Clinical Training Overview
Clinical Internship
At Maria Droste Counseling Center, we view our role in the community as crucial in training and investing in the next generation of mental health therapists. We are committed to providing high-quality clinical training for both aspiring and developing therapists looking to enhance their skills and education.
Programs designed to advance your education and build professional excellence
Since our founding in 1989, we have trained nearly 600 intern therapists and developed a comprehensive, competitive internship program that attracts candidates from across Colorado. Each year, we welcome master’s- and doctoral-level interns from local counseling, psychology, social work, marriage and family therapy, and school psychology programs.
All clinical interns gain hands-on experience working as therapists within the mental health care programs offered by Maria Droste Counseling Center. These programs aim to provide affordable mental health services to underserved populations in the Denver metro area and across Colorado. Interns have the opportunity to work in both outpatient and school settings, gaining experience in diverse environments that address a wide range of client needs.
Maria Droste Counseling Center Program Information
Outpatient Counseling Program
Residents from anywhere in Colorado, regardless of legal status, can receive counseling through the Outpatient Counseling Program at Maria Droste. This program serves individuals across the lifespan (ages 4 and up), as well as couples and families. Services are provided onsite at Maria Droste Counseling Center or via telehealth, with a variety of payment options available, including a sliding scale, Medicaid/Medicare, and grant funding.
Our outpatient providers work with a diverse group of clients experiencing a wide range of presenting concerns and diagnoses, with a strong demand for Spanish-speaking providers. Couples and family services are prioritized for providers with caseload expectations set by their universities and are offered to all providers when availability allows.
Community-Based Services
Interns placed at school-based sites provide therapy to children from diverse backgrounds, collaborate with parents, and lead topic-specific groups, such as social skills or grief support. Each intern or fellow is assigned to a specific school—elementary, middle, K-8, or high school—for the academic year. With a strong focus on early intervention, most placements are in elementary schools, where children present with concerns including anxiety, depression, grief/loss, immigration/acculturation challenges, trauma, and divorce. Services are offered free of charge or through Medicaid. Successful interns are self-starters who work independently, navigate school dynamics effectively, and appreciate the intersection of cultural backgrounds with service delivery.
Our broader Community-Based Services also include mental health care for children, adults, and older adults at accessible locations, such as family justice centers and community hubs. Counselors provide assessments and short-term interventions, with opportunities for longer-term care. These services aim to reduce barriers to mental health treatment and support clients in finding greater satisfaction, improved relationships, enhanced self-esteem, and healthier ways to cope with life challenges.