Seeds of Hope (part of Onward Behavioral Health) offers a robust training experience for practicum, externship and internship students working towards their master’s and doctorate degrees. With 10 Onward Behavioral Health locations, students have the opportunity to explore a variety of treatment programs with adolescents and adults, including mental health treatment, substance use treatment and dual diagnosis.
Throughout our locations, students are exposed to our treatment philosophy and strategies through our Partial Hospitalization Programs and Intensive Outpatient Programs. Students will have the chance to observe, and in some cases facilitate group therapy sessions with a clinician present. Other possible opportunities include being a part of treatment planning, individual sessions, family/support system sessions, case management and aftercare planning. Weekly individual supervision will be provided. *To students- Please note that your educational provider must approve of virtual individual supervision.
If you are interested in joining us for your practicum, externship or internship experience, please fill out the form below.
For more information, please contact our Clinical Trainee Supervisor, Vicky Varon, at [email protected] or (888) 694-9996 ext. 8536.
From our prior interns:
“Starting your first clinical internship is always daunting, and there’s so much pressure to find a good placement. When I was offered an internship with Pyramid I was incredibly thankful, but also completely overwhelmed by the thought starting as a new therapist in a Partial Hospitalization Program. Thankfully, I received nothing but support and encouragement from the director, my supervisor, and my teammates. It was their care and kindness that helped me swiftly and smoothly acclimate to my new role and fully embrace the tasks and responsibilities of the program. By the end of my internship I was not only more confident and capable in my clinical skills, but I also finished off feeling confident and capable of rising to any challenge this career path will bring in the future. My supervisor Victoria Varon ensured that I was able to fully engage with and process the many experiences I was having, and helped to reinforce the multitude of lessons I learned throughout my time as an intern. I will always be grateful to have begun my work in this field on such a solid foundation.” – Nicole Thweatt
“I joined The Light Program team in Jenkintown as an intern in 2022 as a counseling psychology graduate student at Temple University, and my experience has been invaluable. I immediately felt like a valued and supported member of the team; if I had any questions, ideas, or needed to talk through an experience, I knew I had mentors to support me. I was able to observe, practice, and learn things that are not taught in the classroom- broadening the horizons of my understanding of what it means to be a counselor. Not only did I gain amazing experience, but my confidence as a new clinician has blossomed. I am beyond grateful to say that my experience as an intern has led to an opportunity of employment with the team I’ve had the pleasure of growing with for the past year, and I’m proud to remain a member of the team!” – Victoria Whitney
“My experiences as an intern for Onward Behavioral Health have helped me grow as both a person and a clinician. This experience allowed me to work with a wide array of clients and improve my clinical skills while getting the chance to help make a difference in these clients’ lives. The staff and supervisors I have worked with have been very supportive, and I am grateful for this experience and looking forward to the next steps in my career here!” – Caitlin Kelly
“I am currently a doctoral student in clinical psychology at Walden University. Since the start of my practicum training experience at Onward Behavioral Health located in Jenkintown, PA, I have gained tremendous professional growth. All of the staff members I have worked with, from my training supervisor to the therapists and to the psychiatrist, have enhanced my diagnostic, therapeutical and ethical skills. Through such critical skills, I am able to identify and treat various psychopathologies using several therapeutical models. Therefore, my training at Onward Behavioral health has provided me with the professional foundation necessary to deliver to clients exceptional evidence based and ethical interventions as a future clinical psychologist.” – Ryan Drakes
“I worked as an intern for The Light Program during my second school year as a master level intern. I had the full experience of an adolescent IOP clinician position. As we often say, “People learn the most from real-life practice.” With help from my ED, supervisors and awesome colleagues, I started with observation and grew into an independent clinician. I had the chance to facilitate counseling groups and family sessions, complete level of care assessments, attend faculty meetings/training and build my own caseload. Such experiences are precious. I really appreciate the enriched internship experiences provided by Pyramid Healthcare. It trained me to become a competent clinician and boosted my confidence. I am now working for the company as a full-time employee!” – Jianqin Zhang
