DSH - Patton: Music Therapy Internship

The Music Therapy Internship at Department of State Hospital (DSH) – Patton meets the standards of the American Music Therapy Association (AMTA). The Internship is 26 weeks (approximately 1040 hours) in duration. We accept interns for the Summer and Winter semesters, with all start dates being on or around the 1st of the month.

DSH-Patton employs approximately 20 Music Therapists who work alongside Recreation, Art, Dance/Movement, and Occupational Therapists in the Rehabilitation Therapy Service. Each Music Therapy Intern is supervised by a Board-Certified Music Therapist (MT-BC) and will gain experience in following the care of patients on their supervisor's caseload. Assigned internship tasks include completing assessments and progress notes, collaborating with an interdisciplinary team, and developing and facilitating group or individual therapy sessions. Other tasks may include planning and implementing special events, formulating a case study, or completing other special projects. Interns will receive training and experience in all areas of the AMTA Professional Competencies.

The Music Therapy Internship program at Patton is designed to be challenging and is tailored to equip students with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to succeed as a Music Therapy professional in a variety of settings. Interns also receive on-site training in the treatment of mental disorders in a forensic hospital setting and may have additional opportunities for professional development.

Eligibility requirements include:

• Current enrollment in an American Music Therapy Association-accredited Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Equivalency program
• Have completed all prerequisite coursework and pre-internship clinical hours required by AMTA-approved university prior to anticipated start date.

The applicant must have acquired all competency-based prerequisites for internship (including functional skills in piano, guitar, voice and percussion instruments). Applicants possessing experience with adult psychiatric patients and/or prison inmates are preferred. The applicant must be familiar with a wide variety of musical forms and styles and be knowledgeable in structuring group sessions. The candidate must have effective written and verbal communication skills. Additionally, the applicant must be able to formulate realistic therapeutic goals and objectives. DSH - Patton is a maximum-security facility and, as such, maintaining strong therapeutic boundaries is a priority.

This internship position is well-suited for candidates seeking clinical experience in a setting that is challenging and growth oriented. Formal acceptance is contingent upon passing a physical examination (including a drug-screening) and security clearance, following fingerprinting. Currently, this is a paid position.

For further information on the internship program or application process and deadlines, please contact:

PSHMTI@dsh.ca.gov

Risa Isogawa, MT-BC
Music Therapy Internship Director
Supervising Rehabilitation Therapist
(909) 672-1812

Ryan Sumait, CTRS
Music Therapy Internship Co-Coordinator
Supervising Rehabilitation Therapist
(909) 672-1836