LOS ANGELES COUNTY
DEPARTMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH
  Policy 614.05 Student Placement In DMH Programs
 
Policy Category:  Administrative
Distribution Level:  Directly Operated
Review and Approved by:  Quality, Outcomes, and Training Division 
Approved by Debbie Innes-Gomberg, Ph.D. Deputy Director, on Dec 19, 2025
I.  PURPOSE
 

The purpose of this policy is to establish the Department of Mental Health’s (DMH) framework for the placement of students within DMH programs and facilities to support workforce development and professional training.

This policy applies exclusively to students placed within DMH programs through partnerships with accredited academic institutions. It does not apply to student workers or student professional workers employed directly by DMH, nor does it apply to students placed with the Department of Health Services (DHS) or to physician internship or residency programs.

DMH recognizes the value of student placement within its programs as a strategic component of workforce development. These placements enhance the Department’s capacity to deliver services across diverse communities, help sustain and replenish a competent and skilled mental health workforce, and foster collaborative partnerships with accredited colleges and universities that strengthen the pipeline of future professionals entering the public mental health system.

II. DEFINITIONS

For the purposes of this policy, the following definitions apply:

  • Student: An individual actively enrolled in an accredited academic institution that maintains a current and valid Master Affiliation Agreement with DMH.

  • DMH Field Instructor: The manager or supervisor of the DMH field placement site who is responsible for overseeing the student’s training experience, providing supervision in accordance with academic and DMH standards, and coordinating with SPDP and the academic institution.

  • Director of Clinical Training (DCT): The individual designated by the affiliated academic institution to oversee the training and placement of students, serve as the primary liaison between the institution and DMH, and collaborate with SPDP and DMH Field Instructors on placement approvals, supervision requirements, and student performance matters.

  • Student Professional Development Program (SPDP): The program within the DMH Training Unit responsible for coordinating student placements, maintaining academic partnerships, and ensuring compliance with departmental and institutional requirements.

 
III. POLICY

It is the policy of the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health (DMH) to facilitate student placement opportunities within its programs and facilities in partnership with accredited academic institutions.

DMH shall only accept students from accredited academic institutions that maintain a current and fully executed Master Affiliation Agreement with DMH. All student placements must align with the discipline and level of matriculation required for placement eligibility and must be reviewed and approved by the Student Professional Development Program (SPDP) prior to initiation.

DMH requires that all individuals providing supervision to student interns meet the supervisory requirements established by the affiliated academic institution and comply with applicable professional standards.

IV. PROCEDURES

Student Placement In DMH Programs
 
V. AUTHORITIES

No authorities are associated with this policy.