Paulette Handy, LCSW at our Napa CSS, shares her story on how Crestwood’s Education and Internship Assistance Program helped her to achieve her Career Goals!

My journey with Crestwood began in December of 2020 at the height of the pandemic. I was pursuing my master’s in social work, while working full-time at a local restaurant and putting myself through school. I started looking for a career-based internship program that aligned with my interests, and I found Crestwood Behavioral Health on Indeed.

I was drawn to Crestwood by their values of Family, Compassion, Commitment, Enthusiasm, Flexibility, and Character. I started as a Service Coordinator at the Crestwood Solano PHF, using group time as a psycho-educational and coping-skills strategy group.

This experience has allowed me to use modalities learned in school, in real life practice. These include CBT/DBT and CRM. I’ve been able to grow as a clinician and combat the dreaded “imposter syndrome” by being supported by amazing, licensed clinicians as I got hands on clinical experience.

Once I earned my master’s I was able to continue my growth with Crestwood and accepted a position as the Clinical Director at one of our fastest growing programs, the Crestwood Napa County Crisis Stabilization Services. Then as an Associate Clinical Worker, I needed 3000 hours to become eligible for licensure and Crestwood again stepped up to the plate! The Crestwood internship program provided me with the tools to complete my internship and meet all the requirements for the Board of Behavioral Sciences for licensure.

Many people have to find their own supervision, pay hundreds of dollars or give up their weekends for clinical experience, but Crestwood has been able to provide all of that through their internship and clinical supervision program.

I’ve been fortunate to now be in the position where the process has come full circle and I’ve been able to be a field supervisor for 8 social work and psychology students, and support them as my mentors (Cindy Mataraso, Angele Suarez and Amanda Parker), have supported me throughout the years.

The Crestwood Education and Internship Assistance Program provides a clinical site for internships; career growth; the George C. Lytal Scholarship Program; and Student Loan Assistance Program to support students who are looking for a career in mental health support and recovery.

Taking a job with Crestwood has changed my life and allowed for opportunities that I could’ve only imagined. Now as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I look forward to the continued opportunities and know that with Crestwood, the sky is the limit!