Bridge training participants will have the opportunity to explore a wide range of unpaid internship options through an internship fair. Internship positions will be offered by settlement organizations, ethno-specific mental health agencies, and mainstream mental health employers. To date, confirmed placement sites include: Canadian Mental Health Association - Toronto, St Joseph's Hospital / Women's Health Centre, Hong Fook Mental Health Association, Across Boundaries, Mennonite New Life Centre, Canadian Centre for Victims of Torture, and Rexdale Women's Centre.

Following an internship fair, students will apply to available internship positions at participating agencies. Subsequently, agencies will invite suitable applicants for an internship interview. If the agency is satisfied with the candidate they will then offer an unpaid internship position.

Clinical internships are meant to offer mutual benefit to both the agency and the participant. Interns contribute their skills and training to the agency, while the agency reciprocates by providing an opportunity to gain experience and understanding of the mental health system in Ontario.

BTMH participants through their internships will get an opportunity for professional practice, working directly with people needing different kinds of mental health support by undertaking roles such as clinical counselling, case management, group therapy, and psycho-educational group work.

Internships are 450 hours of duration. For full time participants, the internship will normally take place as follows:

January - April: Two days per week, Mondays and Tuesday, 9am to 4pm.

May - August: Three days per week, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, 9am to 4pm.

For part time participants, internships and associated learning activities begin in September and finish in April of the following calendar year. Most internships will take place during daytime hours.

BTMH was developed in consultation with Ontario Association of Consultants, Counsellors, Psychometrists and Psychotherpists (OOACCPP). Participants may present their internship hours, together with prior home country experience, to meet supervised practice requirements for certified membership in OACCPP. Participants must be general members of good standing of the OACCPP for a total of two years before applying for certification. Participation in the Bridge Training Program does not guarantee certification by OACCPP. Professional associations and regulatory bodies reserve the right to make their own membership and certification decisions.

View: Sample Internship