Social Work / Psychology Practicum

Clinical training for masters-level students in specialized DBT and community mental health

MHS has been an active training site in the Twin Cities since 2002. We have an annual fall cohort of approximately 12 students. MHS works closely with academic programs to provide training to students in counseling psychology, clinical psychology, and clinical social work.

The training year starts the week before Labor Day and lasts 9 months. Students are on site a minimum of 20-25 hours per week on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays. Training is currently offered in our Apple Valley, Edina, Woodbury, Plymouth, and Roseville locations. Students may be on site additional days to accommodate schedules, training needs, or interests.

Our training experience

Our training experience includes:

In-depth training in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Co-facilitation and independent facilitation of a DBT group
Provision of individual therapy
Committed clinical supervisors who value students, supervision, and the supervision process
Multidisciplinary team case consultation meetings
Staff trainings on a variety of topics within the mental health field. Examples include suicidality and safety planning, ethics, business and insurance, theoretical orientation, electronic health records and record keeping
Opportunities to attend MHS sponsored trainings off site and access to benefits that include a stipend.

A supportive place to grow

As an independently owned organization with more than 20 years of experience in specialized mental health care, MHS is committed to helping developing clinicians build confidence, competence, and practical clinical skills.

Our training environment

Students train inside a structured, community-based setting, working under experienced supervisors across our intensive outpatient DBT and trauma programs. You’ll gain hands-on clinical experience and see how evidence-based care works day to day.

Growth here is well supported. Regular individual and group supervision, team case consultation, and didactic training give you the room to develop your skills.

MHS emphasizes:

Evidence-based treatment
Clinical collaboration
DBT-informed care
Trauma-informed approaches
Real-world clinical application

Supportive supervision and consultation

Training with complex and high-acuity populations

Students gain experience working with clients experiencing a wide range of presentations and diagnoses, including:

PTSD and trauma-related disorders
Major Depressive Disorder
Bipolar Disorder
Borderline Personality Disorder
Substance use disorders
Anxiety disorders
Panic Disorder
Social Anxiety
ADHD
Personality disorders
Emotional dysregulation and chronic suicidality

Real-world complexity

Clients often present with significant comorbidity, providing interns with valuable experience working within complex clinical systems and treatment needs.

Evidence-based and skills-focused care

Training at MHS centers on the implementation of evidence-based practices, particularly Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and trauma treatment.

Our programs emphasize practical skill development that clients can apply directly in everyday life, helping students build experience delivering structured and actionable care.

Gain exposure to:

DBT principles and interventions
Group-based treatment models
Crisis management and stabilization
Emotional regulation treatment
Skills training and psychoeducation
Treatment planning and collaboration
Multidisciplinary consultation