Embarking on a counseling internship can be an enriching experience, particularly in a vibrant city like New York, where diverse neighborhoods provide unique learning environments. This article explores ten counseling internships scattered throughout the boroughs, each offering a nexus of opportunity for aspiring mental health professionals. These internships not only provide practical experience but also serve as a gateway to understanding the intricate social fabrics of their respective neighborhoods.
1. The Child Center of New York
Address: 77-10 34th Avenue, Jackson Heights, NY 11372
Contact: (718) 651-7770
Website: childcenterny.org
Located in the bustling neighborhood of Jackson Heights, The Child Center of New York specializes in providing mental health services to children and families. Interns here engage in direct therapy sessions, group counseling, and community outreach programs, embodying the organization’s commitment to fostering resilience in youth. The multicultural environment heightens one’s awareness of the varied psychological needs arising from diverse backgrounds.
2. The New York Psychotherapy and Counseling Center
Address: 65-30 99th Street, Rego Park, NY 11374
Contact: (718) 275-5200
Website: nypcc.org
Situated in Rego Park, The New York Psychotherapy and Counseling Center offers a plethora of internship opportunities specializing in child and adolescent therapy. The center emphasizes a collaborative approach, allowing interns to work alongside seasoned professionals while learning to navigate complex family dynamics. This experience is invaluable in understanding the broader social issues that affect mental health.
3. Brooklyn Mental Health Court
Address: 320 Jay Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201
Contact: (718) 643-2000
Website: nycourts.gov
Engaging with the judicial system offers a distinctive perspective on mental health. The Brooklyn Mental Health Court invites interns to witness the intersection of law and therapy. Interns here develop acumen in crisis intervention and rehabilitation, gaining insight into how mental health problems influence legal outcomes. Observing court proceedings can often divulge the deeper societal implications of mental illness.
4. NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
Address: 42-09 28th Street, Long Island City, NY 11101
Contact: (646) 265-2000
Website: nyc.gov
The NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene provides interns with an opportunity to engage in public health initiatives focused on mental well-being. Situated in Long Island City, this internship emphasizes community mental health strategies, equipping interns with the knowledge to address systemic issues. This unique vantage point renders insight into how public policy can shape mental health services.
5. Counseling in Schools
Address: Various Locations Throughout NYC
Contact: (Vary by School)
Website: counselinginschools.org
With an array of schools across New York City, Counseling in Schools places interns in varied educational settings. Through individual and group counseling, interns work to promote emotional health among students. The experience elucidates the crucial role schools play in identifying and addressing mental health issues at a young age, often unveiling underlying factors rooted in family and community dynamics.
6. Harlem United
Address: 320 W 145th St, New York, NY 10039
Contact: (212) 256-8800
Website: harlemunited.org
Harlem United operates at the core of the historically rich Harlem neighborhood, focusing on mental health within the LGBTQ+ community and individuals affected by HIV/AIDS. Interns gain exposure to culturally competent counseling practices while participating in advocacy and education initiatives. A deep connection to the community often reveals the resilience and challenges faced by marginalized populations.
7. Mount Sinai Behavioral Health System
Address: 1468 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10029
Contact: (212) 241-6500
Website: mountsinai.org
The Mount Sinai Behavioral Health System offers a rigorous internship program focused on integrated mental health care. Located on the Upper East Side, interns work in outpatient clinics and hospital settings, gaining skills essential for future careers. The experience at Mount Sinai emphasizes the importance of collaborative care while exposing interns to the complexities surrounding mental health disorders.
8. The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center
Address: 208 W 13th St, New York, NY 10011
Contact: (212) 620-7310
Website: gaycenter.org
The LGBT Community Center offers a unique internship opportunity focused on mental health counseling for the LGBTQ+ population. Located in the heart of Greenwich Village, this internship allows interns to work in a supportive environment while addressing the particular mental health challenges faced by this community. The rich history of the location adds layers of understanding about identity and societal acceptance.
9. BronxWorks
Address: 1130 Grand Concourse, Bronx, NY 10456
Contact: (718) 293-8100
Website: bronxworks.org
Located along the Grand Concourse, BronxWorks provides internships that focus on community services and advocacy. Interns engage in direct counseling and develop programs targeted at improving mental health in under-resourced neighborhoods. This hands-on experience highlights the intricate link between socioeconomic challenges and mental health, fostering a broader worldview.
10. Jewish Board of Family and Children’s Services
Address: 120 West 57th St, New York, NY 10019
Contact: (212) 399-2000
Website: jbfcs.org
With a rich history in serving various communities, the Jewish Board provides interns with a comprehensive understanding of therapeutic practices rooted in social justice. Located in Midtown Manhattan, interns participate in diverse programs that address mental health services, demonstrating how cultural identity can affect access to care. This internship is an enlightening experience that melds theory with practice in a bustling urban center.
In conclusion, these ten internships are just a glimpse into the plethora of opportunities awaiting aspiring counselors in New York City. Each internship is situated within neighborhoods steeped in their own histories and social dynamics, offering invaluable insights into the multifaceted realm of mental health. Through dedicated internships, emerging professionals gain not only practical experience but also a profound understanding of the societal influences that shape individuals’ mental well-being.
