Forest Edge Clinical Herbal Apprenticeship

Overview

  • Start Date: March, 2026
  • Format: Live, online sessions
  • Enrollment: Graduation of a clinical program or permission from Mel
  • Cohort Size: 6-12 folks
  • Tuition: $2,200 or $400 deposit and 12 payments of $160

The Forest Edge Clinical Herbal Apprenticeship is a 12-month online mentorship designed for graduates of clinical herbal programs ready to step into client care. This program bridges academic learning with applied practice through live casework, reflective study, and relational skill-building.

Apprentices receive direct supervision and hands-on experience through weekly case shadowing sessions and case reviews, along with an 8-week clinical skills class series to strengthen assessment, communication, and documentation skills before diving into clinicals. Participants complete hands-on assignments during the skills series and engage in live, case-based learning throughout the year.

Student practitioners will complete 100–150 supervised clinical hours and receive a reference toward the AHG Registered Herbalist application. Apprentices will also receive 50% off private mentorship through 1 year after program completion or 400 clinical hours, whichever comes first.

Clinical Experience

Apprentices gain clinical experience sitting in on cases in my (Mel’s) busy herbal practice. Shadowing includes group discussion and shared resources after each session to deepen understanding and integration. Mel has over a decade of experience in clinical work, clinical mentorship and running a clinical training program through the Eclectic School of Herbal Medicine.

Participants will see clients and present them in weekly case reviews, gaining support in health plan creation, case management, and client communication as well as advanced practice health issues as they come up. This is where academic learning meets active practice, bridging the gap between knowledge and experience.

Weekly case reviews offer space for presenting client cases and receiving feedback. Additional opportunities to observe or present cases are available as the schedule allows.

Monthly skill-building classes are tailored to the needs of each cohort, but they always include:

  • Follow-up and case management
  • Managing difficult clinical situations
  • Boundary setting in clinical practice
  • Advanced practice topics such as:
    • Mast cell mediated disorders
    • Long COVID and post-viral syndromes
    • Autoimmune deep dive
    • PMS and PMDD
    • Diabetes and insulin resistance

Instructor

Mel Kasting is a clinical herbalist and educator. As Clinical Program Director and Free Clinic Manager at the Eclectic School of Herbal Medicine, she ensures accessible care for clients while mentoring students through their clinical practicums.

In her practice, she integrates traditional Western herbalism, clinical nutrition, and somatic practices, emphasizing mental health and connection with plants as key to overall wellness. Through her business, Forest Edge Herbals, she also provides mentorship and training in clinical skills and relational health for both emerging and experienced practitioners. Her work is shaped by a passion for public health, harm reduction, and person-centered care.

 

Contact Mel