Issue link: http://ncumarketing.uberflip.com/i/679365
A. Searching for a Site Most behavioral health agencies or service providers will be viable options for a practicum site. In some cases, outpatient clinics or private practices may also have potential depending on the number of clients being seen. It is also possible to work in more non-traditional settings such as Head Start, domestic violence shelters, wellness centers, etc., where services are needed. Checking employment websites (e.g., Monster, CareerBuilder, etc.) for agencies that may be hiring for behavioral health positions can also lead to potential internship sites. 1. Keys to Finding a Site • Network, Network, Network • Join AAMFT! • Participate in the AAMFT local division (usually your state) o Attend the division annual conference o Contact the president or student/associate member representative (if they have one) • Contact MFTs or other behavioral health professionals who might be aware of placement sites • Utilize Technology • Do a web search for agencies that provide behavioral health services • Check the web pages of other MFT or other behavioral health training programs in your area • Review the websites of behavioral health agencies o Identify potential contacts (e.g., clinical director) o Send an introductory email to inquire about opportunities o Call the HR department • Do a search for marriage therapy/counseling and family therapy/counseling in your area • Community and Faith-Based Organizations • Head Start directors or similar administrators of programs that help low-income families will often jump at the chance to be able to provide free therapy to their families • Inpatient or residential behavioral health care facilities • Community substance abuse/mental health programs/clinics • Catholic charities, Jewish social services, Samaritan counseling centers (www.samaritaninstitute.org) • American Association of Pastoral Counselors (www.aapc.org) B.Searching for a Supervisor Finding a qualified supervisor can be a challenge at times. • Ideally, your supervisor would be an AAMFT-approved supervisor, so it would make sense to start with the AAMFT "Approved Supervisor Directory" (www.aamft.org > Directories > Approved Supervisors) and search by your zip code and within a 50 mile search radius.