Clinical & Community Perinatal Internship Program

Preparing the next generation of clinicians, advocates, and birth workers committed to improving maternal mental health outcomes for Black mothers and families.

Open to graduate students in:

  • Social Work

  • Marriage & Family Therapy

  • Professional Counseling

  • Public Health

  • Related Fields

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EXPLORE TRACKS

Current University Partners

  • UCLA logo in blue and gray colors.
  • U.S.C. University of Southern California logo with a shield emblem featuring a rising sun and three torches.
  • UC Berkeley logo on a blue background.
  • Logo of San Francisco State University, featuring a seal with a woman and a bridge, alongside the university name.
  • Clark Atlanta University logo featuring a black and red initials 'CAU' with the university's name below.
  • University of Michigan logo with a large yellow 'M' and blue text.
  • Logo of California State University, Dominguez Hills, with initials CSUDH in large maroon and gold letters and the university name underneath.

Training Clinicians Who Look Like the Communities They Serve

The Clinical & Community Perinatal Internship Program at the Black Girls Mental Health Foundation (BGMHF) prepares the next generation of clinicians, advocates, and birth workers committed to improving maternal mental health outcomes for Black mothers and families. This program is open to graduate-level interns in Social Work, Marriage & Family Therapy, Professional Counseling, Public Health, and related fields who are passionate about supporting the mental health and wellness of Black birthing individuals during pregnancy, postpartum, and early parenting.

Our internship integrates clinical training, perinatal mental health education, and community-based maternal support, allowing interns to develop skills that bridge therapy, advocacy, and culturally responsive care. Through this program, interns gain the knowledge and real-world experience necessary to support Black mothers using trauma-informed, culturally affirming, and holistic approaches to maternal mental health care, while working to address systemic inequities in maternal health.

“A central goal of this program is to increase the number of BIPOC providers trained in maternal mental health, helping expand access to racially concordant care, which research shows improves trust, engagement, and health outcomes for Black mothers and families.”

Our internship offers two distinct pathways so students can align their training with their professional goals. This structure allows interns to gain both clinical insight and systems-level understanding of maternal mental health and Black maternal health disparities.

Dual Learning Tracks

  • Four women are organizing and packing documents or items in a room filled with boxes and supplies.

    Clinical Track

    Designed for graduate students pursuing clinical licensure (MSW, MFT, LPC, etc.) with a focus on developing psychotherapy skills and specializing in perinatal mental health.

    ● Provide psychotherapy services under clinical supervision
    ● Learn assessment, diagnosis, and treatment planning for perinatal mental health conditions
    ● Facilitate or co-facilitate support groups for mothers
    ● Receive specialized training in perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs)
    ● Develop culturally responsive clinical skills for working with Black mothers and families

    Prepares interns for careers as licensed mental health clinicians specializing in maternal and perinatal care.

  • Three women standing behind a table at an outdoor event under a black canopy, with two informational banners on either side promoting mental health services for Black girls, with a cityscape in the background.

    Macro & Community Impact Track

    Designed for students interested in maternal health advocacy, non-profit program development, community engagement, and maternal health policy.

    ● Support maternal mental health initiatives and community programs
    ● Assist with program development and evaluation
    ● Contribute to research and resource development for Black maternal mental health
    ● Support community education initiatives and outreach programs
    ● Help expand culturally relevant maternal mental health resources

    Prepares interns for careers in maternal health leadership, nonprofit leadership, and systems-level change.

A core goal of this internship is to expand access to specialized perinatal workforce training for BIPOC providers. Interns gain access to a range of sponsored and fully funded training experiences.

Perinatal Training & Professional Development

Sponsored Perinatal Mental Health Training

Eligible interns may receive sponsored PMH training through BGMHF, including opportunities through Postpartum Support International (PSI). Training prepares clinicians to support individuals experiencing:

  • Postpartum depression

  • Postpartum anxiety

  • Birth trauma

  • Pregnancy loss

  • Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs)

Birth Worker Training Opportunities

Interns are connected with organizations offering fully funded training opportunities for BIPOC providers, including:

  • Full Spectrum Doula Training

  • Lactation Support Training

  • Community Birth Worker Training Programs

  • Maternal health advocacy and leadership programs

Many of these trainings are available at no cost to BIPOC providers.

Professional Development & Career Pathways

Interns gain access to training experiences that strengthen clinical competence, community engagement, and leadership in maternal health, including:

  • Perinatal mental health workshops

  • Evidence-based clinical interventions

  • Maternal mental health conferences

  • Leadership and advocacy development

  • Continuing education events

Your Path From Intern to Maternal Mental Health Professional

From application to long-term career, our program supports you every step of the way.

Step 01
Apply to the Internship Program
Graduate-level students from partnering universities apply through their school's field placement or internship process. Applicants may indicate interest in the Clinical Track or Macro & Community Impact Track.
Step 02
Participate in Specialized Training
Interns receive access to perinatal mental health education and workshops, evidence-based clinical intervention training, sponsored training through BGMHF and PSI, and connections to fully funded doula and lactation training programs for BIPOC providers.
Step 03
Gain Hands-On Experience
Interns gain real-world skills supporting Black mothers and families across both tracks.

Clinical Track

  • Providing psychotherapy under supervision
  • Conducting assessments and treatment planning
  • Facilitating maternal mental health groups
  • Supporting mothers experiencing PMADs

Macro Track

  • Non-profit program development
  • Community engagement and outreach
  • Participate in NASW Lobby Days
  • Maternal mental health advocacy
  • Research and systems level learning
  • Responsible use of AI, cultural humility
  • Organizational strategy (SWOT, grant writing, grant prospecting/vetting)
Step 04
Transition Into Early Career Opportunities

Clinical Pathway

Graduates may be invited to return as associate clinicians:
  • Associate Clinical Social Worker (ACSW)
  • Associate Marriage & Family Therapist (AMFT)
  • Associate Professional Clinical Counselor (APCC)

Macro Pathway

Macro track interns may continue through roles in:
  • Program coordination
  • Community engagement
  • Maternal health initiatives
  • Advocacy and maternal health leadership
Step 05
Build a Long-Term Career With Us
Licensed clinicians and maternal health professionals may continue growing into roles such as licensed maternal mental health therapist, maternal health program leadership, community-based advocacy, and training and mentorship of future interns.

Our goal is to cultivate a pipeline of culturally responsive clinicians, birth workers, and maternal health leaders improving outcomes for Black mothers and families.

Why Join Our Internship Program?

Our internship program offers specialized maternal mental health training, mentorship, and real-world experience while contributing to meaningful change for Black mothers and families.

Program Benefits

  • All clinical services conducted under the supervision of experienced clinicians and maternal mental health professionals.

  • Sponsored Perinatal Mental Health training opportunities through BGMHF and Postpartum Support International.

  • Connections to fully funded doula and lactation training programs for BIPOC providers.

  • Real-world experience supporting Black mothers, birthing individuals, and families through clinical and community-based initiatives.

  • Opportunities to engage in maternal mental health advocacy and initiatives improving outcomes for Black mothers.

  • Work within a mission-driven organization committed to improving Black maternal mental health outcomes with clear growth pathways.

Applications are submitted through your university's field placement or internship process. Indicate your interest in placement with Black Girls Mental Health Foundation.

Ready to Join Our Program?

How To Apply

Eligibility Criteria

  • Be a graduate-level student in Social Work, Marriage & Family Therapy, Professional Counseling, Public Health, or a related field

  • Demonstrate interest in maternal mental health, perinatal care, or community health

  • Be able to meet the internship requirements of your academic program

  • Willing to attend Community Engagement events in your area. Minimum of 2 events per semester.

Required Documents

  • Resume/CV

  • Cover letter

  • Letter of recommendation from previous internship/placement

Current University Partners

  • UCLA

  • USC

  • UC Berkeley

  • San Francisco State University

  • Clark Atlanta University

  • University of Michigan

Don't see your university? We are always interested in expanding partnerships with universities preparing future maternal mental health professionals. Reach out to yuri@bgmhfoundation.org to explore a partnership opportunity.

Application Deadline

Rolling Applications Accepted

Get In Touch

Have questions or want to learn more before applying? We'd love to hear from you.

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