Join Our Master’s-Level Practicum Training Program
Gain hands-on clinical experience supporting children, youth, and families through a supervised, community-based mental health practicum in Orange County.
Build Your Skills in Community Mental Health
Western Youth Services provides MFT, MSW, and PCC graduate trainees with a supportive, hands-on clinical training experience serving Medi-Cal-eligible youth under age 21 across Orange County. Trainees develop practical skills through culturally responsive, trauma-informed, and community-based care.
Start Date
August of each year
Placement Term
9 or 12 Months
Weekly Requirement
~20 hrs / wk (2.5–3 days)
Clinic Locations
Anaheim, Huntington Beach, Mission Viejo, Santa Ana
Core Program Pillars
- Hands-On Experience: Practical skills built through direct clinical work.
- Supervised Training: Individual and group supervision throughout placement.
- Community Impact: Supporting children and families across Orange County clinics.
Supervision & Seminars
- Weekly individual & group supervision
- Monthly clinical seminars led by licensed mental health professionals
- Regional staff meetings and interdisciplinary activities
What You Will Learn
Trainees gain practical experience across essential clinical practice areas:
Group therapy opportunities depend on clinic needs and resources available.
Who Can Apply
Must be enrolled in a master's-level Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT), Social Work (MSW), or Professional Clinical Counseling (PCC) graduate program
Meet the general eligibility requirements of the Western Youth Services Master's-Level Practicum Training Program
Applicants must be enrolled in one of our current partner universities in an in-person graduate program (see below for a list of our current partner universities) that is regionally accredited and aligned with California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) licensure requirements
Graduate programs accredited by CACREP, COAMFTE, or CSWE are strongly preferred
Approved Partner Universities
- Alliant International University
- California State University, Fullerton
- Cal Poly Pomona
- Loma Linda University
- The Chicago School of Professional Psychology
- Azusa Pacific University
- California State University, Long Beach
- Chapman University
- Pepperdine University
- University of Southern California
Because the program operates through established university partnerships, WYS is unable to accept or respond to applications from students attending non-partner institutions at this time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is financial support available?
When does the program begin & what is the time commitment?
Placements begin in August each year. Trainees commit to a 9- or 12-month placement requiring approximately 20 hours per week across 2.5 to 3 on-site days.
Is the program remote and can any university student apply?
No, training is conducted on-site in Orange County clinics, and applicants must be enrolled in an in-person program at an approved partner university.
Application Procedure
Interested applicants should submit:
- 1. A Letter of Interest explaining:
- Your professional and career goals
- Why you are interested in community mental health
- How a practicum experience at Western Youth Services would support your professional development
- 2. Current résumé
For more information or to apply, please provide the letter of interest and resume to
NOTE: WYS begins accepting and reviewing practicum applications in February of each year. Applications are accepted only from students enrolled in one of our current partner universities. Due to the volume of inquiries we receive, we are unable to consider applications from or respond to inquiries submitted by students of non-partner institutions.
