Growing the Next Generation of Teen Mental Health Leaders

The future of teen mental health care depends on how we mentor clinicians today. That's why Bright Path runs an intentionally small, highly competitive internship program for graduate-level students in Social Work, Clinical Mental Health Counseling, and Psychiatric Nursing — because the best way to train great clinicians is to actually let them do the work, with real support behind them.

Interns train at our Wake Forest and Hillsborough locations, embedded in the same CARF-accredited, teen-centered programs our full clinical team operates within. This isn't shadowing from a distance. It's learning through practice, reflection, and genuine partnership — the same relational, developmentally focused approach we bring to every teen we serve, applied now to the clinicians who will carry this work forward.

Think Bright Path might be the right fit for your internship? We'd love to hear from you.

Universities We Work With

Former Interns Turned Staff at Bright Path

Jalecia Beatty - LCMHC - ECU

Now serving as Regional Clinical Director at Bright Path Behavioral Health, Jalecia began her journey as a clinical intern, where she developed a strong foundation in adolescent-specific group, individual and family work. Her leadership reflects Bright Path’s commitment to thoughtful, developmentally grounded care

Zkhia Via, LCSWA - Walden University

Zkhia is now the Clinical Program Manager at Bright Path – Hillsborough. As an intern, she was known for her rapport building, warmth, and commitment to learning—qualities that continue to shape her leadership today.

Jacob Hoyt, LCSWA - University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Jacob currently serves as a Group Therapist at Bright Path – Wake Forest. As an intern, he completed a capstone in how peer-to-peer models can reduce the stigma around asking for help. Jacob now leads Bright Path’s teen Mental Health First Aid Training and Certification Program, expanding mental health literacy beyond our walls.

Savanna Stone, LCSWA - NC State

Savanna currently serves as a Primary Therapist at Bright Path – Wake Forest. As an intern, Savanna learned how to hone her natural charisma into therapeutic rapport which can be used in both individual and family sessions to motivate change and tackle difficult conversations.

Indigo Whatley

Indigo earned a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Women and Gender Studies from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and is currently pursuing a Master of Social Work at East Carolina University.
Their graduate training first brought them to Bright Path as an intern — and after experiencing the meaningful work and supportive community, Indigo chose to stay on as a Mental Health Technician

Abigail Earley

Abigail holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology and Medical Anthropology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. While at UNC, Abigail founded and led a support group for students with OCD, which continues to thrive today.
She also spent five years as part of research teams focused on maternal mental health, perinatal substance use disorders and improving access to care in rural communities. Abigail is currently pursuing her Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Montreat College.

Madison Malloy

Madison graduated from Furman University in 2021 with a B.S. in psychology before earning her Master of Arts in Teaching from the University of Georgia in 2022, specializing in elementary education. During her time as an educator, she witnessed firsthand the growing need for accessible mental health support for youth. Motivated by this experience, she made the decision to shift her career path toward clinical mental health.
In 2023, Madison began a graduate program in clinical counseling at Wake Forest University, where she is currently completing her studies part‑time with an anticipated graduation in May 2026. While pursuing her degree, she serves as Lead MHT, bringing compassion, stability, and thoughtful leadership to her work each day.

Wake Forest

Located at 203 Capcom Avenue Suite 104, in Wake Forest, North Carolina 27587, Bright Path - Wake Forest is conveniently located for students of NC State, Meredith College, and Campbell University. Interns will have the opportunity to serve teens from their community including Raleigh, Caryl, Apex, Holly Springs, Garner, Clayton, Youngsville, Zebulon, Louisburg, Wendell Knightdale, and more Wake County communities. Because this location is our most eastern location, Interns may also work with families who choose to relocate for the duration of their teens treatment from areas including Wilmington, Fayetteville, Greenville and other more eastern communities.

Hillsborough

Located at 980 Corporate Dr. in Hillsborough, North Carolina 27278, Bright Path - Hillsborough is conveniently located for students of UNC Chapel Hill, Duke University, and NC Central. Interns will have the opportunity to serve teens from their community including Durham, Chapel Hill, Carborro, Hillsborough, Pittsboro, Greensboro, and more. Because this location is our most western location, Interns may also work with families who choose to relocate for the duration of their teens treatment from areas including Winston-Salem, Charlotte, Danville, VA and other more western communities