Training Program

Intern Training Program

In addition to being staffed with highly trained licensed professionals, the Hoag Mental Health Center also offers an Intern Training Program. We believe strongly that it is important to provide students with the best possible training to ensure the highest quality of care to the community. We highly value the importance of exceptional training and involving students in their own learning process.

Our internships are designed for students pursuing a master’s or bachelor’s degree in social work and related fields.

We host a variety of interns from different schools and universities including:

  • USC
  • UCLA
  • CSULB
  • CSUF
  • CSUDH
  • APU
  • Columbia
  • SAC
  • OCC
  • UMass Global
  • UC Berkley
  • California School of Professional Psychology at Alliant International University
  • Fordham University
  • University of Denver
  • Be the Change Yoga/AlcheMe Yoga Therapy

Master Level Students

Clinical internships are available for masters level students enrolled in an MSW Program.

The following are some highlights of the MSW intern experience:

  • Carry a clinical caseload of 8-10 clients (Includes all modalities and groups across the lifespan)
  • Weekly individual supervision
  • Weekly group supervision
  • Bilingual students can participate in a Spanish speaking supervision immersion
  • Opportunities for professional and clinical trainings
  • Creating outreach plans to promote the Mental Health Center and Center for Healthy Living
  • Unique opportunities for MSW/MPH dual degree interns
  • Participation in health fairs
  • Collaboration with partner agencies, the school district and other local non-profits

Bachelor Level Students

Clinical internships are available for students enrolled in a bachelors level Social Work or Human Services Program.

The following are some highlights of the bachelor’s level intern experience:

  • Receive weekly individual supervision
  • Opportunities for professional and clinical trainings
  • Conduct client intakes and performs initial assessments to collect functional, environmental, psycho-social, financial, employment, housing, educational and health information as appropriate.
  • Respond to referrals for case management services from Social Work staff
  • Assist clients in accessing needed community services specified in their treatment plans
  • Work in a multidisciplinary team environment
  • Collaboration with partner agencies, the school district and other local non-profits

Additional Internship Categories

The Center also offers a variety of other internship opportunities including:

  • Internships for yoga therapy students from Be the Change Yoga/AlcheMe Yoga Therapy
  • Internships for Pilates students from OCC
  • Internships for translating students from SAC

For more information regarding our existing internship opportunities or discuss the possibility of a new internship and collaboration, please contact:

Sahar Naraghi-Babaei, LCSW, RPT-S Intern Training Center Coordinator
Sahar.NaraghiBabaei@hoag.org or 949-764-1856.

Professional Training Program

The Melinda Hoag Smith Center for Healthy Living (MHSCHL) is accredited in accordance with the standards of the California Association of Marriage and Family therapist (CAMFT) Provider # 139248.  The MHSCHL is accredited to provide CEU’s to LCSWs, LMFTs, LPCCs and LEPs.  The MHSCHL is committed to contributing to the mission of providing a variety of continuing education opportunities geared towards the professional and personal developmental needs of its participants.  The Professional development program will focus on educational excellence in instructors, courses and through its support services. 

To learn more about the program, please contact: Esteban Juarez, LCSW, Esteban.juarz@hoag.org or call 949-764-5947.