Graduate Clinical Training Program
Mind & Spirit Counseling Center offers an intensive 9-month Clinical Training Program for graduate students seeking a rigorous education and real-world experience.
We are accepting applications at this time for the Graduate Clinical Training Program through February 8th for the 2026-2027 school year.
Students completing the program are prepared for licensure, poised to provide quality mental health services as fully trained and certified practitioners.
The training includes classroom instruction, clinical supervision, peer consultation, direct engagement with clients, and integration into the day to day workings of a large mental health clinic addressing a variety of mental health needs.
The training year is concurrent with a traditional academic year (August through May). Specific schedules and hours are determined individually based on the requirements of each student’s academic program, personal needs and the Center’s needs and resources.
Heidi Bowden
DSW, LISW
Clinical Training Program Director
Professional Experience Opportunities
In addition to direct engagement with clients and group and individual supervision, trainees participate in extensive professional development opportunities.
- Rotating consultation and professional development
- Didactic seminars
- Weekly group and individual supervision
Eligibility and Application Requirements
We are accepting applications for the 2026-2027 Graduate Clinical Training Program cohort until February 8th, 2026.
Application Timeline
January – February
Applications received for next training year
March
Participants confirmed
August– May
Training year
Application Requirements
- Letter of Interest
- Resume
- List of graduate courses completed
- Clinical case summary (real or hypothetical) that demonstrates your approach to practice
- One letter of recommendation from someone familiar with your clinical skills (typically a practice class instructor or a practicum supervisor)
Considerations
Applications will be considered when all the requested materials have been received.
Interviews will be scheduled with applicants who move forward in the process.
Apply for the Graduate Clinical Training Program
Email all applications materials to Heidi Bowden, or send via mail to:
Heidi Bowden, Training Program Director
Mind & Spirit Counseling Center
8553 Urbandale Ave
Urbandale, IA 50322
For more information: Please read the following FAQ. If you have additional questions, please email Heidi Bowden, LISW, MSW and Clinical Training Program Director.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the Center’s Training Program begin?
The Center’s Training Program runs from September through May. On occasion, trainees may petition for additional time to complete their required clinical hours.
May trainees begin their training year at other times during the year?
No. Because the Center offers an intensive, structured group training experience we do not accept trainees mid-year.
What qualities does the Center seek in its trainees?
Candidates will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
- Successful completion of all graduate coursework to date
- Good verbal and written communication skills
- Openness to learning about clinical practice
- Self-awareness and willingness to learn about themselves as developing clinicians
- Ability to articulate their educational and professional goals
- Ability to articulate their current clinical approach and learning goals
- Personal and professional maturity
- Ability to articulate the ways in which their personal values and goals interface with the Center’s mission
What are the Center’s expectations of trainees?
- Trainees will participate in a 10-hour orientation process prior to beginning their placements
- Trainees will participate in at least 1 hour of individual supervision and 1 hour of group supervision weekly.
- Trainees are required to participate in 2-3 hours of group case discussions with the Center’s clinical staff
- Trainees are required to present all intakes to supervisory staff, whether in individual or group supervision or consultation
- Trainees are required to present at least one case conference
- The training experience includes ongoing seminar-based learning that supports theoretical understanding, clinical assessment, and the integration of multiple clinical approaches across the training year.
- Attendance is mandatory at all the above supervisory experiences, seminars and groups for all graduate trainees unless exceptions are approved in consultation with the trainee’s supervisor and the training director
Who do I contact for further information?
Please email Heidi Bowden, DSW, LISW, and Clinical Training Program Director.
