“Theory into Practice”
Ponessa Behavioral Health offers both undergraduate and graduate level internships for students entering the field of mental health or social work. We wholeheartedly value the importance of gaining hands-on experience in a safe and supportive educational environment, where students can integrate classroom skills and theory with direct client experience. Interns receive the same orientation training as employees, along with additional support provided by the internship program supervisors. All interns attend at least one group supervision per week, along with any required individual/triadic supervision with a qualified supervisor. Monthly in-house clinical training on a variety of topics is also provided.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and students are encouraged to apply at any time. We explore each student's program requirements individually and do our best to accommodate students' unique set of needs and expectations for this exciting and influential step of their journey. Ponessa strives to provide a positive and educational experience for all interns so that they feel confident and prepared to enter the field at the conclusion of their internship. Employment opportunities are available, sometimes even prior to graduation depending on the position, and administration works together to help create a seamless transition from intern to employee in order to maintain continuity of care with clients.
Tel: 717-560-7917
Fax: 717-560-6452
Email: jackie.markward@ponessa.com
Tel: 717-560-7917
Fax: 717-560-6452
Email: theresa.goodling@ponessa.com
Graduate Internship Program
Graduate-level internships are available in Lancaster, Lebanon, York, and Dauphin County for students pursuing their Master's degree in psychology, counseling, or social work. Financial compensation is not provided at this time. Interns are trained and placed in one of the following departments where they will receive both direct client experience (i.e., in-person and Telehealth; individual, family, and group therapy) and indirect experience (e.g., treatment planning, case management, documentation, continuing education, case consultation, shadowing, etc.):
- Mental Health Outpatient Program
- School-Based Outpatient Program
- Substance Use Disorder Program
- Child/Adolescent Partial Hospitalization Program
Undergraduate Internship Program
Undergraduate-level interns in psychology, social work, and related fields are trained as a Behavioral Health Technician (BHT) in our Intensive Behavioral Health Services (IBHS) department, where they may then have the opportunity to shadow and work directly with their own child/adolescent clients (ages 2-20). Direct client experience will occur in the home, school, and/or community setting so reliable transportation will be necessary to fulfill the program expectations. We welcome interns to complete two semesters of internship when necessary, where a majority of their second semester will be direct client experience. Second-semester interns in good standing are eligible for selection to receive monetary awards that recognize their academic achievement in completing their internship program. Internships for undergraduate-level students are available in either Lancaster, Lebanon, York, Dauphin, Chester, or Cumberland/Perry County.