Practicum for Students
Student Practicum Program
The Access to Doorways Student Practicum Program supports the development of the next generation of mental health professionals through training grounded in equity, cultural humility, and community-centered care.
Our practicum placements provide graduate students with the opportunity to learn within a team environment that centers queer and BIPOC leadership, decolonial perspectives, and community accountability in mental health practice.
This practicum is part of our broader commitment to workforce development in the emerging psychedelic field; however,no psychedelic treatment is provided within our nonprofit and practicum students do not participate in psychedelic treatment in any capacity.
Learning Environment
Access to Doorways offers a learning environment that centers relational care, cultural humility, and accountability to the communities we serve.
Students benefit from working within a team that brings together diverse identities, lived experiences, and professional backgrounds. Our team includes clinicians and supervisors who identify as queer, BIPOC, and members of communities historically underserved by traditional mental health systems.
The practicum is designed to support students in developing both clinical awareness and systems-level understanding of how mental health services are developed and delivered within community-based organizations.
Practicum Activities
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Depending on program requirements and student interests, practicum activities may include:
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Co-facilitating therapy groups alongside licensed clinicians
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Providing services to low-fee clients under supervision
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Participating in trainings and professional development opportunities offered through the organization
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Engaging in community outreach and engagement activities that support mental health access
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Supporting program coordination, research, and documentation projects
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Participating in team discussions related to program development and equity in care
Practicum experiences are structured to meet the training requirements established by each student’s academic program and are conducted under appropriate supervision.
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Supervision & Mentorship
Students receive mentorship and guidance from experienced clinicians and nonprofit leaders working within culturally responsive mental health frameworks.
Supervision emphasizes:
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reflective practice
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cultural humility in clinical work
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ethical considerations in community-based care
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professional identity development
The practicum program is open to graduate students enrolled in programs such as
Marriage and Family THerapy
Social work
psychology Internship
Masters Level Counseling & clinical psychology
Practicum Inquiries
Access to Doorways collaborates with university training programs to provide practicum experiences that support student learning while meeting academic requirements. Students interested in completing a practicum placement with Access to Doorways should first consult with their academic program.
For inquiries regarding practicum placements or partnerships with training programs, please contact: courtney@access2doorways.com
FAQ
Do I have to be BIPOC or Queer to participate in this practicum?
No. This practicum is open to all eligible applicants. While our training is intentionally designed to equip practitioners with the skills to serve Queer and BIPOC clients from a culturally attuned, affirming lens, participants of all backgrounds are welcome.
Who is eligible to apply for a practicum placement?
Practicum placements are available to graduate students enrolled in accredited programs such as Marriage and Family Therapy, Social Work, Counseling Psychology, Clinical Psychology, Human Sexuality, or related mental health fields. Students must be placed through their university’s practicum or internship process.
What types of experiences will students gain during their practicum?
Students gain exposure to a range of learning experiences that may include co-facilitating therapy groups, working with low-fee clients under supervision, participating in trainings, and supporting community engagement initiatives. Students also learn about nonprofit program development, research initiatives, and equity-centered approaches to mental health care
Will practicum students provide clinical services?
Yes. Depending on program requirements and supervisor approval, students may co-facilitate therapy groups and see low-fee clients as part of their clinical training. All clinical work occurs under the supervision of qualified licensed professionals and is structured to meet the requirements of the student’s academic program.
Will students work with psychedelic treatments offer prep or integration?
No. Access to Doorways does not provide psychedelic treatment services, and practicum students do not participate in psychedelic treatment in any capacity. The practicum focuses on community mental health, workforce development, research initiatives, and nonprofit program operations.
How many hours can students complete through this practicum?
The number of hours completed varies depending on the student’s program requirements and placement agreement with their academic institution. Practicum placements are structured in collaboration with the student’s training program to ensure learning objectives and hour requirements are met.
How do students apply?
Students should first speak with their university’s practicum placement coordinator. Once approved by their training program, students may contact Access to Doorways to inquire about available practicum placements and application requirements.
Can I apply if I'm not local?
Yes. We offer hybrid options for practicum students to meet with the team and their clients virtually but we do require the ability to come and see clients in person at least once per month.
Who should university placement coordinators contact?
Training programs interested in placing students at Access to Doorways may contact us directly to discuss practicum agreements, supervision structure, and placement availability.
Contact:
Courtney@access2doorways.com
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