To help strengthen and diversify the mental health care workforce and meet a growing demand for mental health care, Kaiser Permanente Northern California is currently recruiting for its Mental Health Training Program (MHTP).

The program provides comprehensive clinical training in adult and child behavioral health, chemical dependency treatment, and multiple specialty training tracks in evidence-based care to more than 250 doctoral and master’s level trainees in 21 Northern California medical centers. The program encourages applicants from a broad range of backgrounds and experiences.

Helen Chan, PsyD, has been in the Mental Health Training Program for 3 years: as a practicum student, predoctoral intern, and now as a post-doctoral trainee. She decided to become a licensed clinical psychologist to help those struggling with autism, like her 14-year-old son.

“I really want to work with other families dealing with autism to help them mitigate some of the challenges,” she said.

Kaiser Permanente Northern California Community Health is supporting the Mental Health Training Program as part of an ongoing commitment to expand the mental health workforce and increase diversity and representation.

MHTP trainees are taught clinical skills that support cutting-edge treatment protocols and follow evidence-based guidelines. They receive supervised training needed to graduate and become licensed clinical psychologists and therapists, which are in high demand throughout the United States.

They also work in the community, providing mental health education, mentoring, and resources to local schools and community organizations.

Recruiting for trainees

The program is currently recruiting doctoral practicum, internship, and postdoctoral trainees, as well as pre master’s and post master’s trainees on a rolling basis. (Learn about each program.)

“Kaiser Permanente is committed to growing the mental health workforce, and programs like this one help us provide the experience and training needed in a supportive environment,” said Jennifer Thom, PhD, assistant regional director of the MHTP.

Asher Trahan, PsyD, is currently completing his postdoctoral residency training in clinical psychology in the program.

A veteran of the U.S. Airforce, part of his training includes providing individual therapy to those dealing with depression or other mental health diagnoses at Kaiser Permanente Vallejo.

“This is a great team to be a part of,” he said. “They look out for each other, and care for each other.”

Learn more about what the MHTP offers as well as how to apply.

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