Internship Program

Developing Thoughtful, Trauma-Informed Clinicians

At Red Bird Mental Health, we are deeply committed to clinical excellence and the delivery of high-quality, trauma-informed care across the lifespan. Our internship program is designed for graduate-level clinicians who are passionate about deep clinical work, professional growth, and developing a strong therapeutic identity within a supportive and well-structured environment.

Interns are viewed as developing clinicians and valued members of our treatment team. In return for their commitment, we offer robust supervision, intentional mentorship, and a learning environment that prioritizes both clinical skill-building and personal insight.

Program Leadership & Supervision

The internship program is overseen by Samantha Wielgopolski, MS, LPC, RPT™, who serves as the Internship Coordinator and primary clinical supervisor.

Samantha holds a Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling, is state licensed as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), trained in EMDR, certified in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), and credentialed as a Registered Play Therapist™ (RPT™).

In addition to primary supervision, interns benefit from learning within a multidisciplinary clinical team that includes LCSWs, PsyDs, and licensed art therapists. This structure allows for supplemental supervision, consultation, and exposure to diverse clinical perspectives while maintaining consistent oversight and support.

Program Structure & Eligibility

Red Bird Mental Health offers two internship placements per semester. We accept graduate students currently enrolled in:

• A Mental Health Counseling program
• A Master of Social Work (MSW) program

Due to our specialization in complex trauma treatment, we require a commitment of two consecutive semesters. Trauma work—particularly with complex and developmental trauma—requires time, consistency, and depth that extends beyond a single semester, both for meaningful client care and intern development.

Applicants must be in good academic standing and eligible to begin clinical field placement per their university requirements.

Clinical Focus & Training Experience

Our agency specializes in complex trauma across the lifespan, including developmental, attachment-based, and relational trauma. Interns receive advanced exposure to trauma-informed, evidence-based, and developmentally appropriate interventions.

The training experience emphasizes:

• Trauma-informed and attachment-based care
• Ethical and relational clinical practice
• Developmentally appropriate interventions
• Exploration of countertransference and internal responses as a core component of trauma work
• Ongoing supervision that supports both clinical growth and self-reflection

Interns are expected to bring a strong interest in trauma treatment, flexibility in scheduling, and a willingness to engage thoughtfully in supervision. Prior trauma experience is helpful but not required. What matters most is curiosity, emotional awareness, and openness to learning.

A High-Support, High-Expectation Environment

We hold high standards for ethical practice, clinical integrity, and professional growth. At the same time, we recognize that internship is a learning process.

Interns can expect:

• Clear expectations and structure
• Consistent, high-quality supervision
• A collaborative and responsive clinical team
• Gradual caseload development that supports confidence and competence
• A learning environment that values growth over perfection

Our goal is to prepare interns to enter the field feeling supported, capable, and grounded in trauma-informed care.

Internship Applications & Inquiries

If this training model aligns with your professional goals, we encourage you to reach out for more information.

All internship applications and inquiries are reviewed by the Internship Coordinator, who will personally follow up with qualified candidates regarding eligibility, interviews, and next steps in the selection process.

Application Status Section:

Applications are open.

What Former Interns Have Shared

“Interning at Red Bird provided me with an opportunity to step into independence as a new clinician in the field. I was able to begin working with individual clients for the first time, which can definitely be hard for new therapists, but with the support I was given by my supervisors and fellow clinicians, I felt ready and able to do so. My caseload gradually increased in a way that felt really manageable.

I received high-quality supervision and guidance when I needed support. The team at Red Bird is full of thoughtful clinicians and supervisors who are responsive and willing to help, even when faced with challenges. I would highly recommend interning at Red Bird; Because I interned here, I felt ready to enter employment as a therapist for the first time.”

– Wesley Talarico, MA, ATR-P, LAPC

“My internship at Red Bird Mental Health was an incredibly meaningful and formative experience. I completed 600 hours as an intern therapist, working with clients ranging in age from 5 to 65+, and gained extensive hands-on experience in trauma-focused care.

I was initially drawn to Red Bird as a counseling resource in the community through my previous advocacy work, and it quickly exceeded my expectations. During my time here, I received training in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), somatic work, and additional therapeutic modalities. I had the opportunity to observe experienced clinicians using various therapeutic approaches, work directly with clients in a private clinical setting, and co-facilitate groups for children — all of which helped me grow significantly beyond what I learned in the classroom.

The supervision and mentorship at Red Bird is exceptional. The environment is welcoming, collaborative, and genuinely supportive. I never felt hesitant to ask questions as every member of the team was eager to help and invest in my development. The experience was both supportive and appropriately challenging, allowing me to build confidence and refine my clinical skills.

I felt so at home during my internship that I was honored to accept a position with Red Bird after graduating with my Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology. I would highly recommend this internship to anyone seeking a supportive, hands-on, and clinically enriching experience in the mental health field.”

– Alex Kozich, MA