Embarking on a psychology internship is a crucial step toward building hands-on experience, developing key skills, and gaining insight into potential career paths. Whether you’re interested in clinical work, research, or organizational psychology, internships provide the opportunity to apply your studies in real-world settings. But where should you start? We’ve got you covered with this guide to the best psychology internships and what to expect!
1. Youth Behavior and Mental Health: Camp Starfish
If you’re interested in working with children experiencing social and emotional challenges, you’ll be looking for a rewarding experience working directly with children in need of extra support. Camp Starfish, a 1:1 therapeutic summer program for youth with emotional and behavioral challenges, provides a unique opportunity for college students to gain hands-on experience as interns in child psychology, behavior management, and therapeutic recreation.
At Camp Starfish, interns assist in providing a structured, supportive environment for campers who may struggle with social, emotional, or behavioral challenges. Interns gain practical experience in behavior intervention, positive reinforcement techniques, and fostering social skills through engaging activities. This immersive experience is ideal for students interested in child development, counseling, or clinical psychology and caters to the college student schedule.
2. Psychology Internships in Research
If you have a passion for understanding human thought and behavior at a deeper level, a research internship may be the best psychology internship for you. Many universities and psychological organizations offer research assistant positions where interns contribute to ongoing studies in areas like cognitive psychology, mental health, and behavioral science.
Intern responsibilities may include conducting literature reviews, assisting with data collection, coding behavioral observations, or running experiments. This type of internship is especially beneficial for those considering graduate school, as it helps develop analytical skills and provides exposure to academic research methods.
Check out NSF Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) for more information on getting involved in psychology research as an undergraduate college student.
3. Clinical Psychology Internships
For students interested in clinical or counseling psychology, interning in a mental health setting can provide invaluable exposure to therapeutic techniques and patient interactions. Hospitals, private practices, and mental health clinics often offer internship opportunities where students can observe licensed professionals, assist with patient assessments, and learn about treatment plans.
Psychology college students who are looking for hands-on clinical experience can check out the
APA’s Undergraduate Research Opportunities and Internships for opportunities. Many internships listed involve working with adult populations; for psychology students interested in working with youth populations, we recommend looking at our website.
4. Industrial-Organizational Psychology Internships
Psychology isn’t just about therapy—it also plays a key role in business and organizational success. Industrial-Organizational psychology internships focus on workplace behavior, employee satisfaction, and performance improvement.
Interns in this field may assist in conducting employee surveys, analyzing productivity trends, or developing training programs to enhance workplace culture. Companies, HR departments, and consulting firms often provide opportunities for psychology students interested in applying psychological principles to organizational development and human resources.
You can find a great guide to these opportunities on the SIOP’s IO Internship Page. These internships are a great opportunity for college students who are interested in psychology but not sure if counseling is “their thing.”
5. School-Based Psychology Internships
For those passionate about working in educational settings, shadowing a school-based mental health professional provides valuable insight into how mental health and student support services operate within a school. Interns may work alongside school guidance counselors, adjustment counselors, or psychologists to assess student needs, help develop intervention plans, and provide direct support for children facing academic or behavioral challenges.
This blog article is a great starting point for students interested in pursuing a psychology internship in this area. These internships allow students to see how psychology is applied in an educational setting while making a meaningful impact on young learners. Interning in a school can also be a stepping stone toward a career in counseling, special education, or educational psychology.
Securing a psychology internship is an invaluable step toward gaining practical experience and shaping your future career path. Whether you’re drawn to clinical work, research, organizational psychology, or school-based support, internships provide hands-on learning that bridges the gap between coursework and real-world application. By exploring opportunities like those listed in this guide, you’ll not only build essential skills but also gain clarity on your professional interests. No matter which path you choose, an internship will set you up for success in the diverse and dynamic field of psychology.
