Be Part of The Change
Join us in shaping the future of mental health in India.
Whether you’re a student eager to learn, a professional looking to collaborate or an advocate for mental health change, your contribution matters. Explore opportunities to volunteer, collaborate, or support our programs and help us build a more inclusive, compassionate world for mental health. Here’s how you can help us drive meaningful change:
Research Collaborations
Co-create studies, pilots and innovations that bridge practice and policy
Education Partnerships
Develop and deliver academic programs, training modules and workshops
Advocacy and Social Action Allies
Build campaigns, influence policy and amplify community voices
Donors and Sponsors
Support scholarships, fellowships and initiatives that make mental health leadership more accessible
Practice Partnerships
Implement, scale and study community-driven mental health models
Work with us
Learn from the experts. Gain hands-on knowledge. Build a meaningful career.
Enable new beginnings for those left behind.
Internship at Banyan
The BALM–Banyan internship is for anyone curious to explore the field of mental health and social work—students, early professionals and even research scholars. Learn how to support individuals with mental illnesses through grounded, respectful and inclusive care. You’ll also discover how research and policy come together for those facing poverty, homelessness and mental health challenges.
Benefits of the Internship
Clinical exposure and engagement
Get first-hand experience in psychosocial recovery work. Participate in client care reviews, observe therapeutic interventions, learn to integrate clinical and social care. Interns will also visit inclusive living spaces that enable people to live with dignity, freedom and a sense of belonging
Academic Learning
Opportunity to attend faculty and professional-led sessions on ethics in clinical practice, case formulation, mental status examination and community-based mental health care
Research and Advocacy
Interns may contribute to BALM’s transdisciplinary research, working on issues like care gaps, policy recommendations and service innovations
Who Can Apply
We welcome applicants aged 15 and above from diverse academic and professional backgrounds—psychology, social work, public health, medicine, media, architecture and beyond. A strong interest in mental health and social justice is key.
Time Period
The minimum internship duration is 3–4 weeks. Anything shorter will be considered a volunteership.
Requirements
- An updated resume
- Cover letter or institutional letter (for students), including bonafide status, duration, block/concurrent, days and hours
- Internship fee: ₹3,000/month, payable to BALM. Need-based scholarships available on request
Application Process
Send your application to internship@balm.in. We aim to respond within 7 working days. Please mention clearly whether you’re applying for an internship or volunteership.
For Work Acquaintance and Volunteership
Interested in exploring our work but not looking for a full internship? Volunteer roles are available, especially for non-mental health professionals. Depending on your background, you may be matched with teams in media, architecture, communication and other suitable fields. Write to internship@balm.in to express your interest.
Guidelines and Expectations
- Working Hours Monday–Friday, 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM. Interns must also commit to two Saturdays and one Sunday during their tenure
- Leave Policy Leave must be communicated to your supervisor and internship coordinator
- Mobile Phone Usage Phones must be on silent. Usage in front of clients is not permitted
- Remote Work Research, report writing and documentation tasks may be done per your personal schedule
- Documentation Interns are expected to collect testimonies and narratives as part of their learning
- Field Travel Interns may be required to travel for reintegration, fieldwork, and research activities
Sponsor a Child’s Education
Your donations help fund scholarships for children impacted by parental mental illness, offering them opportunities for education, mentorship and growth. By contributing, you’re investing in the next generation of mental health leaders who will shape a more inclusive and compassionate world.
Our partner community
