Undergraduate Training Opportunities

CAPS Outreach Internship Program

Outreach is a form of preventive clinical intervention that targets the broader campus community. These events are often collaborative efforts with other campus departments or organizations and are designed to increase knowledge and awareness about mental health concerns with the aim of promoting mental wellness and resilience. Part of the outreach internship onboarding process includes a structured orientation which includes informational interviews with each CAPS therapist to learn about different specialties, theoretical orientations, etc. Interns will also attend seminars on special topics in psychology, and will receive certification in Mental Health First Aid (MHFA). CAPS accepts applications for the outreach internship each spring semester for the following academic school year (fall–spring). Click here to apply.

Outreach intern duties and responsibilities center on planning and development of various service and educational programming on issues related to college student mental health and wellbeing, under the supervision of Dr. Charlynn Small. Typically, a group or organization (i.e., a sorority, fraternity, etc.), or an individual (i.e., a professor, an RA, etc.) will request the interns’ assistance with planning or presenting an activity for a specific purpose or with a particular theme. The interns will also plan and execute their own activity or event after assessing for and determining the need for a particular service or event. For example, after a request and encouragement from one student leader, the interns created the Take a Spider for Some Cider Campaign (Britain Get Talking Copyright ITV plc, 2024) to promote the importance of friendship and maintaining nurturing connections to optimize mental health and wellness. Other outreach and programming topics may include stress management, relationship issues, the importance of self-care and wellness practices (i.e. nutrition, exercise, sleep, etc.), and information on CAPS services. For example, each year interns present to 100 level classes on the benefits of seeking CAPS services.

In addition to the kinds of direct programming services described above, interns may also incorporate social media techniques (i.e. creating Tik-Toks) in their programming efforts. Outreach interns also maintain a CAPS Instagram page where students can see inspirational memes and messages, as well as an introduction of each current intern. In addition, outreach interns are tasked with uploading CAPS events to the Health and Well-Being unit’s excel events spreadsheet. 

CAPS interns are encouraged to collaborate and co-program with other campus departments and organizations to observe Mental Health Week each spring. Each day a different CAPS signature event is presented to highlight the importance of good mental health hygiene. Similarly, outreach interns typically join with the Chaplaincy to present Study Break for the Soul and Stress Out Day. These events, which feature food, crafts, mindfulness activities, and therapy dogs are held near the end of each semester with the aim of decreasing stress and anxiety associated with exams, final projects, graduation, etc.

References
https://www.itvplc.com/social-purpose/news/2024/15-08-2024
https://psych.indiana.edu/student-portal/undergraduate/career-preparation/internships.html