Master's Level Student Training Program Application 2025-26

Program Information

For additional information, please visit our Master's Level Training Program Webpage HERE

General Program Requirements:
Students must be available to work three (3) days per week (20 hours total - weekdays only) beginning September 3, 2025 through May 29, 2026 (end date may vary depending on graduation date). All students are required to be in placement every Wednesday, 9am - 5pm. Students placed in a Child/Family Services program must be available to work until 8pm at least two (2) evenings per week.

Bilingual Stipend: A $5,000 stipend (paid in equal installments during the training year) is available for students who are fluent in Armenian (Glendale site only) or Spanish (any site except crisis residential treatment and Suicide Prevention Counseling Center) and able to use the language in their clinical work. To qualify, you will be required to take a brief language test.

Beatrice Stern Intern Scholarship Award: A $5,000 scholarship is awarded to an outstanding student pursuing a Master’s degree as an MFT, PCC or MSW. The scholarship requires a separate application and is awarded at the start of the training year. Only students accepted into the training program are eligible to apply.

Supervision: At least 1-2 hours of weekly individual supervision with a licensed clinical supervisor is provided depending on size of caseload. Two hours of group supervision is provided bi-weekly. Audio/video recordings of at least 4 client sessions are required over the course of the year.

Time off: Students are given a total of 10 days of time off.

Placement Position Descriptions: Training Year 2025 - 2026
Please note that not all Programs are available for all student disciplines.

Child/Family Services Outpatient Programs (hybrid work; must be available to work at least 2 evenings per week until 8pm):
The Child/Family Services outpatient program provides services to children, adolescents and their families. Clients present with a wide range of presenting problems. Diagnoses treated include disruptive behavior disorders, mood disorders, psychotic disorders, PTSD, and substance use. A significant number of clients have a history of experiencing some type of trauma. Students work on multidisciplinary teams and are involved in conducting initial assessments (which includes determination of DSM-5-TR diagnosis), treatment planning, individual therapy, group therapy (when possible), and case management (as needed). Therapy sessions typically include parents, other family members, and other adult caregivers as indicated.
Positions available: Filled

Adult Services Outpatient Programs (hybrid work; some field-based work may be required):
The Adult Services outpatient program provides services to adults (age 18 and above), many of whom experience severe and persistent mental illness which has affected their daily functioning. Clients are typically experiencing numerous psycho-social stressors including lack of housing, lack of support, and significant medical conditions. Client diagnoses include mood disorders, psychotic disorders, PTSD, and substance use disorders. A significant number of clients have a history of experiencing some type of trauma and many have significant medical conditions. Students work on multidisciplinary teams and are involved in conducting initial assessments (which includes determination of DSM-5-TR diagnosis), treatment planning, individual therapy, group therapy (when possible), and case management (as needed).
Positions available: Filled

Via Avanta Residential Treatment (in-person work only):
This residential treatment program (typical stay is up to 6 months) offers women both mental health and substance use treatment in addition to linkage to community resources and services. Children up to age six can live with their mothers while the women are in treatment. Students work on a multidisciplinary team and are involved in conducting brief initial assessments, treatment planning, group facilitation and short-term individual therapy sessions. Students in this program must have an interest in working with clients with a substance use history.
Positions available: Filled

Outpatient Substance Use Clinic (hybrid work):
The Outpatient Substance Use program provides services to youth (age 17 and under) and adults (age 18 and above) who are experiencing life challenges related to substance use or a risk of substance use. Clients are often experiencing numerous psycho-social stressors including past and current trauma, financial challenges, housing instability, insufficient social support networks, and significant medical conditions. Foci of treatment include risk of escalation of problematic substance use; and/or alcohol, marijuana, stimulant, opioid, sedative, and hallucinogen use disorder. Co-occurring mental health symptoms are also addressed given their frequent interplay with substance use issues. Students are involved in conducting initial assessments (which includes determination of DSM-5-TR diagnosis), treatment planning, individual therapy, group therapy (when possible), case management (as needed), and collaboration with medication-assisted treatment (MAT) and mental health services providers. Supervision will provide particular emphasis on building familiarity with motivational interviewing, CBT, and principles of harm reduction.
Positions available: 1 MFT/PCC Trainee

Crisis Residential Treatment (in-person work only):
Didi Hirsch operates two residential houses which provide short-term (28 day) crisis stabilization and resource linkage for adults experiencing acute mental health issues which may also include a substance use disorder. These programs are often a short-term alternative to psychiatric hospitalization and help clients stabilize, develop new coping skills, form relapse prevention plans and connect with community treatment and supports. Students work on a multidisciplinary team and are involved in conducting brief initial assessments, treatment planning, group facilitation and short-term individual therapy sessions.
Positions available: Inglewood - Filled

Our Third Place (hybrid work):
Our Third Place is a drop-in center for youth 15-25. We believe that when we connect to trustworthy support systems we are empowered to access the resources we need to create a future that allows us to thrive. The center provides a respectful and supportive community space, staff that can give practical support, and mental health services. This placement is a macro MSW placement. The student will assist in program development and outreach, as well as attend team meetings and work within a multidisciplinary team.
Positions Available: Unavailable

Contact Information

Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services
Training Division
323 N. Prairie Ave., Suite 430
Inglewood, CA 90301

Giselle Collins, Ph.D., Training Director
gcollins@didihirsch.org