1 answer
Madison
Student
Zion, Illinois
1
Question
Updated
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Hello, I am looking for an internship in psychology. I am currently completing my BS degree in psychology. My graduation date is May 2027. And I’m having a difficult time trying to find some things specifically and counseling mental health or even youth support program. I am in the Chicagoland area. ?
Psychology
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1 answer
Chinyere Okafor
Educationist and Counseling Psychologist
1376
Answers
Port Harcourt, Rivers, Nigeria
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hi Madison,
I know how discouraging that search can feel. Psychology internships can be surprisingly hard to find at first, especially when you already know the kind of work you want to do. The good thing is you are starting early, and that gives you time to explore different paths before graduation.
For counseling, mental health, and youth support work, try looking beyond just “psychology internship” in the search bar. A lot of good opportunities are listed under names like youth mentor, behavioral health assistant, community outreach intern, crisis support, family services, or case management intern. Sometimes the experience is exactly what you want, just under a different title.
Since you are in the Chicagoland area, look into community mental health centers, youth nonprofits, schools, shelters, and organizations that work with teens and families. Places that support children, trauma recovery, or behavioral health often welcome psychology students, even if the role starts as volunteer-based.
I’d also recommend reaching out directly to organizations you admire instead of waiting for a perfect posting online. A short email introducing yourself, your graduation timeline, and your interest in youth mental health can sometimes open doors that applications alone do not.
And honestly, your first opportunity does not need to be perfect or highly clinical right away. Even mentoring, tutoring, hotline volunteering, or working in youth programs can build really valuable experience for counseling and graduate school later. Most psychology students build their experience step by step, and the first role is usually just the starting point into the field.
Best wishes!
I know how discouraging that search can feel. Psychology internships can be surprisingly hard to find at first, especially when you already know the kind of work you want to do. The good thing is you are starting early, and that gives you time to explore different paths before graduation.
For counseling, mental health, and youth support work, try looking beyond just “psychology internship” in the search bar. A lot of good opportunities are listed under names like youth mentor, behavioral health assistant, community outreach intern, crisis support, family services, or case management intern. Sometimes the experience is exactly what you want, just under a different title.
Since you are in the Chicagoland area, look into community mental health centers, youth nonprofits, schools, shelters, and organizations that work with teens and families. Places that support children, trauma recovery, or behavioral health often welcome psychology students, even if the role starts as volunteer-based.
I’d also recommend reaching out directly to organizations you admire instead of waiting for a perfect posting online. A short email introducing yourself, your graduation timeline, and your interest in youth mental health can sometimes open doors that applications alone do not.
And honestly, your first opportunity does not need to be perfect or highly clinical right away. Even mentoring, tutoring, hotline volunteering, or working in youth programs can build really valuable experience for counseling and graduate school later. Most psychology students build their experience step by step, and the first role is usually just the starting point into the field.
Best wishes!