while avoiding personal opinions of the intern.
Intern Evaluation
Intern evaluation is a vital component to ensuring they can be successful mental health workers.
Interns will also have direct, face-to-face individual supervision sessions with their internship supervisor. Regular meetings with university staff will also be completed as required by the intern’s program.
Substance Use Disorder (LADC) Internships
Independent Management Services
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Preceptorships
Independent Management Services of Minnesota….
Internship Application Process
To apply for one of IMS’ internship opportunities, please complete the internship application and email it along with your resume and cover letter clearly indicating the the type of internship you are pursuing to: ltuttle@imsofmn.com
If you would like additional information about internship opportunities, please call 507-437-6389.
General Internship Expectations
As an intern of Independent Management Services you are expected to:
- Act as a representative of IMS and follow the lead of IMS employees.
- Read and abide by IMS’ policies and procedures.
- Dress in business casual attire, look presentable and professional at all times. Dress may require more formal attire on occasion.
- Communicate in a respectful and professional manner to clients, coworkers, and the public.
- Be on time; tardiness, unexcused absences, and/or excessive tardiness/absenteeism may result in termination of the internship.
- Be willing to accept feedback and coaching, as this is your chance to learn this profession and critique your work
- Understand that your performance and behavior will be communicated to your instructor
- Take this internship seriously, as you will need to utilize this experience as your professional reference
- Honest feedback will be given to the instructor
- Demonstrate a positive and willing attitude to learn and assist with program functions
- Watch and engage how each professional is doing
their job and identify skills that you feel would be beneficial in your own
style. - Read and abide by the rules and regulations of HIPAA, data privacy, client rights, etc.
- You are expected to practice professional boundaries, and to be mindful of your actions and behaviors during and outside of work hours.
- Attend supervision as scheduled.
- Interns are responsible for seeking consultation and supervision between scheduled meetings when necessary.
- Interns are required to track and monitor their own internship related documents (experience logs, student evaluations, etc.).
Applying for an Internship
If you’d like to apply for an internship with IMS, please complete the application and email it along with your resume and cover letter clearly indicating the the type of internship to: ltuttle@imsofmn.com
If you would like additional information about internship opportunities, please call 507-437-6389.