The Next Generation of Clinicians

CHS is committed to expanding access to mental health services. One way we do this is through the Community Counseling Practicum Program

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The program is one of the branches of opportunity to volunteer at CHS. It is designed for graduate-level students interested in the
mental health field who want to gain hands-on experience in providing services to individuals, couples, families, and in a group setting. As part of their master’s degree coursework, students are required to complete approximately 600 hours of supervised clinical experience.

Practicum students begin by shadowing clinicians who provide mental health services to diverse populations. During the first few weeks they learn how to document services, interact with clients, assess and diagnose mental health concerns, identify treatment needs, and apply clinical interventions. As they progress, trainees begin seeing their own clients, gradually building a caseload of up to 10 clients.

Through the Practicum Program, CHS provides affordable mental health services to the Stanislaus County community while simultaneously giving trainees the opportunity to gain clinical experience. The training hours equip individuals to enter the workforce with meaningful experience, with many going on to become full-time CHS employees.

Expanding the mental health workforce is a critical need for the community’s mental health services. Sandra Chavarria-Aguilar, LPCC/Clinical Coordinator emphasizes, “Investing in the practicum program is investing into the long-term growth of mental health services in the Central Valley.”

A recent grant from Kaiser Permanente helped expand the Practicum Program and create additional opportunities for trainees. This grant funded the creation of a practicum lab, a hub where practicum students can connect with one another and consult with their supervisors and clinicians in a private setting. With the expansion of the program, CHS continues to welcome new cohorts of graduate students every year.

Interested in the Practicum Program?

Applications are accepted as early as six months before placement.

APPLICATION PERIODS
Winter/Spring: January-March
Summer: May–June
Fall: Aug–Sept

Call us at (209) 526-1476 or apply at centerforhumanservices.org/volunteer

Meet the Practicum Volunteers

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Andrea Franco
Pre-Masters Clinician

Andrea joined CHS as a Student Assistance Specialist. While pursuing her master’s degree at CSU Stanislaus she joined the Practicum Program. Reflecting on her experience, Andrea says, “The CHS Practicum Program helped me connect what I learned in school to the real world more than I expected. It helped me learn how to present as a therapist, do my notes, treatment plans, and attend supervision.”

Andrea describes finishing her practicum as bittersweet, feeling sad to leave her team but excited to continue at CHS. Andrea recently became a full-time employee in the Integrated Mental Health Program (IMHP). She is currently working toward her license as a Marriage and Family Therapist.

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Diana Cruz
Trainee Clinician

Diana is a UMass Global master’s student, on a Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) and Professional Clinical Counseling (PCC) track. As a first-generation Latina, she brings a strong understanding of cultural competence to her work. She shares, “It’s important to the community to have representation in the room. It’s having the comfort of knowing that your provider understands you, literally.” The best part of her work is connecting with clients and being a consistent source of support.

After graduation, Diana wants to work in a clinical setting with diverse populations, helping bridge gaps in culturally responsive mental health services.

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Martin Gutierrez
Trainee Clinician

Martin Gutierrez volunteered at Jessica's House providing grief support and is currently pursuing his master's degree in social work at CSU Stanislaus. Reflecting on his experience, Martin shares, "This practicum program helped me grow. It's building my confidence and my abilities." Martin has learned the importance of collaborating with fellow trainees and clinicians to learn from one another and support each other's growth. 

Martin is passionate about helping his community and is proud to be the first in his family to earn a master's degree. After graduation, he hopes to work in a school setting supporting youth. 

 

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