Greater Minnesota Family Services (GMFS) offers a mission‑driven, community‑embedded internship experience designed for graduate‑level students preparing for careers in clinical social work, counseling, marriage and family therapy, and related fields.
Commitment to Quality Training
GMFS provides interns with:
- Immersive, in home family work across rural communities
- Structured supervision at least one hour per week from experienced clinicians
- Hands on training in evidence based practices and working with at least one client
- Supportive, relational learning environments aligned with our agency’s Circle of Courage values
Eligibility Requirements
To maintain the integrity of our training model and ensure adequate supervision, GMFS is limiting the number of internship placements offered each year. This allows us to provide a consistent, supportive, and well structured learning environment for every intern.
GMFS currently accepts applications only from graduate level students, including:
- Master of Social Work (MSW)
- Master of Clinical Counseling
- Master of Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT)
- Other clinically focused master’s or doctoral programs
GMFS is not accepting applications from undergraduate or associate level programs currently.
Preference Criteria
While all qualified graduate level applicants are welcome to apply, GMFS gives preference to:
- Current GMFS staff members seeking advancement through graduate education
- Students enrolled in universities that participate in the MERC grant program
- Applicants with experience serving children, families, and marginalized rural communities
- Individuals with a strong desire to provide in home, relationship based services
Internship Sites
- All sites are in-person; there are no telehealth only sites offered.
- Various sites may be available at any time, as GMFS serves at least 46 counties in rural Minnesota.
- Examples of locations include Willmar, Brainerd, Sleepy Eye, Windom, New Ulm, Marshall, Saint Cloud, Thief River Falls, Grand Marais, and many more.
Unpaid Educational Experiences
Internships are unpaid and are available only to students participating in accredited academic programs. GMFS is excited to help shape the next generation of mental health professionals committed to equity, access, and meaningful family centered care.