2 answers
Tarynne
Student
Joplin, Missouri
1
Question
Asked
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How do internships work? #Spring25
How do you get them? Is it just like applying for a job? And are most of them unpaid? In terms of clinical psychology, what would having an internship looks like? #Spring25
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2 answers
Hemant Gupta
Software Engineer
13
Answers
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
Hemant’s Answer
=> How do Internships work?
Internships are short-term work experiences designed to give students or early-career professionals hands-on experience in a field of interest. They're typically:
A) 1 - 6 months long (can be semester-based)
B) Part-time or full-time
C) For credit, paid, or unpaid (depending on the field and employer)
In clinical psychology, internships can vary depending on your level of education (undergraduate vs. graduate school).
=> How do you get them?
Yes - it’s kind of like applying for a job, but often with less intense expectations. Here’s what the process usually involves:
A) Search for Internships:
1. School career portals
2. Professors/advisors (especially for psych students!)
3. Job sites like Handshake, LinkedIn, or Indeed
4. Local clinics, hospitals, community mental health centres
5. University research labs
B) Prepare application materials:
1. Resume/CV
2. Cover Letter relevant to the role
3. Transcripts or writing samples (optional)
4. Letters of Recommendation
C) Interview:
Usually lighter than job interviews - often more of a conversation to gauge your interest and commitment.
=> Are most Clinical Psychology Internships unpaid?
1. Undergraduate Level: Yes, many are unpaid or for academic credit.
2. Graduate School (specifically doctoral programs): Internships (or pre-doctoral internships) are often required and can be paid, especially APA-accredited ones.
3. Some may offer a stipend which can be: Research-focused internships, Hospitals or larger clinics, and Funded non-profit organisations.
=> What Does a Clinical Psychology Internship Look Like?
A) Undergraduate:
1. Shadow psychologists or counsellors.
2. Assist with intakes or observe therapy sessions.
3. Help with scheduling, data entry, or literature reviews.
4. Participate in research studies or data analysis.
B) Graduate School (Master’s or PhD/PsyD):
1. Provide therapy or assessments under supervision.
2. Create treatment plans.
3. Conduct psychological testing.
4. Receive supervision from a licensed psychologist.
My advice is that if you're aiming for clinical psychology long-term, start early with research assistant roles, volunteering at crisis hotlines or mental health centres, and informational interviews with professionals. Those experiences matter a lot when applying to graduate programs later on.
Internships are short-term work experiences designed to give students or early-career professionals hands-on experience in a field of interest. They're typically:
A) 1 - 6 months long (can be semester-based)
B) Part-time or full-time
C) For credit, paid, or unpaid (depending on the field and employer)
In clinical psychology, internships can vary depending on your level of education (undergraduate vs. graduate school).
=> How do you get them?
Yes - it’s kind of like applying for a job, but often with less intense expectations. Here’s what the process usually involves:
A) Search for Internships:
1. School career portals
2. Professors/advisors (especially for psych students!)
3. Job sites like Handshake, LinkedIn, or Indeed
4. Local clinics, hospitals, community mental health centres
5. University research labs
B) Prepare application materials:
1. Resume/CV
2. Cover Letter relevant to the role
3. Transcripts or writing samples (optional)
4. Letters of Recommendation
C) Interview:
Usually lighter than job interviews - often more of a conversation to gauge your interest and commitment.
=> Are most Clinical Psychology Internships unpaid?
1. Undergraduate Level: Yes, many are unpaid or for academic credit.
2. Graduate School (specifically doctoral programs): Internships (or pre-doctoral internships) are often required and can be paid, especially APA-accredited ones.
3. Some may offer a stipend which can be: Research-focused internships, Hospitals or larger clinics, and Funded non-profit organisations.
=> What Does a Clinical Psychology Internship Look Like?
A) Undergraduate:
1. Shadow psychologists or counsellors.
2. Assist with intakes or observe therapy sessions.
3. Help with scheduling, data entry, or literature reviews.
4. Participate in research studies or data analysis.
B) Graduate School (Master’s or PhD/PsyD):
1. Provide therapy or assessments under supervision.
2. Create treatment plans.
3. Conduct psychological testing.
4. Receive supervision from a licensed psychologist.
My advice is that if you're aiming for clinical psychology long-term, start early with research assistant roles, volunteering at crisis hotlines or mental health centres, and informational interviews with professionals. Those experiences matter a lot when applying to graduate programs later on.
Patrick Meyer
Executive - Data Analytics and AI
1021
Answers
Naperville, Illinois
Updated
Patrick’s Answer
Tarynne, please know that internships serve as structured, hands-on learning experiences that bridge academic knowledge with practical application in a professional setting. They are typically short-term and can vary in duration from a few weeks to a year, depending on the field and the organization. For students and emerging professionals, internships offer invaluable exposure to the day-to-day responsibilities of a given role or industry, help build a professional network, and enhance résumés with real-world experience.
Securing an internship is similar to applying for a job, but the process can vary depending on the industry and level of competitiveness. Generally, it involves submitting a résumé and cover letter, completing an application, and sometimes participating in interviews. Many organizations post internship opportunities on job boards such as https://www.indeed.com/, https://www.linkedin.com/jobs, https://joinhandshake.com/ (commonly used by college students), or Chegg Internships. Universities also maintain career centers and internship databases that connect students with vetted internship opportunities. It is crucial to tailor your application materials to each position, clearly demonstrating relevant skills, educational background, and enthusiasm for the role.
While the structure and compensation of internships vary, many internships—especially in competitive or nonprofit sectors—can be unpaid. However, growing awareness around fair labor practices has led to more organizations offering paid internships or providing stipends. For students in fields such as clinical psychology, internships often align with academic credit or licensure requirements, making them a critical part of professional development rather than purely a financial opportunity.
In clinical psychology specifically, internships—especially at the doctoral level—are often formalized and regulated experiences required for licensure. These internships usually occur during the final year of a doctoral program (Psy.D. or Ph.D.) and are full-time, year-long placements in clinical settings such as hospitals, community mental health centers, or academic medical centers. According to the Association of Psychology Postdoctoral and Internship Centers (APPIC), the internship application process is highly structured and competitive, involving a centralized match system similar to residency placements in medical fields. Applicants submit standardized application materials through the APPIC Application for Psychology Internships (AAPI), participate in interviews, and rank programs before being matched to a site.
Earlier in your academic journey—such as during undergraduate or master’s-level study—clinical psychology internships or practicums may involve assisting licensed clinicians, conducting assessments under supervision, or participating in community mental health outreach. These experiences are often facilitated through your academic program or arranged via partnerships with local agencies. For instance, psychology departments often maintain relationships with local clinics, schools, or nonprofit organizations that provide students with structured training opportunities.
In all cases, Tarynne, clinical psychology internships are designed to help students develop critical competencies in therapeutic communication, diagnostic assessment, ethical practice, and cultural sensitivity. These experiences not only fulfill academic or licensure requirements but also allow students to explore areas of specialization and solidify their career goals within the mental health field.
Securing an internship is similar to applying for a job, but the process can vary depending on the industry and level of competitiveness. Generally, it involves submitting a résumé and cover letter, completing an application, and sometimes participating in interviews. Many organizations post internship opportunities on job boards such as https://www.indeed.com/, https://www.linkedin.com/jobs, https://joinhandshake.com/ (commonly used by college students), or Chegg Internships. Universities also maintain career centers and internship databases that connect students with vetted internship opportunities. It is crucial to tailor your application materials to each position, clearly demonstrating relevant skills, educational background, and enthusiasm for the role.
While the structure and compensation of internships vary, many internships—especially in competitive or nonprofit sectors—can be unpaid. However, growing awareness around fair labor practices has led to more organizations offering paid internships or providing stipends. For students in fields such as clinical psychology, internships often align with academic credit or licensure requirements, making them a critical part of professional development rather than purely a financial opportunity.
In clinical psychology specifically, internships—especially at the doctoral level—are often formalized and regulated experiences required for licensure. These internships usually occur during the final year of a doctoral program (Psy.D. or Ph.D.) and are full-time, year-long placements in clinical settings such as hospitals, community mental health centers, or academic medical centers. According to the Association of Psychology Postdoctoral and Internship Centers (APPIC), the internship application process is highly structured and competitive, involving a centralized match system similar to residency placements in medical fields. Applicants submit standardized application materials through the APPIC Application for Psychology Internships (AAPI), participate in interviews, and rank programs before being matched to a site.
Earlier in your academic journey—such as during undergraduate or master’s-level study—clinical psychology internships or practicums may involve assisting licensed clinicians, conducting assessments under supervision, or participating in community mental health outreach. These experiences are often facilitated through your academic program or arranged via partnerships with local agencies. For instance, psychology departments often maintain relationships with local clinics, schools, or nonprofit organizations that provide students with structured training opportunities.
In all cases, Tarynne, clinical psychology internships are designed to help students develop critical competencies in therapeutic communication, diagnostic assessment, ethical practice, and cultural sensitivity. These experiences not only fulfill academic or licensure requirements but also allow students to explore areas of specialization and solidify their career goals within the mental health field.