“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.
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"I feel that this program gives you a strong foundation for clinical work, as it allows you to work with a vast dynamics of clients in culture, diagnosis and backgrounds. It allows for growth and support from supervisors in order to help our clients the best way we can." ~ Former Graduate Intern, Spring 2025
"I think there is a perfect balance of education and self-reflection. It is also just an overall positive environment to be in, and I really appreciate the level of independence you are granted as an intern." ~ Former Graduate Intern, Fall 2024
"My supervisor challenged me to take on new perspectives, think outside the box, brush up on my ethics, and always emphasized the importance of learning. With her guidance, I feel more than prepared to transition into employment at Ponessa." ~ Former Graduate Intern, Fall 2024
"You learn SO much. There are ample opportunities for expanding your knowledge, whether it be during individual supervision, group supervision, the third-Friday trainings, or the copious amount of resources you are provided with from the start in the graduate internship program. While I believe my school did a wonderful job educating me, I am so grateful for the different perspectives I was exposed to throughout this internship." ~ Former Graduate Intern, Fall 2024
"I learned a lot, ranging from various disorders and treatments, working with a client in the field, the reasons for behaviors, data collection and note writing. These are all skills that I will likely need for the rest of my career, so I was happy that I got experience now. It also benefited me to learn from clinicians and those in higher positions than I." ~ Former Undergraduate Intern, Spring 2025
"The internship coordinator is extraordinary. She is dedicated to her interns, responds quickly and with helpful feedback, and is a wonderful teacher during supervisions. Ponessa has a wonderful team of supervisors (ACs, BCs, etc) who are all incredibly knowledgeable and open to helping out anyone, including interns." ~ Former Undergraduate Intern, Fall 2024
"This internship provides rewarding work that makes you feel like you are making a difference." ~ Former Undergraduate Intern, Summer 2024