Internship & Practicum Programs

General Information

About:
Better Living Solutions Recovery Center is an eating-disorder and mood & anxiety recovery center accredited by The Joint Commission and licensed by the State of Florida. We offer partial hospitalization (PHP), intensive outpatient (IOP), and outpatient (OP) services for adults and adolescents, alongside a private practice serving individuals, couples, and families.

Our programs are designed to give students real-world clinical experience in a supportive, accredited environment that emphasizes both professional growth and personal development.

Facility Policies:

  • Applicants must pass a Level II background check
  • Students must carry liability insurance (fees apply)
  • Signed legal affiliation agreement and background check completed before starting
  • Professional appearance enforced
  • Non-smoking, tobacco-free facility
  • Stipend not provided

Core Requirements:

  • Respect toward clients, coworkers, and leadership
  • Commitment to confidentiality and HIPAA compliance
  • Ability to work independently and as part of an interdisciplinary team

Population Served:
Clients ages 5–85 with eating-disorder diagnoses (anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, ARFID, binge eating disorder, other specified feeding/eating disorders) and/or co-occurring mental health conditions (anxiety, depression, OCD, PTSD, etc.).

Educational Programs Nearby:

  • TMH Medical Research Library
  • Leon County Public Libraries
  • Florida State University Libraries
  • Florida A&M University Library

Application & Start Dates:

  • Internships: January; May/August; June/July (varies by discipline)
  • Practicum: January, May, August
  • Application: process includes skills assessment, interview, and affiliation agreement

Application Deadlines:

Application submission deadlines for Social work, Art therapy, Mental health counseling, and Admin internships:

  • Summer Start Applicants: March 1st
  • Fall Start Applicants: June 1st
  • Spring Start Applicants: October 1st deadline

Music therapy submission deadlines:

  • January-June Internship: June 1st Deadline
  • June/July – November/December Internship: January 1st Deadline

FURTHER DETAILS BY DISCIPLINE

Mental Health Counseling Practicum/Internship

Entry-Level Requirements:

  • Enrollment in a CACREP-accredited master’s program in Mental Health Counseling
  • Competency in counseling modalities: CBT, motivational interviewing, crisis intervention
  • Skills in intake assessment, treatment planning, and progress documentation

Start Dates: August (minimum two-semester commitment)

Program Details:

  • Observe and co-lead individual and group counseling sessions
  • Conduct clinical intakes, develop personalized treatment plans, and chart client progress
  • Weekly supervision by a licensed mental health counselor
  • Interdisciplinary collaboration, program development, and research opportunities

Apply Here

Music Therapy Internship

Entry-Level Requirements:

  • Completion of AMTA-approved coursework
  • Musical proficiency: I–IV–V chord progressions on guitar/keyboard
  • Accurate pitch, song transposition, rhythmic adaptation, improvisation
  • Musical skills assessed during interview process

Start Dates: January, June/July

Program includes:

  • Observe, plan, co-lead, and lead group, individual, and family music therapy sessions
  • Co-lead therapeutic outings; develop treatment plans and goals
  • Weekly individual and group supervision
  • Interdisciplinary collaboration, program development, research
  • Housing not provided; student apartments available nearby

Stipend not provided; some meals offered

Apply Here

Art Therapy Practicum/Internship

Entry-Level Requirements:

  • Enrollment in an AATA-recognized program; completion of pre-internship coursework
  • Counseling techniques and therapeutic uses of art materials
  • Treatment planning, culturally responsive and ethical practice
  • Completion of required pre-internship coursework

Start Dates: January, May, August (two-semester commitment)

Program includes:

  • Observe, plan, co-lead, and lead therapy sessions and meal supports
  • Document treatment plans, goals, and progress
  • Weekly group supervision by a clinical supervisor

Interdisciplinary collaboration, program development, research, and events

Apply Here

Social Work Practicum/Internship

Entry-Level Requirements:

  • Enrollment in a CSWE-accredited BSW or MSW program with clinical coursework
  • Basic counseling skills; understanding of social determinants of health

Start Dates: January, May, August (two-semester commitment)

Program includes:

  • Varies slightly dependant on program ( BSW and MSW)
  • Co-lead therapy sessions
  • Conduct psychosocial assessments, develop care plans
  • Weekly supervision with LCSW
  • Interdisciplinary collaboration, research opportunities, program development
  • Support coordination of wrap-around services and care collaboration

Apply Here

Marriage and Family Therapy Practicum/Internship

Entry-Level Requirements:

  • Enrollment in a COAMFTE-accredited master’s program in MFT
  • Knowledge of systems theory and therapeutic assessment

Start Dates: January, May, August

Program includes:

  • Observe and co-lead couples/family therapy sessions
  • Conduct assessments, develop treatment plans
  • Weekly supervision

Program development and community outreach

Apply Here

Dietetic / Nutrition Internship

Entry-Level Requirements:

  • Enrollment in an ACEND-accredited dietetics program
  • Skills in nutrition counseling and wellness education
  • Understanding of whole-body wellness and social determinants

Start Dates: January, June/July

Program includes:

  • Plan and lead nutrition sessions
  • Create treatment plans and goals
  • Weekly supervision by a Registered Dietitian
  • Interdisciplinary collaboration, research opportunities, and professional development

Apply Here

Music Therapy Practicum

Entry-Level Requirements:

  • Enrollment in AMTA-approved coursework; basic music therapy skills; HIPAA knowledge

Start Dates: January, May, August

Program includes:

  • Shadow board-certified music therapists and Music therapy Interns
  • Assist with group preparation, session documentation, and progress of clients
  • Weekly supervision and interdisciplinary exposure

Apply Here

General Practicum Options

Entry-Level Requirements:

  • Enrollment in a program with a foundation in healthcare, psychology, sociology, nutrition, or therapy
  • Basic understanding of HIPAA
  • Ability to work independently in a fast paced environment

Start Dates: January, May, August

Program includes:

  • Experience in providing client support in a community healthcare setting
  • Support clients and program activities under supervision
  • Participate in events and interdisciplinary collaboration

Apply Here

Volunteer Program

Entry-Level Requirements:

  • Respect for clients, confidentiality, and basic understanding of HIPAA
  • Ability to assist and follow supervision 
  • Strong organizational skills

Start Dates: Rolling, year-round

Program Details:

  • Support session prep, materials organization
  • Assist in community events

Orientation and facility training provided

Apply Here