Mental Health Intern (Paid, Bilingual Spanish/English, 12 Month Placement)

CARECEN SF is a non-profit organization founded in 1986 to empower and respond to the needs, rights, and aspirations of Latino and immigrant families in the San Francisco Bay Area. Rooted in cultural resilience and born out of Central American justice movements, we envision thriving immigrant communities where families prosper, build strong institutions, and participate confidently in civic life.

We offer a broad range of community-centered programs, including: 

• Immigration Legal Services
• Health Promotions Program
• Family Wellness
• Second Chance Youth Program
• Tattoo Removal Clinic

All services are provided in person.  

Second Chance supports youth ages 12–25 with the skills, confidence, and resources they need to move away from vulnerable behaviors and toward safe, healthy, self-directed lives. We work closely with young people to set personal goals, strengthen leadership skills, build positive peer connections, and navigate challenges related to immigration, exposure to violence, and systemic barriers. We believe deeply in the resilience, creativity, and power of youth—and we invest in them because they are our future.

 The Mental Health Intern position offers a unique opportunity to gain clinical experience working directly with immigrant youth, allowing you to make a meaningful impact and showcase your skills in a specialized setting. 

The core clinical responsibilities include providing weekly individual, family, and couples psychotherapy to recently arrived immigrant youth and Spanish-speaking families, facilitating at least one therapy group per semester, and conducting mental health intakes and assessments. Your caseload will primarily involve youth ages 14–24 in San Francisco and the Bay Area. 

Ensure you meet all licensing requirements of the Board of Behavioral Sciences or Board of Psychology and have relevant experience working with immigrant communities to qualify for this internship. 

Throughout the internship, you will receive mentorship from our Clinical Psychologist and participate in professional development activities to support your growth and confidence. 

Essential Duties

Clinical Services

• Provide individual, family, and couples psychotherapy to youth and families
• Facilitate or co-facilitate at least one therapy group per semester 
• Offer trauma-informed, culturally grounded services to immigrant and Latinx youth
• Be available for some evening client appointments

Training & Supervision 

• Attend weekly individual supervision with the Clinical Psychologist 
• Participate in weekly team trainings, case consultations, and community meetings
• Engage in ongoing professional development activities

Documentation & Administration 

• Maintain timely and accurate client records (intakes, progress notes, assessments, treatment plans, summaries, tracking forms, etc.)
• Complete monthly reports and other required administrative tasks
• Follow all legal and ethical guidelines per the Board of Behavioral Sciences or the Board of Psychology

Agency & Program Support

• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team across CARECEN SF programs
• Work from multiple locations as needed
• Support agency-wide mental health efforts
• Perform other duties as assigned

• Bilingual in Spanish and English (comfortable providing therapy in both languages)
• Ability to provide trauma-informed, culturally responsive services
• Compassionate, collaborative, and flexible working style
• Strong communication skills and comfort working as part of a multidisciplinary team
• Currently enrolled in – or recently completed – a master’s or doctoral program in psychology, counseling, social work, or related behavioral sciences
• Eligible to register with the California Board of Behavioral Sciences (AMFT, ASW, APCC) or the Board of Psychology (Psychological Associate) by start date
• Annual TB test required

• One to three years of experience working with Latinx, immigrant, or Spanish-speaking communities 
• Experience facilitating therapy or psychoeducational groups
• Familiarity with issues affecting immigrant youth, including acculturation stress, trauma, and community violence 
• Interest in psychodynamic, relational, and community-based clinical work

• Competitive hourly wage: $34.10 -$39.10/hour
• Health, dental, and vision insurance 
• Paid sick leave and holiday pay (per agency policy)
• Weekly individual supervision from a licensed Clinical Psychologist 
• Regular training opportunities and supportive professional development 
• A warm, mission-driven environment where staff care deeply about community impact
• Commitment to workforce diversity and equal opportunity employment

Please email the following to Stephanie Chiquillo, PsyD (stephanie@carecensf.org)
Subject line: Mental Health Intern Application – [Your Name]
Preferred format: One combined PDF.

Please include:

1. Cover letter describing:
   • Why you’re interested in training at CARECEN SF
   • What you hope to gain clinically and professionally
   • What you hope to contribute to the youth and families we serve
2. Curriculum Vitae (CV) highlighting any clinical or related volunteer experience
3. Two letters of recommendation from supervisors, faculty, or others familiar with your recent clinical or academic work