Mental Health Program interns are exposed to a variety of projects including program initiatives such as the Georgia Mental Health Forum or the Rosalynn Carter Fellowships for Mental Health Journalism.
Overview
The Carter Center's Mental Health Program frames its work in three core program areas: global behavioral health systems strengthening; Rosalynn Carter Fellowships for Mental Health Journalism and reporting on mental health issues; and mental health public policy. The three core areas work together within the Mental Health Program to capitalize on the expertise developed over three decades in stigma reduction and mental health policy.
The program’s work is guided by the Mental Health Task Force, which for years was chaired by former First Lady Rosalynn Carter. Mrs. Carter was a driving force in the field of mental health throughout her career. Like other programs at The Carter Center, the Mental Health Program achieves its goals by leading coalitions, convening and partnering with other organizations, including journalists, governments, and other nonprofits and nongovernmental organizations.
Number of Interns per Semester: 1-2
Interested in applying for an internship in the Center's Mental Health Program? View application deadlines »
+Public Policy
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct in-depth policy research on Georgia mental health legislation, Medicaid, school-based behavioral health, and national parity laws to supplement programmatic work and priorities.
- Review, edit, and provide thoughtful insight on public comment letters, grant proposals, project plans, letters to government officials, and the Parity Awareness Campaign.
- Assist in planning and facilitating events such as the Georgia Mental Health Forum, Program Review, community roundtables, stakeholder convenings, and advocacy days.
- Attend meetings with both internal and external partners to take notes and gain insight into programmatic activities and priorities.
- Prepare materials ahead of conferences and external events.
- Complete additional tasks as assigned to support the evolving needs of the program.
Preferred Qualifications
- Minimum GPA: 3.2
- Majors: All, with a preference toward public policy, political science, and public health
- Exemplary organizational skills
- Proficiency in written communication
- Strong interpersonal skills
- Effectiveness in utilizing various communication channels
- Demonstrated ability to foster a sense of community
- Ability to be flexible and work effectively as part of a team
+Rosalynn Carter Journalism Fellowships (RCIF)
Key Responsibilities
- Newsletter assistance: Help with alumni outreach and gathering of materials for an upcoming newsletter.
- Social media/website: Update social media accounts and program’s website, assist with template design.
- Data projects: Compile and verify data, assist with data entry and online alumni database project.
- Research: Projects might involve working with the newsroom collaborative reporters and locating and summarizing news articles on specific topics as well as compiling names and contact information of people interviewed in national news stories.
- Annual meeting planning: Assist in the planning of the Annual RCJF Fellowship Meeting, which includes coordinating travel and catering, and developing the “run of show” and “Know Before You Go” guide for meeting participants.
- Organizational activities: Sorting and organizing photos from the RCJF annual meeting, and taking notes at meetings to track the discussion.
Preferred Qualifications
- Minimum GPA: 3.2
- Preferred Majors: journalism, communications, media studies, psychology
Note: All majors will be considered
- Strong writing, design, and communication skills
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Canva, Adobe suite
- Social media experience
- Organizational and technical skills
- Ability to be flexible and work effectively as part of a team
