Hands-on clinical training for future mental health professionals
The Didi Hirsch Master’s Level Training Program offers graduate students a unique opportunity to gain real-world clinical experience in a leading community mental health setting. We welcome MFT, MSW, and PCC students who are passionate about providing client-centered, culturally responsive care.
Program participants
Most placements are offered to students in their second year of a master’s program. First-year students may also be considered based on availability and program fit.
Our program has hosted students from across Southern California, including:
- University of Southern California
- UCLA
- California State Universities (Los Angeles, Long Beach, Fullerton)
- Loyola Marymount University
- Pepperdine University
- Mount Saint Mary’s University
- Antioch University
- Fuller Seminary
- Azusa Pacific University
- Phillips Graduate Institute
- Argosy University
Placement opportunities
Student clinicians are placed primarily in Adult Outpatient or Child and Family Services, with potential opportunities in Suicide Prevention and Residential Programs. Services are delivered through a hybrid model—either in-person or via telehealth—depending on client needs and academic requirements.
Learning objectives
Students gain direct experience working with individuals and families facing a wide range of psychosocial stressors and complex mental health needs. Our client population is richly diverse in culture, language, identity, and background—all from underserved communities.
The training emphasizes both the depth and breadth of clinical experience. Under intensive supervision and through formal didactic training, students build skills in assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning, and culturally responsive care.
We believe in empowering our trainees with meaningful responsibility, so they graduate feeling prepared for independent clinical practice and future licensure.
