About the role#
Chestnut Health Systems offers a practicum and internship opportunity for master’s-level students seeking hands-on clinical experience in substance use and behavioral health treatment. This on-site position provides direct experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and seniors across residential and intensive outpatient programs. Students gain exposure to clinical work as well as program-level administration, policy, and research.
What you'll do#
- Provide individual, group, and family counseling under supervision.
- Facilitate or co-facilitate psychoeducational and skills-based groups.
- Complete assessments, including biopsychosocial evaluations, and assist with treatment planning.
- Participate in client intake, case management, discharge planning, and referral services.
- Support crisis intervention and provide linkage to community resources.
- Document services in a timely and professional manner using electronic systems.
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary team members and participate in team meetings.
- Engage in regular supervision and apply feedback to clinical practice.
What you'll need#
- Must be a second-year master’s student in a Clinical-Counseling or related program such as Psychology, Public Health, or Nursing.
- Basic computer skills.
- Ability to demonstrate professionalism, responsibility, and a willingness to learn.
- Willingness to participate in direct care activities after completing required trainings.
- Ability to engage in supervision and incorporate feedback into practice.
- Some evening availability may be required.
Location & details#
- Locations: Madison, Illinois and St Clair Counties, Illinois.
- Work Modality: On-site.
- Commitment: Full-time.
- Compensation: This is an unpaid position.
About Chestnut Health Systems
Chestnut Health Systems is a nonprofit organization founded in 1973. It provides behavioral health services, addiction treatment, primary health care, and housing support. The agency operates multiple locations across Illinois and Missouri. It maintains a staff of over 750 employees and holds accreditation from The Joint Commission.
How to get in at Chestnut Health Systems
Securing an internship at Chestnut Health Systems requires speed, as early applicants often receive more attention before the candidate pool expands. Intern Insider sends an instant alert the moment a role matching your target is published anywhere, helping you apply among the first. This approach ensures your materials are reviewed before the pile grows too large to manage. Reaching out to the right person is just as important as timing. Intern Insider surfaces the recruiters behind the company roles so you can reach out directly to ask about the position or a potential referral. Connecting with a human contact significantly improves your response rates compared to submitting an application into a general queue.


