Clear Skies Counseling PLLC

Mental Health Counseling Internship (180 Days) - Internship

Detailed listing

Delivery

In person source value: In-Person

Length

About 22 to 26 weeks source value: 151 - 180 days

Type

Internship

Branches

Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, Navy, Space Force

Career field

Business and Financial Operations, Healthcare Practitioners and Technical, Office and Administrative Support

Defense Industrial Base

Yes

Summary

The 180-day SkillBridge Internship at Clear Skies Counseling PLLC is an immersive, structured training program designed to support transitioning service members in developing competency in outpatient behavioral health practice. This extended program allows for progressive skill development through a combination of didactic learning, supervised clinical exposure, and hands-on experience within a private practice setting. Participants will receive comprehensive training in core counseling skills, intake and assessment procedures, case conceptualization, treatment planning, and clinical documentation. The program emphasizes ethical practice, evidence-based interventions, and the development of a strong professional identity. Interns will also gain exposure to the operational aspects of a behavioral health practice, including client engagement, scheduling systems, and coordination of care. As the internship progresses, participants will move from observation to increased participation in clinical and administrative functions under supervision. The program is designed to build confidence, practical skill, and readiness for continued education or employment in counseling, behavioral health, or related helping professions, while supporting a successful transition from military to civilian professional environments.

Eligibility

To receive internship credit for clinical hours, participants must be actively enrolled in an accredited academic program that allows for supervised internship or practicum placement. Individuals who are not currently enrolled in a qualifying program may still participate in the SkillBridge opportunity; however, their role will be limited to non-clinical functions such as administrative support, client intake preparation, documentation assistance, and general practice operations.

What the work involves

During the SkillBridge internship, the participant will observe and progressively participate in client sessions under supervision while assisting with intake procedures, including gathering biopsychosocial information and using structured assessment tools. They will support treatment planning, including goal setting and intervention selection, and develop competency in clinical documentation such as progress notes and case summaries in alignment with professional and insurance standards. The intern will learn and apply evidence-based interventions, including cognitive and behavioral strategies, solution-focused techniques, emotional regulation skills, and gain exposure to trauma-focused approaches such as Cognitive Processing Therapy. The participant will engage in regular supervision and case consultation to strengthen clinical reasoning, ethical decision-making, and self-awareness, while assisting with psychoeducation and client skill development. They will also gain exposure to care coordination, referral processes, trauma-informed care, and a range of client presentations. Additionally, the intern will observe practice operations, including scheduling and communication workflows, while developing professional competencies related to boundaries, scope of practice, confidentiality, and client-centered care through ongoing feedback and self-reflection.

Locations

• Dyess AFB, Abilene, TX