Clinical Services at Out Youth: How to Volunteer and Practicum/Internship Placements

Thank you for your interest in sharing your time and talent with Out Youth!  If you are interested in volunteer opportunities related to clinical services, we are looking for dedicated individuals with the following qualifications: 

Bachelor’s degree in social work or psychology OR pre-practicum Master’s level counseling student
     > Drop-in mental health advocate and/or co-group facilitator 

Master’s level counseling student looking for practicum or internship placement
      > Practicum or internship to meet program requirements

Licensed Professional Counseling Interns (LPC-I)  
      > Clinical Services Associate to provide individual, group, or family counseling to earn hours
       toward licensure. *Must have independent supervision*

Steps for Volunteering as a Drop-in Mental Health Advocate

1. Complete the brief volunteer interest form on our website
2. Arrange a meeting with the Program Coordinator and Clinical Services Director by emailing sarah.kapostasy@outyouth.org
3. After we mutually determine fit, you will be invited to complete a background check to begin as a volunteer in the drop-in space

Time Commitment for Drop-in Mental Health Advocate:  Wednesday OR Sunday nights, 5-8 p.m., monthly or bimonthly. 

Steps for Applying for a Practicum or Internship Placement

1. Please submit a resume and cover letter indicating your interest in a practicum placement at Out Youth to sarah.kapostasy@outyouth.org during the following application windows: 

For a Fall start, please submit via email a resume and cover letter during the previous April, May or June

For a Spring/Summer start, please submit via email resume and cover letter during the previous September or October

You will receive a confirmation email that your resume and cover letter has been received in 3 - 5 business days. 

2. If your qualifications and interest fit our needs, you will be offered a first round interview via email in May/June (Fall start) or November (Spring start). Please note: unfortunately, you may not receive an offer for an interview due to volume of applicants. 

Steps for Applying to be a Clinical Services Associate (LPC-Is) 

1. Email your resume to  sarah.kapostasy@outyouth.org, and indicate the number of hours you are hoping to earn as a Clinical Services Associate. 

2. The clinical director will contact you to set up a follow-up meeting to discuss mutual needs and fit. 

 Benefits of Becoming a Clinical Volunteer or Intern at Out Youth

All clinical volunteers and interns at Out Youth gain experiences to serve this particular community available in few other venues, and also benefit from networking opportunities with other stakeholders serving the LGBT community. Additionally, clinical volunteers have access to opportunities for professional development, including becoming certified in Mental Health First Aid. 

As a mental health advocate, you are uniquely positioned to apply for a practicum placement at Out Youth should you choose to do so. 

Additional Benefits of Completing Your Practicum or Internship Hours at Out Youth:
 
o   Office space and equipment: evening and weekend accessibility ensures sessions can be scheduled to fit your schedule and availability
 
o   Weekly consultation with clinical director for support, feedback, and learning
  
o    Experience utilizing the clinical management system Therapy Notes

o    Training related to treatment planning, crisis intervention, and trauma-informed care 

For more information, please contact Cassidy Laminack, Assistant Director of Clinical & Social Services at cassidy.laminack@outyouth.org.