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Marajah-ly
Student
Lancaster, Pennsylvania
1
Question
Asked
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Is it possibly to get internships with psychologists If so then how? ?
I would like to become a psychologist and potentially a psychiatrist, is there any advice or tips that could help through my journey?
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2 answers
Michelle M.
Actress
2522
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Marajah-ly !
I would be happy to provide advice for you, but you didn't say what grade you are in and if you're asking for the internship now or while you are in Medical School. If you are in high school or college, you cannot intern for a Psychiatrist as they are independent professionals, as well, you would need to take a different path all together.
You would Major in Psychology for your Bachelors Degree. In your Junior or Senior year of college it may be or may not be that your university would place you in an internship at a mental health facility where you'd work with a variety of professionals. If your college doesn't place you in a Junior or Senior year internship for mental health, you will need to ask your professor about internships at that time at various facilities, not a one on one work with one psychologist or mental health professional. Internships are not for learning, especially in the mental health field, they are for people that have foundational knowledge of the job as well as to gain additional experience.
Once you go for a Masters (to be a Psychologist) or to Medical School (to become a Psychiatrist), during your educational path as a psychologist or psychiatrist, you will do a Residency or Psychiatric Internship to do hands on work with patients. This will give you experience and further develop your skills having the already needed understanding of psychology. So you will have to have an internship after some time in college and post graduate or med school.
If you want to do volunteer work and be around the patients you will be serving to get an idea of what it's like, you can volunteer at any of your local social, community or mental health agencies. You would not be able to work as a mental health worker until probably after two years of undergraduate college. Any Volunteer position at one of these places will give you insight for your future career. There's a lot to learn before you can be a mental health professional, but doing volunteer work will familiarize you with the facilities, even if you do reception or data entry volunteer work.
I do not advise Shadowing because it is not good for the patient as there are situations during a session that having a stranger present may make the patient anxious or retentive. You can watch You Tube videos about the career and look for videos that show these professionals with a patient. Look for videos that tour a psychiatric unit in a hospital. The Psych professional/patient relationship needs to be one on one, confidential at all times. Shadowing does not help for this field of work because it may falsely sway you one way or the other and your experience is not going to be the same as the specific shadowing experience. You'll do fine with volunteer work and watching videos before you get experience or start your psychology major. I left some links to videos for you below.
So, even though you can't do a psychology internship right now, you will be able to in college and in Medical School. For now, before your undergraduate and post grad education, volunteer work and researching media will give you a good idea about what it's like being in a mental health career. I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
Oh, I almost forgot. For a career as a Psychologist, it is one path and a different consistent path to become a Psychiatrist. A Psychiatrist is not a "promotion" from being a Psychologist. They have different years of study, different Licensing and Certifications, so if you want to ultimately be a Psychiatrist, I would suggest going straight for that path. Ask more questions about this field of work as it can help you to obtain more information so you can make a choice as to which career you want.
BEHAVIORAL HEALTH ADULT INPATIENT VIRTUAL TOUR https://youtu.be/MeoKl4KKcjw?si=mUmmtau_jrbAOfjW
A lot of the videos showing psychiatric patients in hospital settings are age restricted and I choose not to include them.
A PSYCHOLOGIST EXPLAINS THE CAREER https://youtu.be/SPtCkhh1ZUo?si=yyKMMXNF_RiMYZ7n
A PATIENT WITH DEPRESSION SESSION https://youtu.be/7LD8iC4NqXM?si=yWoBMfEPhFUe7c_o
I would be happy to provide advice for you, but you didn't say what grade you are in and if you're asking for the internship now or while you are in Medical School. If you are in high school or college, you cannot intern for a Psychiatrist as they are independent professionals, as well, you would need to take a different path all together.
You would Major in Psychology for your Bachelors Degree. In your Junior or Senior year of college it may be or may not be that your university would place you in an internship at a mental health facility where you'd work with a variety of professionals. If your college doesn't place you in a Junior or Senior year internship for mental health, you will need to ask your professor about internships at that time at various facilities, not a one on one work with one psychologist or mental health professional. Internships are not for learning, especially in the mental health field, they are for people that have foundational knowledge of the job as well as to gain additional experience.
Once you go for a Masters (to be a Psychologist) or to Medical School (to become a Psychiatrist), during your educational path as a psychologist or psychiatrist, you will do a Residency or Psychiatric Internship to do hands on work with patients. This will give you experience and further develop your skills having the already needed understanding of psychology. So you will have to have an internship after some time in college and post graduate or med school.
If you want to do volunteer work and be around the patients you will be serving to get an idea of what it's like, you can volunteer at any of your local social, community or mental health agencies. You would not be able to work as a mental health worker until probably after two years of undergraduate college. Any Volunteer position at one of these places will give you insight for your future career. There's a lot to learn before you can be a mental health professional, but doing volunteer work will familiarize you with the facilities, even if you do reception or data entry volunteer work.
I do not advise Shadowing because it is not good for the patient as there are situations during a session that having a stranger present may make the patient anxious or retentive. You can watch You Tube videos about the career and look for videos that show these professionals with a patient. Look for videos that tour a psychiatric unit in a hospital. The Psych professional/patient relationship needs to be one on one, confidential at all times. Shadowing does not help for this field of work because it may falsely sway you one way or the other and your experience is not going to be the same as the specific shadowing experience. You'll do fine with volunteer work and watching videos before you get experience or start your psychology major. I left some links to videos for you below.
So, even though you can't do a psychology internship right now, you will be able to in college and in Medical School. For now, before your undergraduate and post grad education, volunteer work and researching media will give you a good idea about what it's like being in a mental health career. I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
Oh, I almost forgot. For a career as a Psychologist, it is one path and a different consistent path to become a Psychiatrist. A Psychiatrist is not a "promotion" from being a Psychologist. They have different years of study, different Licensing and Certifications, so if you want to ultimately be a Psychiatrist, I would suggest going straight for that path. Ask more questions about this field of work as it can help you to obtain more information so you can make a choice as to which career you want.
Michelle recommends the following next steps:
Kent Falkner
23
Answers
Updated
Kent’s Answer
Yes, it is possible to get internships or shadowing experiences with psychologists—and it’s a smart move if you’re aiming to become a psychologist or psychiatrist. Here’s how and some key advice to guide your journey:
Advice for Becoming a Psychologist or Psychiatrist
If You Want to Be a Psychologist:
• Get a Bachelor’s in Psychology or related field (you’re already on a good track with healthcare admin + accounting—it gives you unique perspective).
• Pursue a master’s or doctorate (PhD or PsyD) depending on your focus (clinical, counseling, research, etc.).
• Gain research and clinical experience early, including through internships and assistantships.
• Join Psi Chi if eligible—it helps with networking and credentials.
• Stay curious about people and mental processes—psychology is as much about empathy as it is about evidence.
If You Want to Be a Psychiatrist:
• Complete a pre-med track during undergrad, then go to medical school (MD or DO).
• After medical school, complete a psychiatry residency (typically 4 years).
• Develop strong foundations in biology, chemistry, and psychology.
• Shadow physicians early and try to get involved in research on mental health, if possible.
Start With Your School’s Psychology Department • Ask professors or academic advisors if they know of any local practitioners willing to take on interns or allow shadowing. • Many faculty members are active researchers—ask about lab assistant or research roles.
Reach Out to Local Clinics or Private Practices • Look for counseling centers, behavioral health clinics, and private psychologists in your area. • Send a professional email expressing interest in volunteering, shadowing, or interning (I can help you draft this if you’d like).
Volunteer in Mental Health Settings • Places like crisis centers, mental health hotlines, hospitals, or nonprofit organizations often accept student volunteers. • Even if you’re not working directly under a psychologist, you gain relevant experience.
Use Psychology Association Resources • Explore resources from the American Psychological Association (APA) or Psi Chi (The International Honor Society in Psychology) for internships or student programs.
Advice for Becoming a Psychologist or Psychiatrist
If You Want to Be a Psychologist:
• Get a Bachelor’s in Psychology or related field (you’re already on a good track with healthcare admin + accounting—it gives you unique perspective).
• Pursue a master’s or doctorate (PhD or PsyD) depending on your focus (clinical, counseling, research, etc.).
• Gain research and clinical experience early, including through internships and assistantships.
• Join Psi Chi if eligible—it helps with networking and credentials.
• Stay curious about people and mental processes—psychology is as much about empathy as it is about evidence.
If You Want to Be a Psychiatrist:
• Complete a pre-med track during undergrad, then go to medical school (MD or DO).
• After medical school, complete a psychiatry residency (typically 4 years).
• Develop strong foundations in biology, chemistry, and psychology.
• Shadow physicians early and try to get involved in research on mental health, if possible.
Kent recommends the following next steps: