vitalminds

Virtual Therapy In Ontario, In Person Therapy in Hamilton, Oakville & London

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Clinical Internship Program

Join a Leading Training Clinic

At Vital Minds, we believe exceptional clinicians are shaped through education, mentorship, and clinical experience within a supportive and research-driven environment.

Our internship program is designed for graduate-level psychotherapy and social work students who are passionate about developing advanced clinical skills and delivering high-quality, ethical, and research-informed care. As a training-focused clinic, Vital Minds provides a uniquely immersive practicum experience. Through structured, in-clinic learning, students gain the practical skills and research-informed foundation to thrive as emerging clinicians. This level of hands-on training and professional development is rarely available in traditional practicum settings. Our mission is to cultivate the next generation of therapists who are highly-trained, competent, compassionate, and clinically confident.

Internship Requirements

At Vital Minds, our internship is designed for graduate students who are ready to engage in research-driven clinical training and gain extensive direct client experience in a supportive, high-development environment. To maintain the highest standards of professional excellence, applicants must demonstrate both clinical readiness and a strong commitment to evidence-based, ethical practice.

  • Active or pending registration with the CRPO (Qualifying status)
  • Pursuit or near completion of Master’s degree in Psychotherapy or Social Work from a recognized North American Institution
  • Completion of specialized trainings (minimum of two) prior to the start date, reflecting readiness for intensive, research-informed clinical work
  • Flexible in-person availability (minimum 2–3 days per week; evening or weekend hours preferred) to accommodate a high volume of direct client sessions and supervision requirements
  • Availability aligned with client demographics — for example, those working with children or youth are expected to offer after-school, evening, or weekend sessions
  • Professional liability insurance
  • Demonstrated cultural responsiveness and sensitivity in working with diverse populations
  • Strong clinical judgment and the ability to communicate with warmth, clarity, and professionalism
  • Self-directed and reflective, with the ability to manage a robust caseload while remaining open to supervision and collaborative learning
  • Technological proficiency (EMRs, secure online platforms, and digital record keeping)
  • Commitment to PHIPA compliance and accurate, timely clinical documentation aligned with regulatory standards
  • Reliable laptop, private workspace, and secure internet connection for web-based or hybrid practice
  • While in-person participation is preferred, exceptions may be made for virtual students who demonstrate advanced clinical training, niche specialization, or significant mental health experience

Our practicum is intensive, research-informed, and high volume, ideal for students who want to accelerate their professional growth, develop advanced clinical competence, and graduate fully prepared for a successful career in psychotherapy.

Why Choose Vital Minds?

Vital Minds isn’t just a placement site. It’s a clinical training practice where learning, research, and practice come together. Our interns receive hands-on experience, continuous education, and unparalleled supervision and support.

A Research-Informed Training Environment

We are committed to bridging the gap between academic learning and real-world clinical practice. Our interns learn to integrate current research, case conceptualization models, and evidence-based interventions into their developing clinical practice.

Specialized In-Clinic Trainings

Interns receive advanced in-clinic training from highly skilled senior clinicians in modalities such as CBT, ACT, DBT, IFS, Polyvagal Theory, Somatic Therapy, and the Gottman Method. All training is delivered and supervised by experienced therapists and educators within the practice.

High-Level Supervision & Education

  • Weekly dyadic supervision with a CRPO-approved Yorkville supervisor
  • Monthly group supervision led by senior clinicians
  • Ongoing case consultation and case conferencing support

Clinical & Professional Development

  • Thousands of clinical resources, worksheets, and manuals
  • Structured support for CRPO-compliant documentation and treatment planning
  • Opportunities for peer collaboration, case discussion, and co-facilitated sessions
  • Dedicated client-matching support to help you build and sustain your caseload efficiently

Career Growth & Employment Opportunities

Our internship is designed not only to fulfill academic requirements but also to prepare you for long-term success in your counselling career. Exceptional students are often offered employment opportunities upon graduation.

Our Commitment

At Vital Minds, we hold ourselves to the highest standards of clinical integrity, ethical practice, and professional growth. Our goal is to cultivate therapists who are thoughtful, research-informed, and skilled in applying evidence-based care within today’s dynamic clinical contexts. When you join Vital Minds, you join a community of practitioners dedicated to excellence, ongoing professional development, and the highest standards of clinical practice.