Internship Opportunities

ARTS Internship

Addiction Research and Treatment Services (ARTS) provides both paid and unpaid clinical internship opportunities for graduate-level students in specific Social Work, Psychology, Counseling, or Addiction Counseling programs. Participants will engage in meaningful experiences working with individuals from diverse backgrounds, all of whom have histories of substance use disorder and co-occurring mental health disorders. This program is designed to enhance students’ proficiency in clinical evaluation and assessment, equipping them with skills in providing individual and group therapy, along with other essential case management services. Supervision will be overseen by a provisionally licensed or fully licensed professional (LSW, LCSW, LPCC or LPC) in alignment with the student’s placement requirement. All interns will participate in on boarding and on-going training.

Requirements:

• Successfully pass background checks.
• Presence in the Denver Metro area is required for in-person participation during the internship, with specific days and hours varying according to the program.
• Weekly internship hours range from 10-25, adjusted based on your school’s requirements.
• We typically welcome graduate students in specific Social Work, Psychology, Counseling, or Addiction Counseling programs from the following schools:
  • University of Colorado Denver
  • University of Denver
  • Metropolitan State University of Denver
  • Regis University
  • Colorado Christian University
  • Denver Seminary

• If you are enrolled in a different school in a Social Work, Psychology, Counseling, or Addiction Counseling program then please reach out to us for further information arts.intern@ucdenver.edu.

Opportunities

ARTS Adolescent Outpatient Program (ARTS Synergy)

The Multisystemic Therapy (MST) internship offers a unique opportunity to engage in a specialized form of family therapy that is currently gaining widespread adoption in Colorado. With therapists maintaining minimal caseloads, they can deliver intensive, home- and community-based services to families. This encompasses daily individual and family counseling, case management, collaboration with other service providers (such as Denver Juvenile TASC, social services, probation, and schools), and advocacy.

Interns choosing this program at Synergy will be paired with an experienced MST therapist. Their role involves assisting in the provision of MST services to a caseload of up to three clients and their families. They will gain insights into MST documentation and the supervision process, and receive orientation to principles of drug and alcohol treatment. Interns will actively contribute to individual substance abuse counseling for clients, with potential responsibilities including clinical intakes or pre-screening.

ARTS Adult Outpatient

Students interested in this internship opportunity will be placed at one of four outpatient facilities situated throughout the Denver Metro area. Their primary responsibilities will include conducting client interviews for admission to outpatient drug/alcohol treatment. They will assess the ongoing treatment needs or the necessity for referral to other agencies, providing recommendations to referral sources. Students will be tasked with developing and implementing individualized treatment plans for clients. Additionally, they will conduct individual, group, and family counseling sessions, sometimes serving as a co-therapist, and document these sessions through progress notes.

Effective communication with families and other providers regarding aftercare planning will be a key responsibility. Interns will be introduced to medication-assisted therapies, including Methadone, Suboxone, Antabuse, Vivitrol, and Naltrexone, and will coordinate treatment with medical providers as needed.