Social Work, MFT and PCC Practicums
RAMS offers training to students enrolled in a masters program that are interested in developing their competence in providing culturally responsive clinical services within the community mental health milieu.
Program Overview
RAMS offers a clinical training program designed to provide Marriage Family Therapy, Social Work and Professional Clinical Counselor trainees with the generalized professional practice skills of a behavioral health counselor in a community mental health environment. We are accepting clinicians-in-training into our program, giving preference to students who have an expressed interest in culturally responsive services and the vision of working long-term in community mental health. Trainees provide direct services to clients, under close supervision and guidance, while also participating in didactic seminars and case conferences. They serve as integral members of the direct practice services team and strengthen skills in applying systems and strengths-based theory into culturally responsive clinical practice.
Traineeships are at minimum 18 hours per week, including individual and group supervision. Additional hours can be arranged if your university program requires additional hours to graduate.
The majority of our masters level traineeships start in August and end May the following year. If you are looking for practicum outside of this time frame, unfortunately, our program is not a match.
Training & Role
Trainees will complete a comprehensive orientation process covering both clinical and administrative topics prior to commencing work with clients. In addition to weekly individual and group supervision, trainees will have access to didactic training, mentoring by program staff and be invited to a broad array of optional training sessions. Trainees will also receive administrative support from their Program Directors and the Director of the Training Institute.
Trainees will have the opportunity to develop individual and group counseling skills, in response to both mental health and substance use issues. In addition, students will learn intake/assessment, case management, and crisis intervention skills as well as gain familiarity with the broader system of Behavioral Health Care in San Francisco.
There are innumerable opportunities for learning and growth in a community mental health setting. RAMS prides itself on creating a supportive environment for trainees not only to develop the knowledge, skills and networks essential for completing their degrees, but also in hopes of fostering a sustainable workforce of clinicians committed to systems-conscious, culturally responsive service provision.
Program Comparison
|
Program |
Client |
Intervention |
Required Day/Minimum Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Adult |
Individual Counseling |
Thu, 24 hours per week minimum | |
|
Adult |
Individual Counseling |
Thu, 18 hours per week minimum | |
|
Adult |
Individual Counseling |
Mon/Tue/Thu, 18 hours per week minimum | |
|
(Fluency in Cantonese and/or Mandarin required) |
Child |
Individual Counseling |
Wed, 20 hours per week minimum |
|
Adult |
Intake Assessment and Outreach |
Wed/Thu, 18 hours per week minimum | |
|
Requires previous clinical experience in a Community Mental Health setting |
Adults |
Individual Counseling |
Tue and Wed mornings & either Tue afternoon or Thu morning (depending on supervision group assignment), 20 hours per week minimum |
|
Adolescents |
Individual Counseling |
Friday (& Mondays for Orientation only), 20 to 24 hours minimum |
Application & Selection
Traineeship is an exciting time of growth, exploration, and professional development. While we welcome applicants who are exploring new areas, our placements are best suited for students who can demonstrate a foundational understanding of, or preparation for, the populations they hope to serve.
RAMS, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, culture, religion, ethnicity, physical ability, gender, or sexual orientation. While bilingual applicants are preferred, we welcome monolingual English-speaking students who demonstrate a strong commitment to culturally responsive clinical practice and who are preparing for long-term careers in community mental health.
To begin the application process, please complete the Traineeship Interest Form. A complete application includes the Traineeship Interest Form, cover letter, resume, and two professional letters of recommendation. Please note, our outpatient practicum does have additional requirements. Be sure to review their page for details.
In your cover letter, please highlight how your past experiences have shaped your interest in your selected program. We also encourage you to describe any professional or volunteer experience serving diverse and/or underserved populations, your engagement in community-based settings, and/or experiences that promote access to services or culturally responsive and inclusive approaches. If you are applying to work with a population with which you have limited or no prior experience, please describe what has prepared you for this interest (e.g., coursework, lived experience, related skills, or specific learning goals).
For the 27-28 training year, you may begin sending your materials in January 2027.
Contacts
Still have questions? We would like to hear from you! Please contact:
Dennielle Kronenberg, LCSW, PPSC
Director RAMS Training Institute
(415) 800-0699 x 218
denniellekronenberg@ramsinc.org
