Psychology is a fascinating and diverse field that studies human behavior, cognition, and emotion. Psychology majors can pursue various careers in mental health, education, research, business, and more. However, to succeed in these careers, psychology majors need to gain practical experience and skills through internships.
Internships can help psychology majors apply their theoretical knowledge to real-world situations, learn from professionals in the field, and explore their interests and passions. Moreover, some psychology internships are paid, which can help psychology majors earn money and support their education.
In this article, we will present the top 15 paid psychology internships that students can apply for. These internships are offered by reputable organizations and institutions in different sectors and locations around the world.
#1 Human Resources Internship at Studio in a School NYC
Studio in a School NYC is a non-profit organization that provides quality visual arts education to students in New York City public schools. Interns will assist the HR Department in day-to-day administrative tasks, such as maintaining employee records, updating HR databases, organizing and coordinating benefits open enrollment process, employee training and development programs, and various HR projects. Interns will work for 20 hours per week and receive $13.00 per hour.
Eligibility: Applicants must be pursuing or have a degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Psychology, or a related field, or equivalent experience; have excellent organizational skills with strong attention to detail; have strong written and verbal communication skills; have knowledge of HR principles, practices, and compliance regulations is a plus.
#2 Jersey Innovative Services Behavioral Assistant Internship
Jersey Innovative Services is a provider of clinical support services for children and families with mental health needs. The internship is looking for students who are interested in making a difference in the life of a child, helping mold a youth, and supporting the mission to strengthen the community. Interns will learn about finding resources, building linkages, clinical support, treatment plans, team approach, funding/grant writing, and advocacy. Interns will receive $25 per hour plus travel stipends.
Eligibility: Applicants must be currently enrolled in a college program related to social work, psychology, education, or human services; be willing to start at their own pace and attend site training, webinars, and shadowing opportunities before seeing children; have a passion for working with children ages 3 to 21 years old who have moderate to high-level mental health needs; have excellent communication and interpersonal skills; have a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.
#3 CoreCivic Treatment Counselor, Community Corrections (Substance Abuse) Internship
CoreCivic is a leading provider of corrections and detention management and community corrections services to federal, state, and local government agencies. The internship is based in various locations across the United States and is part of the CoreCivic treatment team that provides evidence-based programs to address the needs of offenders, as well as reduce recidivism and enhance public safety. Interns will receive $19.50 per hour.
Eligibility: Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree in psychology, Counseling, Social Work, or a closely related field; have one (1) year of experience in the mental health or substance use counseling field (preferred); have an LCDC Intern license; and have a valid driver’s license.
#4 El Camino Health BHS Internship
El Camino Health is a nonprofit organization with hospital campuses. The internship is based in Los Gatos, California, and is part of the El Camino Health Behavioral Health Services (BHS) – Aspire Program, a program that provides high-quality acute mental health services to patients and their family members. Interns will work under the supervision of a licensed therapist and will be involved in treating the presenting illness and returning the patient to a previous or higher level of functioning within the community. Interns will receive $32.00 per hour.
Eligibility: Applicants must have a Master’s degree in Marriage & Family Therapy, Masters in Social Work, Psychology Intern, or Professional Clinical Counselor; have current registration in State of CA as Marriage & Family Therapy Intern, Associate Social Worker, Psychology intern who is eligible for registration as a psychology assistant, or Professional Clinical Counselor intern; and have clinical experience, including experience in: inpatient psychiatry, cognitive therapy, DBT, group therapy, individual therapy, couples therapy, family therapy, and short-term treatment.
#5 The Lundquist Institute SUD Counselor/Case Manager Internship
The Lundquist Institute is a non-profit biomedical research organization conducting research in various areas of medicine and public health. The internship is based in Torrance, CA, and is part of the Options for Recovery Women’s Perinatal Outpatient Substance Use Disorder program that provides individual, group counseling, crisis intervention, and case management services to pregnant and parenting women with substance use disorders. Interns will work for 20-25 hours per week, for 6 months, and receive a competitive salary.
Eligibility: Applicants must have a major in Human Services, Social Work, Psychology, Sociology, or any major with a dire interest in helping women and children overcome problems due to substance use disorders. The following qualifications are preferred: BS degree in Behavioral Sciences, Counseling, Clinical Psychology, or SUD counseling certificate; registered and/or certified as a SUD counselor with a California certificate agency such as CAADE, CCAPP, or CADTP.
#6 Legacy Behavioral Health Services APEX Therapist Internship
Legacy Behavioral Health Services is a provider of support within 10 counties in South GA, that believes that through individualized care, quality of care and support, your life could be transformed. Interns will work as part of the Apex Program team that works closely with school counselors, social workers, teachers, and administration staff to wrap around the student to help them succeed, as well as with the Legacy clinic staff to have appointments scheduled with both the nurse and doctor and provide this information to the families and schools as needed. Interns will work for 600 hours and receive a paid compensation.
Eligibility: Applicants must be current graduate students pursuing a qualifying master’s degree in MFT, Psychology, or Social Work; be willing to complete a service agreement after graduation; be dedicated to quality work; be self-starters and goal orientated; have excellent problem-solving and interpersonal skills; have computer experience. Applicants should also provide proof of enrollment and degree.
#7 Washington State University Scientific Assistant or Research Internship-Fuchs Laboratory
Washington State University is a public research university located in Pullman, Washington, that provides high-quality education and research opportunities to students and scholars. Interns will receive technical training relevant to the project including training to perform rodent surgeries, operant conditioning, optogenetics, and other procedures as dictated by the candidate’s interests; be responsible for lab safety and regulatory compliance and general lab maintenance activities, including ordering of lab supplies, lab organization, and rat colony maintenance; work for 12 months (full time), and receive a $3,500 – $5,400 monthly salary.
Eligibility: Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field of study or equivalent related field experience performing professional-level work with scientific or clinical research protocols. The following qualifications are preferred: Master’s degree; one year experience in a relevant research field of study; Bachelor’s degree in Neuroscience, Psychology, Chemistry, or Bioengineering; experience with sterile surgical procedures, immunohistochemistry, and/or rodent behavior; demonstrated strong oral and written communication skills.
#8 LSS Summit Oaks Residential Counselor Internship
LSS Summit Oaks is a program that provides residential care to youth ages 10 to 17 that have a variety of mental health, behavioral, substance abuse, and legal issues. Interns will provide residential care to youth ages 10 to 17 that have a variety of mental health, behavioral, substance abuse, and legal issues, work as part of an interdisciplinary team, conduct groups, supervise youth in community settings, and provide a positive and healthy environment through role modeling. Interns will work full-time or part-time positions available and receive a salary of $18 to $20 per hour.
Eligibility: Applicants must be currently enrolled in a college program requiring an internship; have a bachelor’s degree in a behavioral or social science field OR 48 credit hours of post-secondary education and a minimum of 1-year experience working with children; or equivalent combination of education and experience; be at least 21 years old and be able to complete orientation training according to agency program standards.
#9 Crisis Counselor (LPHA Intern) Internship
CTC is a center that provides 24-hour care for clients with mental health and substance abuse issues. The internship is based in Waco, TX, and is part of the CTC team that provides crisis and substance abuse counseling, developing plans for treatment and discharge, and providing individual and group therapy. Interns will work under the supervision of a licensed professional and learn how to provide effective and compassionate services to clients in crisis situations. Interns will receive $41,866-54,249 annual salary.
Eligibility: Applicants must have a master’s degree in social work, psychology or related field; be able to obtain Qualified Mental Health Professional credentialing; have a license LPC, LCSW, LMFT or LPC-I, LMSW (preferred); have experience providing crisis services per DSHS standards (preferred); have excellent written and verbal communication skills; have time management skills; be able to lift up to 50 lbs; be able to perform CPR and SAMA certification; have a valid driver’s license, liability insurance, and reliable transportation.
#10 Children’s Village Pre-Doctoral Psychology Internship
Children’s Village is a non-profit organization that provides a range of services for children and families in need, including foster care, adoption, residential treatment, and community-based programs. The internship is based in Dobbs Ferry, NY, and is part of the Community Based Department that provides mental health services for children and families involved in the foster care system. Interns will work for 40 hours per week, for one year, and receive a $18.74 per hour wage.
Eligibility: Applicants must have completed coursework toward Doctorate in Psychology; have successful completion of previous externships; have experience as a mental health professional with families and child/adolescent population; have foster care experience preferred; have bilingual (Spanish) preferred.
#11 The Center for Health Care Services Crisis Counselor (LPHA Intern)
The Center for Health Care Services is a non-profit organization that provides integrated health care services to improve the lives of people with mental health, developmental disabilities, and substance abuse challenges in Bexar County, Texas. The internship is based in San Antonio, Texas, and is part of the Crisis Treatment Center (CTC) Team that works with the crisis team to maintain a therapeutic environment for clients under 24-hour care. Interns will work 12-hour shifts and receive a salary of $41,866-54,249 annually.
Eligibility: Applicants must have a master’s degree in social work, psychology or related field with ability to obtain Qualified Mental Health Professional credentialing; have excellent written and verbal communication skills; have time management skills.
#12 Centerpoint Counseling Services Mental Health Counselor Internship
Centerpoint Counseling Services is a private practice that provides outpatient therapy for individuals with mental or emotional issues in Idaho. Interns will establish open lines of communication for individuals with mental or emotional issues; provide outpatient therapy; implement and review treatment plans; collaborate with additional treatment providers; ensure all documentation is completed in a timely manner; work for 40 hours per week, for one year, and receive a $35-$40 per billable hour wage or salary.
Eligibility: Applicants must have a minimum of a Master’s degree and an Idaho clinical license as a Social Worker, Marriage and Family Therapist, or Professional Counselor; have previous experience in mental health counseling or other related fields; have excellent written and verbal communications skills; have the ability to build rapport with clients; have computer and EMR proficiency.
#13 United States Pretrial Services Office Pretrial Student Internship
The United States Pretrial Services Office is a federal agency that provides supervision and services to persons charged with a federal offense who are released to the community pending trial. Interns will assist officers with running criminal record checks, investigating a defendant’s employment, sources of income, etc., conducting database searches, compiling information, and entering data/information in the pretrial office’s database systems; observe court hearings and officer meetings with persons under supervision; perform other duties as assigned; work for a flexible number of hours per week (when-actually-employed), for one year (or as required by school agreement), and receive a $14.73 – $17.95 per hour wage.
Eligibility: Applicants must be high school graduates or equivalent; be currently enrolled as a part-time or full-time student pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree in social work, criminal justice, criminology, psychology, or a related field of study; have the ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing; have the ability to meet required deadlines and maintain tracking systems related to cases; have general knowledge of the criminal justice system and legal terminology.
#14 Strategic Business Development Internship at Bi-State Development
Bi-State Development is a dynamic and multi-faceted resource for economic development in the St. Louis region. Interns will support the hiring managers of the Tourism Innovation Division with ongoing recruitment initiatives, new hire onboarding, and assisting with employee relations matters as needed. Interns will receive $18-$20 per hour.
Eligibility: Applicants must be pursuing or have a Master’s in Industrial/Organizational Psychology or a related field, or equivalent experience; have excellent time management and judgment skills; have people-focused skills and ability to quickly and organically build relationships at all levels cross-functionally; have ability to exercise discretion, confidentiality and sound judgment; have excellent verbal and written communication skills (in person and electronically); have ability to meet deadlines while managing multiple projects simultaneously.
#15 Psychology Internship at The Beaufort County School District
The Beaufort County School District is a public school district that serves over 22,000 students in 33 schools in South Carolina. Interns will function as a member of the total educational team and complete the Intern Preparation Program with all competencies attained. Interns will also consult with teachers, administrators, parents, and other appropriate personnel regarding specific cases in which assistance is requested (RTI, 504, IEP referrals), communicate with parents regarding programs and services available to meet the educational, health behavioral, and mental health needs of students. Interns will receive $190 a day.
Eligibility: Applicants must be pursuing or have completed coursework toward a Master’s degree in School Psychology, or equivalent experience; have experience as mental health professionals with families and child/adolescent population; have knowledge of psychological methods, instruments and techniques for purposes of measurement, understanding, and prediction of learning and behavior in the school child.
Many paid psychology internships are available for students who want to challenge themselves and make a difference. Whether you are interested in working for a community clinic, a research lab, a social work agency, a school, or a sports team, there is a psychology internship out there for you.
To find and secure a psychology internship, you need to have a strong resume and a confident interview. You also need to be proactive, flexible, and enthusiastic about the opportunity. By following these steps, you can increase your chances of landing one of the top 15 paid psychology internships and kickstarting your career in psychology.
