Infant/Early Childhood Mental Health
Learning Pathway Component
The science on trauma and attachment is clear that prevention and early intervention provide some of the best opportunities to effectively address mental health issues. Ryther’s work with children and young people extends to working with very young children (ages birth to 5 years old) and their caregivers and families. Ryther work includes evidence-based practices shown to reduce negative symptoms and behaviors and enhance caregiver attachment.
We are currently accepting the following internship applications for the IECMH Pathways:
Spring 2024
No Openings.
Summer 2024
No Openings.
Fall 2024
Bachelor's
1st Year / Generalist Master's
2nd Year / Advanced Master's
Winter 2025
Bachelor's
1st Year / Generalist Master's
2nd Year / Advanced Master's
Common Learning Activities:
Co-facilitate parenting/family support groups with parents and caregivers
Co-facilitate child psychoeducation groups
Provide Individual and family therapy (clinical/advanced master’s interns only)
Support individual parents through coaching, case management, and crisis de-escalation
Sharpen your skills at consultations focused on family systems, parenting, and early childhood mental health
Collaborate at weekly team meetings, including multi-disciplinary case consults (“grand rounds”), including marriage and family therapists, social workers, psychologists, psychiatric providers, and more.
Gain support at weekly individual and group supervision
Learn from a vast array of client ages, clinical conditions, family structures, and relationship types.
TRAININGS
Our rigorous onboarding process includes a variety of core trainings such as:
Motivational Interviewing
Behavior management and crisis de-escalation
Trauma-informed care
Record keeping and clinical writing
Workplace expectations
Ethical decision-making
Case management skills
Additionally, students in this Learning Pathway get specific training and supervision in:
Introductory training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy skills
Introductory training in Attachment Theory and Parent-Child relationship interventions
Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (clinical/advanced master’s interns only)
Applying Trauma Informed Practices in therapy (clinical/advanced master’s interns only)
Promoting First Relationships training (clinical/advanced master’s interns only)
Family Systems-focused consult groups
REQUIRED ELEMENTS
To fully participate in this Learning Pathway, interns should meet the following requirements:
Available for weekly team meetings every Wednesday 11am-12pm (virtual or in-person)
Available to participate in parenting and child psychoeducation groups on Mondays and Wednesdays 5:30-7pm. Strong preference for interns who can be present in-person for both nights. Will consider interns who can attend at least one.
Can maintain practicum placement for no less than 9 months (3 quarters) for 2nd Year/Advanced Master’s students. Bachelor’s and 1st Year Master’s students will be considered for shorter placements.
Able to complete assigned tasks outside of their specific Learning Pathway based on agency needs, school/program requirements, and individual learning goals.
Acceptance of and ability to work with individuals and families with a variety of identities, behaviors, and cultural and spiritual practices with the ability to apply a social justice and equity lens to all aspects of this work.