Social Work
The Social Work Department at NYSPI is committed to delivering comprehensive, evidence-based, psychosocial interventions for individuals and families. Our work is grounded in a rigorous understanding of the biological, psychological, social, and structural determinants of mental health - translating this knowledge into effective practices that foster recovery, and overall well-being.
Recognizing that psychiatric disorders are frequently episodic, multifaceted, and subject to persistent stigma - and that these realities impose substantial emotional, practical, and systemic burdens on both individuals and their families - we remain dedicated to providing high-quality, culturally attuned support across the continuum of care. In close collaboration with our clinical and research partners, we endeavor to advance scientific knowledge, enhance the efficacy and accessibility of care, and continually refine services to better meet the needs of the diverse communities we serve.
M.S.W. Intern Training Program
Under the leadership of Sabina Kurian, LCSW, CASAC, the Social Work Internship Program at NYSPI remains a highly esteemed and competitively sought-after placement for second-year master’s-level social work students. The program provides rigorous training in clinical practice, and program development, preparing interns for advanced professional practice in complex mental health settings.
NYSPI serves as a premier field placement site for students from the Columbia University School of Social Work and New York University Silver School of Social Work. In addition, the department participates in a New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH) initiative training social work interns in Evidence-Based Social Work Practices. Social work interns facilitate the CAPE (Community Awareness PsychoEducation) intervention which follows a structured curriculum consisting of 15 modules that cover topics related to wellness, recovery, and self-care, including social support, self-esteem, connection with the environment, anger management, and medication management. This evidence-based wellness group is facilitated in inpatient and outpatient services giving interns hands-on experience in group work. Students who participate in the Evidence Based Practice program through their respective school receive a certificate and small financial award.
Educational opportunities are further supported through – weekly Social Work Student Seminar, Grand Rounds, and Case Conferences, which integrates training in diagnosis, treatment modalities, theoretical frameworks, and program planning.
Internship placements are available during the traditional academic year (September–May), with an optional early-start pathway beginning in June for a yearlong training experience. Please note that the program accepts interns exclusively from accredited graduate-level social work programs.
Interns may be placed on a range of clinical services and are expected to assume the full scope of responsibilities typical of Social Workers on these units, as outlined below:
Washington Heights Community Service (5 South Inpatient):
The 22-bed Washington Heights Community Service (WHCS) inpatient unit serves individuals 18+ experiencing acute psychiatric symptoms requiring stabilization, safety monitoring, assessment, therapy, and medication management. Social workers provide crisis intervention, psychoeducation, discharge coordination, and linkage to outpatient and community supports.
The General Clinical Research Unit (4South Inpatient):
The General Clinical Research (GCRU) is a 22-bed research-focused inpatient psychiatric unit where social workers play a vital role in patient care and family support. As part of the multidisciplinary team, Social Workers conduct psychosocial and family assessments, provide one-to-one counseling, collaborate on treatment and discharge planning, and connect patients and families with essential resources. Social workers shape care from admission to discharge, strengthens family systems, and ensures patients benefit fully from both clinical treatment and research-informed interventions.
Eating Disorder Inpatient Unit (4C Inpatient):
The Eating Disorder Unit (EDU) suites 12-beds, treating patients from ages 12+ with anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and related diagnoses within structured psychiatric and medical protocols. Social workers deliver specialized eating-disorder–informed treatment, family sessions, diagnostic evaluations, meal-support interventions, and transition planning to step-down or outpatient care.
Ontrack NY:
An early psychosis outpatient program for ages 16–30 which provides coordinated specialty care for individuals experiencing first-episode psychosis. Social workers conduct early-psychosis assessments, recovery-oriented therapy, family psychoeducation, crisis/safety planning, vocational/educational support coordination, and substance-use counseling within a multidisciplinary team.
Children's Day Unit (CDU):
The Children’s Day Unit (CDU) provides outpatient psychiatric services for adolescents ages 13–18 who require structured day-hospital care while remaining enrolled in school. Social workers offer individual, group, and family therapy, conduct youth-focused psychosocial evaluation, coordinate with schools, facilitate safety planning, and connect families to community supports.
Audubon Clinic:
This outpatient service offers psychiatric services for individuals 18+ living in the Washington Heights Community managing psychosis, depression, anxiety, and co-occurring conditions. Social workers carry out intake assessments, evidence-based psychotherapy, case management, benefits navigation, safety monitoring, and coordination with psychiatry and community resources to maintain continuity of care.
Inwood Clinic:
This outpatient service offers psychiatric services for individuals 18+ living in the Inwood Community managing psychosis, depression, anxiety, and co-occurring conditions. Social workers carry out intake assessments, evidence-based psychotherapy, case management, benefits navigation, safety monitoring, and coordination with psychiatry and community resources to maintain continuity of care.
Gambling Disorder Unit (GDU):
Outpatient virtual clinic that offers short term evidence-based counseling (3 months) for adults (ages 18 +) with primary diagnosis of gambling disorder. The clinic also accepts patients with co-occurring disorders. Internship placement will also involves taking calls from Hopeline and chat/text responding to requests for referral for addiction treatment, crisis counseling, screening/assessment, etc. Interns received training in MI, suicide screening and other evidence-based protocols.
ACT Institute, Center for Practice Innovation
The ACT institute provides training and implementation support for all Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) providers in New York State. The ACT Institute is located at the Center for Practice Innovations (CPI), ) in the Division of Behavioral Health Services and Policy Research, New York State Psychiatric Institute and Columbia University. CPI’s overall mission is to support the New York State Office of Mental Health’s mission to promote the widespread availability of evidence-based practices to improve behavioral health services, ensure accountability, and promote recovery-oriented outcomes for individuals and families. Social work interns will learn about and participate in current and upcoming projects assigned to ACT Institute, participate in communication initiatives such as social media, and will participate in DEI discussions as it relates to the ACT institute work.
FAQ:
Can I apply for the placement as a first-year MSW student?
No. First-year MSW students are not eligible for this placement because the tasks, pace, and clinical environment require advanced training and skills. Only second-year MSW students or advanced standing students may apply.
Can I apply as an LMHC student?
No, as positions are only for MSW students.
What kinds of social work roles are available in the hospital and clinics?
Social work interns work closely with doctors, nurses, and other mental health staff aiding in safety planning, connecting patients to community resources, psychosocial assessments and supporting families.
What populations will I work with as a social work intern?
Depending on the unit, interns may work with adults, adolescents, or children experiencing depression, anxiety, psychosis, eating disorders, trauma, or medical stressors.
What type of supervision will I receive?
Interns receive weekly individual supervision from licensed social workers, plus opportunities for group supervision, team meetings, case conferences and clinical rounds.
What is the typical weekly schedule?
Most MSW placements follow a 21-hour per week model (three full days), though schedules may vary for specialized programs. Some units require specific days due to rounds or team meetings.
Contact
Sabina Kurian, LCSW, CASAC
Director of Social Work
NYSPI
1051 Riverside Drive
New York, NY 10032
Sabina.Kurian@nyspi.columbia.edu
646-774-8555
Administrative Assistant:
Liliana Saverio
Liliana.Saverio@nyspi.columbia.edu
646-774-8554