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If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, please reach out to the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988.
Our School Mental Health Services (SMHS) program is a collaborative parternship between education and mental health. We meet students inside their schools, supporting mental health across rural and urban communities within ~30 minutes of the Omaha metro. Students in both our internship and practicum programs learn alongside licensed professionals delivering prevention, early intervention, and responsive supports embedded into the school day.
Ready to Apply?
We're excited that you're interested in joining ESU #3 SMHS!
To apply, please complete our online application form. After submitting your application, you will receive a confirmation message.
Program at a Glance
Our programs are designed for students pursuing degress in counseling:
Internships are paid, in-depth placements that provide hands-on experience, weekly professional development, and team-based collaboration.
Practicums are unpaid, flexible placements that allow students to gain school-based experience, develop skills under supervision, and tailor hours to academic requirements.
Experiences may include:
Shadowing licensed school mental health professionals
Supporting social-emotional learning (SEL) activities
Assisting with small groups and skills-based interventions
Observing crisis response and collaborative problem-solving
Collaborating with educators, administrators, and families
Practicing documentation, planning, and guided reflection
Receiving weekly supervision, professional development, and team collaboration
Experiences are tailored to academic requirements and readiness.
Support and Supervision
Students are supported through intentional supervision and a strong team-based learning model.
Support includes:
Ongoing supervision with licensed clinicians
Weekly collaboration time for case staffing and resource sharing
1 hour/week of professional development
Exposure to ethical, culturally responsive, and trauma-informed practices
A team culture that values learning, curiosity, and growth
Time Commitment and Stipend
Number of days per week is determined collaboratively based on intern or practicum student's availability, academic requirements, and program needs.
Internship Program
Interns are expected to maintain a consistent weekly schedule and commit to agreed-upon internship days throughout the semester. Internship schedules and expectations are formalized through a signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).
Stipend Structure:
$1,000 per committed day per week, per semester (up to $3,000 per semester)
Example: 2 days per week = $2,000 per semester
Practicum Program
Practicum students maintain a consistent schedule based on availability. Hours are estimated using an 8-hour school day and semester length. Practicum schedules are flexible to accommodate student availability while completing required hours. Practicum placements are unpaid.
Example:
1 day per week ≈ 120–144 hours per semester
Question or Need Additional Information?
If you have any questions about the internship program, practicum program or the application process, please don't hesitate to reach out to our Program Coordinator, Tessie Beaver:
Email: tbeaver@esu3.org
Phone: 402-597-4891
We're happy to provide guidance or answer any questions as you explore joining our team!
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