How OneEighty Internships Help Shape the Next Generation of Behavioral Health

Article Highlights

This piece examines how OneEighty is working to solve the regional clinician shortage by cultivating a robust talent pipeline from Ohio’s top universities directly into our full-time clinical staff. Through an interview with Kylie Peterson, LSW, we examine how hands-on experience in substance use disorder (SUD) and victim advocacy transforms students into compassionate professionals. It also highlights OneEighty’s commitment to evidence-based training and its strategic partnerships with local universities.

The Counselor Pipeline: Why OneEighty Prioritizes Student Interns

In a landscape where behavioral healthcare clinicians, particularly those with advanced degrees, are in short supply, OneEighty isn’t just waiting for talent to appear. We’re building it.

By maintaining a steady pool of interns from institutions like the University of Akron, Walsh University, The Ohio State University, Case Western Reserve University, Ashland University, and out-of-state schools that are only online, OneEighty creates a “clinical pipeline.” This ensures that when students graduate, they aren’t just looking for a job; they are returning to a community they already know.

While textbooks provide the foundation, the reality of recovery happens in the field. OneEighty positions itself as a center of expertise, training interns in evidence-based practices while fostering a deep sense of compassion for those we serve.

From Intern to LSW: Kylie Peterson’s Journey

For many students, the transition from a classroom to a clinical practice can be intimidating. Kylie Peterson, now a Licensed Social Worker (LSW) at OneEighty’s Women’s Residential Treatment Center, is a prime example of how the right environment can turn an internship into a dream job.

Interestingly, Kylie’s path didn’t start in behavioral health. “I actually also have my associates in early childhood, but my internship for that really showed me this is not what I want. Then being able to do the internship with OneEighty really showed me that this is my lifelong dream. This is where I want to be.”

The “pivot” Kylie experienced is a core benefit of the OneEighty program. By exposing interns to different facets of social work early on, students can “fail fast” in areas that don’t fit and find the ones where their passion truly lies.

The OneEighty Rotation: A 360-Degree Clinical Experience

What sets a OneEighty internship apart is its multidisciplinary approach. Kylie’s experience wasn’t limited to a single desk or department; she gained a holistic understanding of the “continuum of care.”

1. Victim Advocacy: The Crisis Frontline

Kylie began her journey in victim advocacy, learning the critical intersection of trauma and crisis. This foundation is vital for any clinician, as it provides a deep understanding of the external factors that often accompany substance use.

2. Outpatient Groups: The Power of Community

She transitioned into facilitating group counseling, where she witnessed the power of shared experience. This taught her the nuances of group dynamics and how communal support accelerates the recovery process.

3. Individual Counseling: Developing Clinical Rapport

Under professional supervision, Kylie moved into one-on-one mental health and substance use disorder (SUD) counseling. This is where she mastered evidence-based practices and learned to build the non-judgmental rapport that is now her trademark. She explained, “I learned so much from being an intern. Now, when I refer a client to victim advocacy, I truly understand what happens on their side of things. Having that internal perspective is incredibly helpful for providing comprehensive care.”

The Stigma vs. The Reality of SUD Work

One of the most significant barriers to entering the field of addiction services is the social stigma surrounding SUD. Kylie notes that the most important skill she gained was the ability to lead with a non-judgmental perspective. Kylie shared, “Addiction has such a stigma on it, and it breaks my heart to hear people be so judgmental. If I can kind of be that person to not judge them as they come in here, then that’s what I want to do.”

The Vital Role of Self-Care in Behavioral Health

We don’t just train interns to help others; we train them to sustain themselves. Kylie is vocal about the steep learning curve regarding professional boundaries and mental health: “I was running myself ragged… I had to set those boundaries of ‘don’t contact me outside of work hours.’ I don’t work on documentation at home anymore. It has really helped my mental health a lot.”

Why Internships Matter to the OneEighty Mission

According to OneEighty leadership, interns are more than just extra hands. They are a vital source of organizational energy. Bobbi Douglas, Executive Director at OneEighty, emphasizes that maintaining a steady pool of interns isn’t just about staffing; it’s about the health of the profession. She goes on to say, “Having interns promotes the profession and adds to the workforce. They allow us to serve additional people and bring a fresh enthusiasm. Our therapists say it’s invigorating because it reminds them why they went into the field.”

By educating the next generation of clinicians on the complexities of trauma, domestic violence, and addiction, OneEighty is actively reducing stigma across the entire medical community. We aren’t just training employees; we are building advocates for a more compassionate healthcare system.

Ready to Start Your Career in Behavioral Health?

Whether you are pursuing a degree at the University of Akron, Walsh, Ohio State, or Case Western Reserve, OneEighty offers a premier environment to earn your hours and find your calling. Join a community that values your growth as much as the lives we save.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What universities does OneEighty partner with for internships?

OneEighty works closely with several major Ohio institutions, including the University of Akron, Walsh University, Ohio State University, and Case Western Reserve University.

Can I intern at OneEighty if I’m interested in Mental Health but not Substance Use Disorders?

Yes. While OneEighty is a leader in SUD recovery, our interns gain experience in victim advocacy, mental health counseling, and trauma-informed care. As Kylie’s experience shows, rotating through different departments helps you find your specific niche.

How does an internship lead to a full-time job at OneEighty?

We view our internship program as a primary source of talent. Many of our current LSWs and counselors – like Kylie – began as interns and transitioned into full-time roles upon graduation or licensure.

What is the most important skill for a behavioral health intern?

According to our team, the ability to communicate effectively and with genuine care is paramount. Being part of the OneEighty community means being a team player and knowing that if you don’t have the answer, you have a network of experts behind you to help find it.