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Mental Health Internships Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

... treating mental and emotional disorders, whether cognitive, affective, or behavioral. Completes ... social health and welfare programs and government eligibility for these programs; ability to ...

Community Based Intern

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

$14.75 - $19.75/hr

... their mental health diagnosis. These services take place primarily in the community/home environment. Tanager provides interns with opportunities to engage in trainings at our agency and in the ...

Community Based Intern

Cedar Rapids, IA

$14.75 - $19.75/hr

... their mental health diagnosis. These services take place primarily in the community/home environment. Tanager provides interns with opportunities to engage in trainings at our agency and in the ...

Clinical Psychologist

Des Moines, IA

$83.50K - $115.10K/yr

In addition to providing clinical care to address the full spectrum of mental health concerns, Navy ... An APA-accredited doctoral internship is required. Waivers for the APA accredited internship ...

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Mental Health Internships information

See Iowa salary details

$10

$18

$26

How much do mental health internships jobs pay per hour?

As of May 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for mental health internships in Iowa is $18.55, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.34 and $20.77 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Mental Health Internships, and why are they important?

To thrive in Mental Health Internships, a foundational understanding of psychological principles, active listening, and basic counseling skills—often gained through coursework in psychology or social work—is essential. Familiarity with clinical documentation systems, confidentiality protocols, and sometimes training in crisis intervention or HIPAA compliance is typically required. Strong interpersonal skills, empathy, and self-awareness help interns build rapport with clients and collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams. These competencies are crucial for providing compassionate support, maintaining client safety, and ensuring professional growth in mental health settings.

What types of responsibilities can I expect during a mental health internship, and how closely will I work with licensed professionals?

During a mental health internship, you'll typically assist with client intakes, observe counseling sessions, and support group activities under the supervision of licensed mental health professionals. Interns often help with research, documentation, and case management tasks, gaining hands-on experience in both clinical and administrative settings. You can expect regular supervision and mentorship, as direct oversight is required to ensure ethical practice and skill development. This collaborative environment provides valuable exposure to multidisciplinary teams and prepares you for future roles in the mental health field.

What are mental health internships?

Mental health internships are structured work experiences for students or recent graduates interested in pursuing careers in mental health fields such as psychology, counseling, or social work. These internships provide hands-on experience under the supervision of licensed professionals, allowing interns to apply academic knowledge in real-world settings. Interns may assist with client assessments, participate in therapy sessions, facilitate group activities, or conduct research. These opportunities help build crucial skills, professional networks, and can be a stepping stone toward licensure or advanced study.

What is the difference between Mental Health Internships vs Mental Health Case Manager?

AspectMental Health InternshipsMental Health Case Manager
Required CredentialsUsually enrolled in or recent graduate of relevant degree programsTypically requires licensure or certification, such as LMSW or LCSW
Work EnvironmentInternship settings, clinics, community organizationsClinical settings, hospitals, community health agencies
Employer & Industry UsageEducational institutions, non-profits, mental health clinicsHealthcare providers, mental health agencies, hospitals
Common Search & Comparison IntentLearning opportunities, entry-level experienceClient management, treatment planning, service coordination

In summary, Mental Health Internships are primarily educational roles for students or recent graduates gaining experience, while Mental Health Case Managers are licensed professionals responsible for coordinating and managing client care. Internships often serve as a stepping stone toward becoming a licensed case manager.

What are popular job titles related to Mental Health Internships jobs in Iowa? For Mental Health Internships jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Mental Health Internships jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Mental Health Internships job openings:
Infographic showing various Mental Health Internships job openings in Iowa as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 34% Full Time, and 66% Part Time. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,574 per year, or $18.5 per hour.
Staff Therapist Embedded University Housing & Dining

Staff Therapist Embedded University Housing & Dining

University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics

Iowa City, IA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

Description
Specific Job Duties & Tasks
  • Maintain a caseload delivering individual, couples, and group therapy using brief, evidence-based models.
  • Evaluate mental health concerns and develop appropriate, goal-oriented treatment plans.
  • Respond to urgent and emergent mental health situations within the residence halls.
  • Complete timely and accurate electronic health records in accordance with ethical and legal standards.
  • Facilitate referrals, follow-ups, and coordination with campus and community providers.
  • Develop and facilitate workshops and psychoeducational programs for students, staff, faculty, and families.
  • Offer guidance, training, and support to residence life staff on student mental health concerns.
  • Provide clinical supervision, mentorship, and evaluation for graduate trainees in mental health disciplines.
  • Provide debriefing and emotional support to students and staff following critical incidents.
  • Partner with campus units to enhance services, analyze program outcomes, and support continuous improvement.

For a detailed job description, please email Michelle Sehmann at michelle-sehmann@uiowa.edu
About the Division of Student Life:
The Division of Student Life is comprised of staff that embrace new ideas and thoughts, works together to keep our students safe, and provides them with life-changing experiences. The Division of Student Life includes 15 departments that span from Recreational Services to the Office of Leadership, Service and Civic Engagement and everything in between. We believe in working together as one team to achieve our mission: fostering student success by creating and promoting educationally purposeful services and activities within and beyond the classroom.
Qualifications
Requirements
  • Doctoral degree in either Counseling or Clinical Psychology from an APA-Accredited program, master's degree in social work with clinical focus from a CSWE-Accredited program, or Master's degree in Counseling from a CACREP- Accredited Program.
  • Social Worker or Mental Health Counselor: Licensed as an LISW or LMHC in the State of Iowa by date of hire. Psychologist: Possession of a valid State of Iowa license as a psychologist within 18 months of hire. License must be maintained as a condition of continued employment.
  • Social Worker or Mental Health Counselor: Relevant post-degree experience (typically 1-3 years).
  • Psychologist: Relevant post-degree experience (typically 1-3 years) or satisfactory completion of a psychology doctoral internship.
  • Extensive knowledge of evidence and theory based mental health counseling in assessment, crisis, individual, and group with a university/college student population
  • Extensive ability to assess, manage, and ensure high quality mental health counseling and crisis management.
  • Extensive proficiency in planning and delivering outreach programs and consultation services with residence hall constituencies or related audience.
  • Working knowledge of providing supervision to trainees.
  • Extensive proficiency in the application of communication techniques and relationship building skills that develop the ability to work with a variety of individuals and groups in a constructive and collaborative manner.
  • Demonstrated active commitment to promoting a welcoming and respectful environment.
  • Working proficiency with office support tools and electronic medical records software (e.g., word processing, email, presentation software, and spreadsheets, electronic health records); preferably Microsoft Office and Titanium EHR.

Desired Skills
  • Demonstrated extensive proficiency in the ability to collaborate and interact with individuals and groups while appreciating the unique contribution of individuals from varied backgrounds.
  • Interest and experience working with first year undergraduate college students and students early in their college experience.
  • Interest and experience in being entrepreneurial in the continual creation of new service systems.

Application Details
To be considered, applicants must upload a resume and cover letter and mark them as a "Relevant File" to the submission .
Successful candidates will be required to self-disclose any conviction history and will be subject to a criminal background check and credential/education verification.
Job openings are posted for a minimum of 7 calendar days and may be removed from posting and filled any time after the original posting period has ended. Up to 5 professional references will be requested at a later step in the recruitment process. This position is eligible for sponsorship, however, if your H-1B petition is subject to the September 19, 2025, Presidential Proclamation, please note that the department will not cover the $100,000 payment associated with H-1B sponsorship, either at the time of hire or for international travel purposes. We encourage you to explore alternative pathways for work authorization. Our team is available to help identify options that may be suitable for your situation. For questions or additional information, please contact Michelle Sehmann at michelle-sehmann@uiowa.edu
Joining the University of Iowa means becoming a vital part of the Hawkeye community, where your work directly impacts education, research, and student success.
Enjoy exceptional health coverage, university-paid life insurance, robust retirement plans, and generous leave policies. Benefit from 24/7 support services, well-being resources, and access to UI Health Care specialists. Grow professionally with advanced training, leadership development, and tuition assistance.
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