Clinical Training
Clinical Training with Maria Droste
At Maria Droste Counseling Center, we see a critical part of our role in the community as helping to train and invest in the next generation of mental health therapists. As such, we have committed to providing high quality clinical training for therapists and therapists-in-training who are looking to advance their skills and education.
Programs designed to advance your education and build professional excellence
Since our foundation in 1989, the center has trained nearly 600 intern therapists and has developed a comprehensive and competitive internship program that attracts interns from all over Colorado. Each year, Maria Droste welcomes 32 master’s- and doctoral-level clinical interns from area counseling, psychology, social work, marriage and family therapy, and school psychology programs.
In 2016, we expanded our clinical training program to include a post-graduate fellowship program for individuals working toward licensure in social work, counseling, and marriage and family therapy. Post-graduate fellows fulfill multiple roles in the agency through their clinical and program development contributions. Trainees – both interns and fellows – are central to achieving the Maria Droste mission of serving individuals who would otherwise not be able to obtain counseling services.
All clinical interns and fellows gain real-life experience working as therapists through the mental health care programs offered by Maria Droste Counseling Center. These programs have been designed to bring affordable mental health services to underserved populations in the Denver-metro area and around Colorado.
Clinical interns and fellows will follow a track that works in one, or a combination of two, programs. As such, clinical interns and fellows can focus their time in their own area of interest. While placement in tracks is determined upon individual program availability, Maria Droste works to place applicants in the track of their preference.
Visit our Clinical Internship, Fellowship, and Supervisor pages for detailed information regarding each opportunity.
Maria Droste Counseling Center Program Information
Growing as Therapists through Maria Droste Programs
All our interns and fellows gain real-life experience working as therapists and therapists-in-training through the mental health care programs offered by Maria Droste Counseling Center. These programs have been designed to bring affordable mental health services to underserved populations in the Denver-metro area and around Colorado.
Interns and fellows will follow a track that works in one, or a combination of two, programs. As such, interns and fellows can focus their time in their own are of interest. While placement in tracks is limited upon the number of slots available, Maria Droste works to place applicants in the track of their expressed interest.
Learn more about the Maria Droste programs below to help you choose a track for your internship or fellowship at Maria Droste.
Options Program
Residents from anywhere in Colorado, regardless of legal status, can receive counseling through the Options Program at Maria Droste. The Options program is available to individuals across the lifespan (ages 4 and up), as well as to couples and families. Clients served through the Options program will receive services onsite at Maria Droste Counseling Center or via telehealth and utilize a variety of payment options including sliding scale, Medicaid/Medicare insurance coverage, or grant coverage. Our Options providers serve a diverse group of clients, experiencing a variety of presenting concerns and diagnoses. This track has a strong need for Spanish speaking providers. Couples and family services are prioritized for providers who have caseload expectations determined by their Universities and are available to all interested providers when availability permits.
Children First Program
Our Children First Program places school-based intern-therapists in about 17 Denver-area schools, including Denver Public Schools and some charter schools. Interns in this program provide therapy services to children from many different backgrounds/ethnicities, work with parents, and have opportunities to lead groups with children on a specific topic, such as social skills or grief. Each intern/fellow is assigned to a particular school for the year, which may be elementary, middle, K-8, or high school.
Given our early intervention focus, the majority of interns/fellows are placed in elementary schools. The children served have a wide range of presenting concerns including but not limited to: anxiety, depression, grief/loss, immigration/acculturation, trauma, and divorce. Services are provided by interns/fellows free of charge or via Medicaid. A successful intern in the Children First program is likely a self-starter, has the ability to work independently, understands dynamics working in schools, and understands how cultural backgrounds intersect with delivery of services.
Integrated Care Program
In the Integrated Care Program, children, adults, or older adult populations receive mental healthcare at various locations where they already access services to reduce barriers to mental health treatment. These locations include family justice centers, community hubs, and assisted living facilities. Counselors provide assessment and short-term interventions, with potential to see clients longer term. Our goal in these programs is to help clients experience more satisfaction and peace of mind, improve relationships and self-esteem, and find positive approaches to dealing with life.