For additional information, please visit our Master's Level Training Program Webpage HEREGeneral Program Requirements:
Students must be available to work three (3) days per week (20 hours total - weekdays only) beginning September 9, 2026 through May 28, 2027 (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 able to use the language in their clinical work. To qualify, you will be required to take a brief language test.
Latine Bilingual Specialization: This specialization serves as a supplemental opportunity for students accepted to Didi Hirsch’s Psychology Practicum and Master’s Level Training Programs and provides students with focused guidance on the provision of culturally responsive clinical services to Spanish speaking/bilingual and Latine clients in a community mental health setting.
Specialization Benefits and Opportunities:
- Connect with other bilingual student therapists who are doing the same meaningful and highly needed clinical work
- Receive supervisory and peer support while developing your professional identity as a bilingual/Spanish speaking therapist
- Practice providing culturally responsive support to underserved Spanish speaking/ Bilingual clients and families within a community mental health setting
- Practice providing clinical care that centers and values Latinx/e culture and context
Specialization Components:
In addition to completing the core requirements for the Psychology Practicum Training Program or Master’s Level Training Program, students in this specialization will:
- Participate in Bilingual group supervision
- Receive information on Latino Mental Health
- Provide therapeutic services to Spanish speaking/Bilingual clients/families
- Have the opportunity to engage in a community outreach project oriented to Latinx/e mental health community need
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 2026 - 2027Please note that not all Programs are available for all student disciplines. 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: Culver City - 1 MFT/PCC Trainee; Inglewood - 1 MSW InternVia 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: Pacoima - 1 MFT/PCC Trainee
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: 1 MSW InternSuicide Prevention Center (mostly remote work; 1 day/week on site):
The student placed in this position will see clients across three different programs under the Suicide Prevention Center (Los Angeles Suicide Prevention Counseling Center, Orange County Suicide Support Services, and Disaster Relief), seeing clients mostly over telehealth with some in person groups or clients. For more information about each program, see below:
The LA Didi Hirsch Suicide Prevention Counseling Center offers a variety of services to clients (adults, children and families) impacted by suicide. Students will provide group and individual therapy for survivors of a suicide attempt and for those experiencing bereavement due to a death from suicide. The Center also provides extensive community outreach education to raise awareness of suicide and intervention strategies. Students will provide individual and family counseling (including initial assessment and treatment planning), co-facilitate a support group, and be involved in community outreach programs as needed.
The Orange County Suicide Support Services This outpatient counseling program provides a wide array of support services to adults and youth who have lost someone to suicide as well as individuals who are survivors of a suicide attempt, struggle with self-harm and suicidal thoughts. Students are involved in conducting initial assessments, providing individual and family counseling, and co-facilitation of a support group. Some community outreach may be possible.
Wildfire recovery counseling & support At Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services, we specialize in supporting people through the emotional and psychological impacts of crises, including wildfires and other natural disasters. We know that disaster recovery can be complex and deeply emotional, and that no one should have to face it alone. As experts in crisis mental health, we’re committed to walking alongside individuals at all stages of their recovery journey, whether they were displaced, supported others, or are still feeling the emotional toll of the wildfires. We’re proud to partner with FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers, Emergency Network Los Angeles (ENLA), and local relief efforts to offer immediate and long-term mental health care, including therapy, support groups, and trauma-informed services tailored to your needs. Some community outreach may be possible.
Positions Available: 1 MSW InternContact InformationDidi Hirsch Mental Health Services
Training Division
323 N. Prairie Ave., Suite 430
Inglewood, CA 90301
Giselle Collins, Ph.D., Training Director
gcollins@didihirsch.org