Clay didn’t start their career in mental health—but once they made the leap, they knew this was the right path. After years pursuing art, driven by a love of storytelling and human complexity, Clay sought a path where they could make a more direct impact.
Clay was part of The Village Family Services’ newly expanded Mental Health Intern Training Program, launched with support from the UniHealth Foundation. The program was created to help address the shortage of mental health providers in Los Angeles County by preparing future clinicians through hands-on, trauma-informed training. Interns are fully integrated into mental health teams, receive both individual and group supervision, and are immersed in a wide range of evidence-based practices.
During their time as an intern, Clay saw 6–8 clients a week, ranging in age from 5 to 19. Many of their clients are Latinx youth, the majority male, with a few identifying as transgender. Clay also co-leads an Incredible Years group, supporting both children and families through skill-building and emotional growth.
They shared a transformative story of a young child they worked with who electively mute. Clay invited communication through pretend play, and after 6 months of this type of approach, the child began speaking. Today, they’re verbal in over half their group and individual sessions. “Their ability to socialize has bloomed,” Clay says.
Clay initially considered interning at an organization focused specifically on LGBTQ+ individuals due to their own identity, but a mentor at USC encouraged them to broaden their clinical experience. “USC staff couldn’t speak more highly of The Village,” Clay notes. During the interview process, which was much more inviting and professional than some of the others they participated in, they felt a positive connection with future supervisors Sandra and Ariana.
That trust has only deepened. “I feel like I hit the jackpot working with Ariana. She makes sure we take care of ourselves and honor our boundaries. The second we need support, Ariana is available. She is very knowledgeable and has laid the foundation for healthy work/life balance.”
And most excitedly: Clay is now one of our newest full-time employees! From a career pivot rooted in curiosity and care to becoming a trusted mental health provider for local youth, their story reflects the goal of the UniHealth Foundation’s investment and The Village’s mission: to expand access to care by cultivating, training, and retaining passionate new professionals in a field that urgently needs them.
“It has been an honor to work alongside Clay over the past year. It has been beautiful to witness Clay bloom and fully step into their role as a therapist. I admire how Clay shows up as their authentic self and is a huge support for their peers and clients. I am incredibly proud of Clay and look forward to seeing all the amazing things they will accomplish.” – Ariana Garcia
To learn more about our the program, visit our Behavioral Health page. If you’re interested in interning at The Village, you can reach out to us at [email protected].
