Eastern State Hospital

Mental Health Social Worker Intern

August 2023 • Williamsburg, VA

What I liked

I have enjoyed the hands on experience working with patients on the NGRI (Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity) unit at the hospital. I have been able to help clients finding outside resources in the community for job opportunities as well as housing. My favorite part has been helping patients in group therapy and completing the 12 step process in reaching their goals and assessing their time at the hospital.

What I wish was different

The only thing that I was wish different is not being constrained to one unit. There are at least 10 units in the hospital with social work services that I would like to learn more about. These include the civil units, geriatric units, and jail-transfer units.

Advice

One piece of advice that I would share about this experience is keeping and open mind and be willing to do what is necessary to establish rapport with the patients. It can seem intimidating working in a psychiatric hospital, but it is so fulfilling.

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