DMHA Mental Health Internship Program

The Program:

Indiana Division of Mental Health and Addiction (DMHA) received funds through the American Relief Plan (ARP) to address Indiana’s workforce shortages. One of the main areas of need identified is a lack of qualified mental health workforce within our state. As such, Indiana is dedicating funds to assist master’s-level and associate-level students from accredited Indiana schools. Practicums must be completed in a mental health setting.

This program is limited to 150 master’s-level students per semester and 10 associate-level students, on a first come first served basis, in order of application, per semester.

Eligibility Criteria:

Master’s-level students

  • Currently enrolled in a mental health-focused graduate program (on track for LMHC, LMFT, or LCSW) at an eligible university in Indiana.
  • Internship/practicum experience is primarily in the field of mental health and must include at least two of the following activities:
    • Direct interaction with persons in a therapy setting.
    • Observation of therapy sessions.
    • Completing/reviewing clinical documentation.
  • Enrolled in a minimum of a semester-long internship/practicum experience in the field of mental health.
  • Internship/practicum site is located in Indiana at a non-profit organization, community mental health center (CMHC), or state psychiatric hospital.

Ivy Tech students 

  • Currently enrolled in the Associate of Science in Human Services major at any Ivy Tech campus.
  • Internship/practicum experience is primarily in the field of mental health and must include at least two of the following activities:
    • Direct interaction with persons in a therapy setting.
    • Observation of therapy sessions.
    • Completing/reviewing clinical documentation.
  • Enrolled in a minimum of a semester-long internship/practicum experience in the field of mental health.
  • Internship/practicum site is located in Indiana at a non-profit organization, community mental health center (CMHC), or state psychiatric hospital.

To ensure funding compliance, internships at addiction/substance use providers or departments are not eligible for this opportunity.

Curious if your internship/practicum site is eligible for the program?

You can review a list of Indiana’s state psychiatric hospitals and community mental health centers here. This list does not include all eligible sites; non-profit mental health treatment organizations must have a 501c3 status and will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Registration Dates:

Ready to apply? Please refer to the registration dates below to know when registration opens for the semester in which you are completing your practicum/internship.

  • Fall 2024: August 1, 2024
  • Spring 2025: January 1, 2025

Please note: Practicum/internship experiences must be in the fall (August-December) or spring (January-May) semesters. Summer placements do not qualify for this program.

Questions or Concerns:

For more information, contact Karissa Morris, MSW, LSW, CCHW-CT at kmorris@aspin.org or call 317-518-3025.

The Process:

Spring 2024 Registration is FULL for Master-Level Applicants. Applicants will be placed on a waitlist.

Spots are still available for Ivy Tech!

The Application:

If available, please provide an alternate email address to ensure you receive updates on your application.
Applicants must have a confirmed placement through their school to be eligible for the stipend program. ASPIN does not place students in internships.
To ensure funding compliance with DMHA, internships within addiction/substance use departments are not eligible for this opportunity.