A Comprehensive PMHNP Preceptorship

NOW ACCEPTING APPLICANTS FOR FALL 2025 and SUMMER 2026!

Program Mission:

To equip PMHNP students with the knowledge, skills, and cultural competence to provide affirming, trauma-informed, and holistic mental health care to BIPOC and LGBTQ+ clients while fostering an entrepreneurial mindset and exploring various therapy modalities and alternative treatments.

Program Overview:

This program is designed to give PMHNP students hands-on clinical experience and specialized training in working with diverse clients. It integrates clinical practice, entrepreneurial education, and alternative therapies, emphasizing affirming care, intersectional identities, and culturally responsive approaches.

Program Length:

  • 3-4 consecutive months

Student number: 1-2 students per semester

Setting:

  • Hybrid (40% in person, 60% telehealth)

  • Age of individuals- 16 years old and up

Core Learning Objectives:

  1. Develop a deep understanding of the unique mental health challenges faced by BIPOC and LGBTQ+ populations.

  2. Gain proficiency in trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and gender-affirming psychiatric care.

  3. Explore holistic/alternative treatment modalities and learn to incorporate them into client care.

  4. Gain exposure to diverse therapy approaches, such as CBT, DBT, Brainspotting, motivational interviewing, and mindfulness-based interventions.

  5. Build entrepreneurial skills, including practice management, marketing, and the creation of niche-focused services for marginalized populations.

Program Components:

1. Clinical Practice

  • Direct Client Care:

    • Students will observe and conduct psychiatric evaluations, diagnostic assessments, medication management, and psychotherapy sessions under supervision.

    • Care will be tailored to the individual with an emphasis on affirming and culturally relevant approaches.

  • Case Consultations:

    • Weekly and as needed consultations with the preceptor to discuss complex cases, treatment planning, and ethical dilemmas.

  • Documentation Practice:

    • Learn affirming and accurate documentation using gender-affirming language and culturally competent terminology.

2. Didactic Sessions

Weekly didactic sessions will cover:

Foundational Knowledge:

  • Understanding intersectionality: How race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic factors impact mental health.

  • Addressing disparities and systemic barriers to care.

Trauma-Informed Care:

  • Recognizing and addressing racial and minority stress, trauma, and microaggressions.

  • The impact of systemic oppression and historical trauma on mental health.

Gender-Affirming Care:

  • Supporting transgender and nonbinary clients, including managing gender dysphoria and understanding hormone therapy basics.

Holistic/Alternative Treatment Plans:

  • Integrating lifestyle interventions such as nutrition, exercise, and sleep hygiene into treatment plans.

  • Exploring alternative treatments such as:

    • Mindfulness.

    • Herbal supplements and nutraceuticals (with evidence-based guidance).

    • Somatic therapies (e.g., yoga, breathwork).

    • Art and music therapy for emotional expression and healing.

  • Collaborating with culturally specific and affirming community organizations.

Therapy Modalities:

  • Exposure to various therapy approaches tailored to BIPOC and LGBTQ+ clients, including:

    • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).

    • Motivational Interviewing (MI).

    • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).

    • Brainspotting Phase 1

    • Trauma-Focused Therapy.

Entrepreneurship for PMHNPs:

  • Building a private practice: Licensing, credentialing, and legal considerations.

  • Developing niche services for a mental health practice.

  • Marketing strategies for mental health practices, including leveraging social media and community engagement.

  • Expanding service offerings, such as telepsychiatry or group therapy programs.

3. Assignments and Projects

  • Reflective Practice Journal:

    • Students will document their experiences working with BIPOC and LGBTQ+ clients, reflecting on their biases, challenges, and growth.

  • Case Presentation:

    • Students will present a detailed case study focusing on a BIPOC or LGBTQ+ client, including assessment, treatment plan, and rationale for interventions.

  • Entrepreneurship Project:

    • Option to develop a mock business plan, webinar, social media marketing, or informative presentation that addresses intersectionality of race and gender with regards to mental health.

  • Community Resource Research:

    • Compile a list of affirming, culturally competent resources (e.g., support groups, nonprofits, and therapists) for BIPOC and LGBTQ+ clients in the community.

Program Outcomes:

Upon completion of the program, students will:

  • Demonstrate cultural humility and sensitivity in interactions with clients from diverse backgrounds.

  • Show proficiency in trauma-informed, affirming, and holistic care practices.

  • Confidently address the mental health needs of BIPOC and LGBTQ+ populations using evidence-based strategies and alternative therapies.

  • Be knowledgeable on the process to start or expand a private practice that caters to marginalized communities.

  • Possess advanced knowledge of therapy modalities and the ability to tailor interventions to unique client needs.

Resources Provided:

  • Access to curated reading materials, research articles, and toolkits on BIPOC and LGBTQ+ mental health.

  • Templates for affirming documentation, intake forms, and treatment plans.

  • Example therapy scripts and frameworks for diverse modalities.

  • One-on-one mentorship with the preceptor, including guidance on clinical skills and practice management.

How to Apply:

Interested students can apply by submitting:

  1. A resume highlighting their academic background and clinical experience.

  2. A completed application.