Behavioral Health Nurse Internships
Behavioral health nurse internships give university students, recent graduates, and early-career switchers hands-on clinical and patient-care experience, mentorship from working behavioral health nurses, and, at many employers, a path toward a full-time offer. Healthcare & Medical Services lead in internship volume, with ABA Support Services, Optum, and Judson Center among the employers posting roles now.
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Frontier Behavioral Health’s presence in Spokane is more than 100 years strong, allowing our non-profit organization to understand the varied needs of our clients and the larger community. Our programs are designed to provide evidence-based treatment to adults, youth and seniors who are dealing with a wide range of behavioral health issues. As a Trauma-Informed Care Organization, we firmly believe in recovery and that our clients can lead fulfilling and meaningful lives, and we consider it an honor and a privilege to assist them in their journey. If you want to have a positive impact in the lives of others come join us!
WHY CHOOSE FRONTIER BEHAVIORAL HEALTH?
At Frontier Behavioral Health, we value our employees and recognize the importance of EVERY employee’s contribution to our mission.
Our behavioral health services make a positive difference in the lives of those we serve and contribute to the health, safety, and quality of life for everyone in Spokane County.
At FBH we have a variety of client services, including outpatient, inpatient, community outreach, crisis services, partnerships with schools, law enforcement and more.
Our evidence-based, culturally appropriate, trauma informed behavioral health services address the diverse needs of those we serve.
The Supervisor of the Clinical Learning Center oversees the organization's new hire training, internship, and licensure supervision programs. The Clinical Learning Center is responsible for helping new clinical staff develop their skills and gain practical experience. These responsibilities include three main areas: the Training Academy, the Internship Program, and Licensure Supervision.
TRAINING ACADEMY:
The Supervisor leads the development and delivery of training through the Training Academy, which is a 6-week course that provides structured learning and foundational skill development for newly hired clinical staff. Based on ongoing assessments of training needs and feedback, the Supervisor identifies opportunities to improve existing courses or develop new training to ensure new employees are equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to perform their roles effectively. The Supervisor designs and implements the Training Academy curriculum, coordinates the annual training schedule, and works with organizational leadership to identify additional internal trainers as needed.
INTERNSHIP PROGRAMS:
The Supervisor also oversees the Internship Program by developing and maintaining partnerships with universities and other educational institutions. This includes designing internship experiences that expand interns' knowledge, build practical clinical skills, and prepare them to become competent professionals. The Supervisor also collaborates with FBH supervisors to coordinate intern placements and provide appropriate oversight throughout the internship experience.
LICENSURE SUPERVISION:
Additionally, the Supervisor oversees the staff responsible for providing licensure supervision, ensuring that this program supports clinical staff in meeting their professional licensing requirements.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following.
- Lead the development of FBH’s master’s level internship program.
- Engage, build rapport with local and online programs and pursue understanding of school requirements, appropriately assessing FBH’s ability to meet school and student expectations.
- Ensure intern related processes are followed, including obtaining university affiliation agreements, and completion of paperwork.
- Place interns in FBH departments in consultation with FBH Directors.
- Design and oversee implementation of the internship manual and intern supervisor training, ensuring the focus remains on intern learning.
- Develop and present intern seminars and recruit other staff to present, as needed.
- Coordinate the interviewing, placement, and orientation process for new interns.
- Act as primary point of contact between the schools and FBH.
- Appropriately field questions, answering those within scope and re-directing to supporting departments such as HR or the department where the intern is placed as needed.
- Provide consultation and education about FBH’s intern program to other FBH staff and to the community.
- Collaborate with Chief Human Resource Officer and other FBH leadership on design and promotion of the internship program.
- Foster a positive internship experience by proactively addressing intern concerns, escalating matters to Human Resources when appropriate.
- Provide Social Work Workplace Practicum, bachelor's and master's intern supervision as needed.
- Develop and deliver original and/or established training content utilizing classroom, virtual, practice labs, group interactive exercises, and e-learning modalities.
- Facilitate courses in the Training Academy to build skills and develop knowledge for new hires and existing clinical staff.
- Create and coordinate the Training Academy trainer schedule annually and ongoing as needed due to trainer schedule changes.
- Establish and maintain working relationships with internal staff to optimize consistent and positive training experience. Gather feedback from instructors and trainees after instructor led training. Provide information and updates to training facilitators and instructors as needed.
- Evaluate and make recommendations on training material and methodology, continually researching new trends and changes in practice, processes, or requirements. Stay up to date with regulatory and mandatory training requirements.
- Handle logistics for internal training activities and develop training aids such as manuals, handouts, etc.
- Utilize data to identify training needs, monitor and improve staff skill sets.
- Select appropriate delivery methods to include: in-person, virtual, practice labs, professional development, classroom instruction, eLearning, etc.
- Liaise with FBH leadership regarding the development of specialized training.
- Supervise the Clinical Learning Center team, which includes the provision of weekly supervision and leading team meetings for the program.
- Provide licensure supervision as needed.
- Represent the agency at area job fairs as needed.
- Other duties as assigned.
QUALIFIED APPLICANTS WILL HAVE:
REQUIRED:
- Master’s degree in Social Work from an accredited college or university.
- Active WA State DOH Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) at the time of application - The license is without restrictions and has been active and in good standing for two years post-licensure.
- Must have an unrestricted and valid driver’s license, active car insurance and must be willing to use their personal vehicle in the course of work.
PREFERRED:
- Experience in supervision in a clinical behavioral health setting.
- Experience developing and implementing trainings, academic courses, seminars, or workshops.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:
- In-depth knowledge of education and credentialing requirements.
- Knowledge of principles of adult learning and instructional design with the ability to employ effective teaching strategies
- Skill to assess the training needs of the clinical staff and develop a training program based on identified needs..
- Ability to deliver engaging and effective training in a variety of settings including; one-to-one, e-learning, classroom-based instruction and through learning aids.
- Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in an organized manner.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, including dynamic facilitation and presentation skills.
- Proficient in technology including power point, and/or other presentation software and interactive platforms.
- Ability to communicate and engage effectively with individuals of varied backgrounds, traumatic experiences, cultures, education level and socio-economic status.
- Knowledge of models of service delivery including groups, skills training, brief/focused therapy, community-based intervention for children and/or adults with serious and persistent mental illness.
- Knowledge of Washington Administrative Codes and statutes pertaining to the treatment and delivery of mental health services.
- Knowledge of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition Text Revision (DSM-5 TR) or its successor.
- Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to prioritize a multitude of tasks.
PHYSICAL, SENSORY & ENVIRONMENTAL:
The demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Work is generally performed in an office setting which may involve sitting and use of computers for four to eight hours per day.
- May be required to lift 10 - 20 pounds.
- Requires travel between various FBH work sites on a regular or daily basis.
- Blood-borne Pathogen Category III - No predictable exposure to blood-borne pathogens.
PAY RANGE (Salary/Exempt): $82,045.93- $99,955.48
-
All pay is based on longevity at Frontier Behavioral Health; thus, the starting pay for this position is $82,045.93.
#IND1
Our Benefits and Perks are Amazing!
WE BELIEVE IN WORK LIFE BALANCE:
Paid Time Off – Employees accrue up to 26 days of PTO in the first year of employment!
Plus 9 Paid Federal Holidays!
Sick Leave – Extended Sick Leave and Paid Sick and Safe Time.
Some positions qualify for a Compressed Workweek option resulting in up to additional 26 days off per year.
BENEFITS: www.fbhwa.org/careers/benefits
Medical, Dental and Vision
Retirement – We offer an impressive 403b plan including standard 3% employer contribution plus an additional 3% employer match.
Flexible Spending Accounts
Life Insurance – Company paid coverage that starts the first of the month following 6 months from your date of hire.
PERKS: www.fbhwa.org/careers/perks
Signing Bonus!
No-cost licensure supervision for those pursuing clinical licensure.
Federal and State Loan Forgiveness Program for qualifying Programs.
Reimbursement of License/Certification application fee that is required for the position.
Free Employee Assistance Program
Staff Discounts at various FBH partners throughout Spokane!
Benefits described above are based on employees who hold .5 FTE positions or greater and/or some benefits vary based on FTE. PRN positions are not benefit eligible or eligible for a sign on bonus.
Frontier Behavioral Health’s presence in Spokane is more than 100 years strong, allowing our non-profit organization to understand the varied needs of our clients and the larger community. Our programs are designed to provide evidence-based treatment to adults, youth and seniors who are dealing with a wide range of behavioral health issues. As a Trauma-Informed Care Organization, we firmly believe in recovery and that our clients can lead fulfilling and meaningful lives, and we consider it an honor and a privilege to assist them in their journey. If you want to have a positive impact in the lives of others come join us!
WHY CHOOSE FRONTIER BEHAVIORAL HEALTH?
At Frontier Behavioral Health, we value our employees and recognize the importance of EVERY employee’s contribution to our mission.
Our behavioral health services make a positive difference in the lives of those we serve and contribute to the health, safety, and quality of life for everyone in Spokane County.
At FBH we have a variety of client services, including outpatient, inpatient, community outreach, crisis services, partnerships with schools, law enforcement and more.
Our evidence-based, culturally appropriate, trauma informed behavioral health services address the diverse needs of those we serve.
The Supervisor of the Clinical Learning Center oversees the organization's new hire training, internship, and licensure supervision programs. The Clinical Learning Center is responsible for helping new clinical staff develop their skills and gain practical experience. These responsibilities include three main areas: the Training Academy, the Internship Program, and Licensure Supervision.
TRAINING ACADEMY:
The Supervisor leads the development and delivery of training through the Training Academy, which is a 6-week course that provides structured learning and foundational skill development for newly hired clinical staff. Based on ongoing assessments of training needs and feedback, the Supervisor identifies opportunities to improve existing courses or develop new training to ensure new employees are equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to perform their roles effectively. The Supervisor designs and implements the Training Academy curriculum, coordinates the annual training schedule, and works with organizational leadership to identify additional internal trainers as needed.
INTERNSHIP PROGRAMS:
The Supervisor also oversees the Internship Program by developing and maintaining partnerships with universities and other educational institutions. This includes designing internship experiences that expand interns' knowledge, build practical clinical skills, and prepare them to become competent professionals. The Supervisor also collaborates with FBH supervisors to coordinate intern placements and provide appropriate oversight throughout the internship experience.
LICENSURE SUPERVISION:
Additionally, the Supervisor oversees the staff responsible for providing licensure supervision, ensuring that this program supports clinical staff in meeting their professional licensing requirements.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following.
- Lead the development of FBH’s master’s level internship program.
- Engage, build rapport with local and online programs and pursue understanding of school requirements, appropriately assessing FBH’s ability to meet school and student expectations.
- Ensure intern related processes are followed, including obtaining university affiliation agreements, and completion of paperwork.
- Place interns in FBH departments in consultation with FBH Directors.
- Design and oversee implementation of the internship manual and intern supervisor training, ensuring the focus remains on intern learning.
- Develop and present intern seminars and recruit other staff to present, as needed.
- Coordinate the interviewing, placement, and orientation process for new interns.
- Act as primary point of contact between the schools and FBH.
- Appropriately field questions, answering those within scope and re-directing to supporting departments such as HR or the department where the intern is placed as needed.
- Provide consultation and education about FBH’s intern program to other FBH staff and to the community.
- Collaborate with Chief Human Resource Officer and other FBH leadership on design and promotion of the internship program.
- Foster a positive internship experience by proactively addressing intern concerns, escalating matters to Human Resources when appropriate.
- Provide Social Work Workplace Practicum, bachelor's and master's intern supervision as needed.
- Develop and deliver original and/or established training content utilizing classroom, virtual, practice labs, group interactive exercises, and e-learning modalities.
- Facilitate courses in the Training Academy to build skills and develop knowledge for new hires and existing clinical staff.
- Create and coordinate the Training Academy trainer schedule annually and ongoing as needed due to trainer schedule changes.
- Establish and maintain working relationships with internal staff to optimize consistent and positive training experience. Gather feedback from instructors and trainees after instructor led training. Provide information and updates to training facilitators and instructors as needed.
- Evaluate and make recommendations on training material and methodology, continually researching new trends and changes in practice, processes, or requirements. Stay up to date with regulatory and mandatory training requirements.
- Handle logistics for internal training activities and develop training aids such as manuals, handouts, etc.
- Utilize data to identify training needs, monitor and improve staff skill sets.
- Select appropriate delivery methods to include: in-person, virtual, practice labs, professional development, classroom instruction, eLearning, etc.
- Liaise with FBH leadership regarding the development of specialized training.
- Supervise the Clinical Learning Center team, which includes the provision of weekly supervision and leading team meetings for the program.
- Provide licensure supervision as needed.
- Represent the agency at area job fairs as needed.
- Other duties as assigned.
QUALIFIED APPLICANTS WILL HAVE:
REQUIRED:
- Master’s degree in Social Work from an accredited college or university.
- Active WA State DOH Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) at the time of application - The license is without restrictions and has been active and in good standing for two years post-licensure.
- Must have an unrestricted and valid driver’s license, active car insurance and must be willing to use their personal vehicle in the course of work.
PREFERRED:
- Experience in supervision in a clinical behavioral health setting.
- Experience developing and implementing trainings, academic courses, seminars, or workshops.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:
- In-depth knowledge of education and credentialing requirements.
- Knowledge of principles of adult learning and instructional design with the ability to employ effective teaching strategies
- Skill to assess the training needs of the clinical staff and develop a training program based on identified needs..
- Ability to deliver engaging and effective training in a variety of settings including; one-to-one, e-learning, classroom-based instruction and through learning aids.
- Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in an organized manner.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, including dynamic facilitation and presentation skills.
- Proficient in technology including power point, and/or other presentation software and interactive platforms.
- Ability to communicate and engage effectively with individuals of varied backgrounds, traumatic experiences, cultures, education level and socio-economic status.
- Knowledge of models of service delivery including groups, skills training, brief/focused therapy, community-based intervention for children and/or adults with serious and persistent mental illness.
- Knowledge of Washington Administrative Codes and statutes pertaining to the treatment and delivery of mental health services.
- Knowledge of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition Text Revision (DSM-5 TR) or its successor.
- Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to prioritize a multitude of tasks.
PHYSICAL, SENSORY & ENVIRONMENTAL:
The demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Work is generally performed in an office setting which may involve sitting and use of computers for four to eight hours per day.
- May be required to lift 10 - 20 pounds.
- Requires travel between various FBH work sites on a regular or daily basis.
- Blood-borne Pathogen Category III - No predictable exposure to blood-borne pathogens.
PAY RANGE (Salary/Exempt): $82,045.93- $99,955.48
-
All pay is based on longevity at Frontier Behavioral Health; thus, the starting pay for this position is $82,045.93.
#IND1
Our Benefits and Perks are Amazing!
WE BELIEVE IN WORK LIFE BALANCE:
Paid Time Off – Employees accrue up to 26 days of PTO in the first year of employment!
Plus 9 Paid Federal Holidays!
Sick Leave – Extended Sick Leave and Paid Sick and Safe Time.
Some positions qualify for a Compressed Workweek option resulting in up to additional 26 days off per year.
BENEFITS: www.fbhwa.org/careers/benefits
Medical, Dental and Vision
Retirement – We offer an impressive 403b plan including standard 3% employer contribution plus an additional 3% employer match.
Flexible Spending Accounts
Life Insurance – Company paid coverage that starts the first of the month following 6 months from your date of hire.
PERKS: www.fbhwa.org/careers/perks
Signing Bonus!
No-cost licensure supervision for those pursuing clinical licensure.
Federal and State Loan Forgiveness Program for qualifying Programs.
Reimbursement of License/Certification application fee that is required for the position.
Free Employee Assistance Program
Staff Discounts at various FBH partners throughout Spokane!
Benefits described above are based on employees who hold .5 FTE positions or greater and/or some benefits vary based on FTE. PRN positions are not benefit eligible or eligible for a sign on bonus.
Behavioral Health Nurse Internship Market
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Healthcare & Medical Services
Tips for Your Behavioral Health Nurse Internship Search
Apply earlier than you think necessary
Large hospital systems and healthcare networks open summer behavioral health nurse internship applications the preceding fall, often filling cohorts before the new year. Smaller clinics and co-op programs post closer to start dates. Checking listings in early fall and again in late winter catches both waves.
Build clinical proof before your first application
Hiring teams for behavioral health nurse interns expect limited work history and look for documented clinical or simulation projects instead. A written case study, a clinical skills log with specific assessment tools named, or a de-identified patient-care scenario portfolio gives recruiters something real to evaluate when your resume is light on paid experience.
Work your campus network alongside direct applications
Campus career fairs surface structured behavioral health internship programs tied directly to your nursing school, and faculty clinical coordinators often know which health systems recruit from your program before roles post publicly. Apply directly to organizations running smaller cohorts at the same time so you're not limited to employers your campus has formal relationships with.
Practice your clinical interview format out loud
Behavioral health nurse intern screens typically include scenario-based questions on therapeutic communication, patient safety protocols, and de-escalation, plus questions about your clinical coursework. Practice answering out loud with a peer or mentor, walking through your reasoning step by step, since interviewers weigh how you think through a patient situation as much as the final answer you give.
Target structured nurse residency and internship programs first
Many large health systems run cohort-based behavioral health nurse residency or clinical internship programs built to train people new to the specialty, pairing interns with preceptors and rotating across inpatient, outpatient, and crisis settings. These programs recruit early, fill fast, and offer the most structured learning. Identify the ones that match your graduation date and apply in the first round.
Set your work-type filter before you start
On-site roles are 100% of the behavioral health nurse internships listed here. Decide what you can commit to before you start reviewing openings, then filter by location and work type so you're only spending time on roles you can actually accept.
Behavioral Health Nurse Internships: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a behavioral health nurse internship?
Lead with coursework and clinical simulation projects rather than work history, since hiring teams expect limited hands-on experience at the intern level. A documented case study, clinical skills log, or simulation portfolio gives recruiters something concrete to assess. Pair direct applications with campus career fairs, where behavioral health program recruiters often make faster decisions with students they meet in person.
Can a behavioral health nurse internship turn into a full-time job?
Many employers extend return offers to strong interns, but conversion is never guaranteed. What actually drives it for behavioral health nurse interns is performance on real patient-care tasks, available headcount on the team, and how early you signal interest in returning. Position for a return offer by delivering consistently and communicating your goals, without counting on it as a certainty.
When should I apply for behavioral health nurse internships?
Earlier than most students expect. Large hospital systems and healthcare networks recruit summer interns the preceding fall, often closing cohorts before spring semester begins. Smaller clinics, community mental health organizations, and co-op programs post closer to start dates, so openings appear year-round. Checking listings regularly means you won't miss the early waves at competitive employers.
Are behavioral health nurse internships paid?
Most professional behavioral health nurse internships in the United States are paid. Compensation varies by company size, industry sector, and location, and listings show pay where the employer chooses to disclose it. Unpaid arrangements exist in certain nonprofit and community settings, so read each posting carefully before applying.
What should a behavioral health nurse internship resume include?
Lead with two or three documented clinical or simulation projects that name the specific assessments, intervention frameworks, or electronic health record systems you used, with links to case studies or clinical portfolios where available. Add relevant coursework in psychiatric nursing, mental health assessment, or behavioral intervention. Keep the whole document to one page so reviewers can scan it quickly.
Are there remote behavioral health nurse internships?
Yes. Remote and hybrid roles make up 0% of the behavioral health nurse internship listings here, with the rest on-site. Remote cohorts in areas like telehealth support, care coordination, and health education fill quickly, so apply early and use the work-type filter to see those openings before they close.
What is a behavioral health nurse residency internship program?
Many large health systems run structured nurse residency or clinical internship programs specifically designed for new graduates entering behavioral health. These cohort-based programs pair residents with preceptors, rotate across inpatient psychiatric, outpatient, and crisis-stabilization settings, and are built to train people new to the specialty. They recruit early and fill fast, so identify programs that match your graduation date and apply in the first round.
Can international students get behavioral health nurse internships?
Yes. F-1 students can intern through CPT while enrolled or through OPT work authorization after finishing a degree, and the employer does not have to file anything for either, so many companies are open to international interns. Confirm your eligibility and timing with your university's international student office before accepting an offer.
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