The purpose of internships in the Behavioral Health program at NPC is to provide students with hands-on experience and exposure in the field of behavioral health. Students will be working alongside professionals in the field, observing and participating in various tasks and activities.
The Behavioral Health Certificate of Proficiency (CP) and Certificate of Applied Science (CAS) require students to spend a minimum of 48 hours in a basic internship position in order to introduce and orient themselves to the field of behavioral health. Students can expect an experience consisting mostly of shadowing and observing and may be involved in some minor tasks to learn about the field. Students will be expected to converse with a location-specific supervisor and with their faculty advisor to assess their progress and experience.
The Behavioral Health Associates of Applied Science (AAS) requires students to complete the basic internship (48 hours) as well as a more advanced internship of 96 hours completing work in the behavioral health field, building career opportunities, and applying and gaining skills necessary for employment. In the advanced level of internship, students can expect to observe treatment and mental health presentations, assist in running skills groups, process clinical paperwork and assessments, assisting in lesson planning, case management, and documentation. Students will be expected to converse with a location-specific supervisor and with their faculty advisor to assess their progress and experience.
Internship Requirements:
Differing internship locations have various requirements for working with vulnerable populations. Many of the internships have requirements including:
- Fingerprint Clearance (Educator Level)
- First Aid
- CPR
- TB Test
- Ethics and HIPPA Training
All students completing a behavioral health degree are required to be CPR and First Aid Certified. Some of the other requirements will be covered in the program curriculum, however, students may be required to do specific requirements earlier than is covered in a course in order to participate in an internship earlier. Some internship locations do offer options for interns to complete requirements through their organization.
Current Internship Locations and Descriptions >
ChangePoint Integrated Health
ChangePoint Integrated Health has several locations in the White Mountain that provide various behavioral health services and integrated health care. Locations include:
- Crisis Stabilization Unit – Lakeside, AZ
- Inpatient Facility – Lakeside, AZ
- Substance Abuse Rehabilitation – Show Low, AZ
- Holbrook Outpatient Clinic – Holbrook, AZ
- Snowflake Outpatient Clinic – Snowflake, AZ
- Show Low Outpatient Clinic – Show Low, AZ
- Winslow Outpatient Clinic – Winslow, AZ
- Heber-Overgaard Outpatient Clinic – Heber-Overgaard, AZ
Students can learn more about ChangePoint, services, and leadership at https://www.mychangepoint.org/.
Copa Health: Arizona Behavioral & Mental Health Services
Copa Health offers behavioral health and primary care services through an integrated health home and a village day program. Both are located in Lakeside, AZ. Site descriptions include:
- Integrated Health Home offers patients mental and physical support through a psychiatric nurse practitioner outpatient clinic.
- Village Day Program offers learning and support for adults with disabilities. Classes focusing on competencies including personal, social, and pre-employment are emphasized alongside personalized support to enable individuals to build toward productive lives.
Students can learn more about Copa Health and its services at https://copahealth.org/.
Teens Make Health Happen Mentorship at HealthCorps
Northern AZ – Flagstaff, Fredonia, Holbrook, Ganado, Winslow, and expanding to other areas nearby
HealthCorps is seeking creative, self-starting individuals to serve as Mentors for the Teens Make Health Happen program in Northern Arizona (Flagstaff, Fredonia, Holbrook, Ganado, Winslow, and nearby areas). Mentors will lead wellness clubs at 2-3 middle/high schools, empowering teens to make healthier choices and become leaders in their communities. Responsibilities include mentoring students, organizing health-related activities, collaborating with school partners, and promoting HealthCorps’ mission. This position offers a paid stipend based on the number of schools served, as well as professional development and the opportunity to gain college credit. A commitment of 6-8+ hours per week is required, but can be modified as needed.
CONTACT INFORMATION
For more information on NPC's Behavioral Health program and related internship opportunities contact:
