Internship - Professional Practicum Experiences

Advanced Training in Expanded School Mental Health

Supervisors: Melissa Heatly, Ph.D. and Allison Stiles, PhD

UR Medicine's Expanded School Mental Health Initiatives (ESMH) is a comprehensive and integrated approach to supporting student mental health that goes beyond traditional therapy and counseling services. It involves a collaborative effort between schools, families, and community partners to create a supportive environment for all students. This approach provides universal prevention strategies for all students, targeted interventions for students at risk, and intensive interventions for students with significant mental health needs. ESMH is a promising approach to addressing the growing mental health needs of students. By providing a comprehensive and integrated system of support, ESMH can help create schools where all students can thrive.

Our Internship deeply involves trainees in : a) school-based clinical care for youth and their families; b) selective consultation and technical assistance for educators and school mental health staff who support students with complex behavioral health concerns, and; c) evidence-based behavioral health training for Educators and School Staff (eg: “School Avoidance: School-based strategies for return to school” and “Supporting youth with complex neurodevelopmental disabilities in school settings”). Supervision also offers advanced training in school-based approaches to integrated behavioral health, partnership and teaming, and collaboration across the child-serving system of care. Research experience is also available. 

Examples of prior ESMH Leadership Projects include:

• Marisa Malone, Ph.D. – Adapting PEERS in Schools for General Educational Setings
• Allison Stiles, Ph.D. - Connecting For Kids with Behavioral Health Needs during COVID-19
• Abigail Monore, Psy.D. – Implementation of Youth Mental Health First Aid Trainer Training and
• Feasibility of Implementation
• Laura Perrone, Ph.D. – Growing Resilience Through Community Voice: Understanding Rural
• Community Trauma-Informed Substance Prevention Needs Through Key Informant Interviews
• Jennifer Warmingham, MS – Evaluating a State-Wide Learning Community Focused on
• Advancing High-Quality School Mental Health Systems
• Daria Williams, MS - Diversifying Access to Suicide Prevention Training
• Training experiences are available for the following:
• Graduate Student Externships