Psychologist Internships
Psychologist internships give university students, recent graduates, and early-career switchers hands-on project experience working directly with clinical cases and assessment tools, mentorship from working psychologists, and, at many employers, a path toward a full-time offer. Leading openings appear across Education, with University of Florida, Federal Bureau of Prisons, and Pueblo School District 60 among the employers posting roles now.
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Summary
Corrections professionals who foster a humane and secure environment and ensure public safety by preparing individuals for successful reentry into our communities.
Learn more about this agency
This job is open to
The public
Career transition (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL)
Clarification from the agency
THIS IS A DELEGATED EXAMINING ANNOUNCEMENT OPEN TO ALL U.S. CITIZENS. • Duty Location: FCI Otisville, NY • NOTE: A 50% RECRUITMENT INCENTIVE MAY BE PAID TO SELECTEE(S) WHO MEETS THE CRITERIA FOR RECRUITMENT BONUSES. • NOTE: A 25% RETENTION INCENTIVE MAY BE PAID TO SELECTEE(S) WHO MEETS THE CRITERIA FOR RETENTION INCENTIVES.
Duties
Responsible for developing, implementing, monitoring and coordinating the psychology internship program. This includes recruiting and selecting candidates for the graduate student practicum, pre-doctoral internships and postdoctoral training programs.
Provides clinical supervision for Psychology interns, and serves as a mentor in their professional development and is responsible for administrative and training-related issues. Tracks monetary expenditures for the internship program.
Participates in the administration, scoring and interpretation of a wide variety of personality evaluation methods, assists in interdisciplinary classification of inmates and completes reports for the courts on study and observation cases.
Organizes and is responsible for facilitating both individual and group psychotherapy, conducts individual treatment and crisis intervention sessions, and is responsible for developing and implementing appropriate innovative therapy techniques. The incumbent will be responsible for assisting in the development of mental health programs for the units.
Along with all other correctional institution employees, incumbent is charged with responsibility for maintaining security of the institution. The staff correctional responsibilities precede all others required by this position and are performed on a regular and recurring basis.
Requirements
Conditions of employment
Career Transition Programs (CTAP or ICTAP): These programs apply to Federal and/or DOJ employees who meet the definition of surplus or displaced from a position in the competitive service. To receive selection priority for this position, you must:
- Meet CTAP or ICTAP eligibility criteria;
- Be rated well-qualified for the position, scoring at least half of the total possible points for the vacancy KSAs or competencies; and
- Submit the appropriate documentation to support your CTAP eligibility:
- A copy of the agency notice (i.e., separation notice or agency RIF letter),
- Most recent performance appraisal, and
- Most recent SF-50 showing current/former position, grade, promotion potential, and duty location.
- See USAJOBS' Career Transition Programs for more information.
Key Requirements:
- U.S. Citizenship is Required.
- See Special Conditions of Employment Section.
- Selective Service Requirement
Qualifications
To be considered for the position, you must meet the following:
Basic Requirements:
Satisfactory completion of all the requirements for a doctoral degree (Ph.D. or equivalent) directly related to full professional work in clinical psychology is required.
NOTE: Applicants may have received this degree in either clinical or counseling psychology.
AND
In addition to the basic requirements, applicants must have:
Education:
There is no substitution of education for specialized experience for this position.
Experience:
At least one year of specialized experience equivalent in difficulty and complexity to the next lower grade level. To be creditable, this experience must have equipped the applicant with the particular qualifications to successfully perform the duties of the position, and that is typically be in or related to the position to be filled.
Some examples of the qualifying experience are:
- Experience in developing, implementing, monitoring and coordinating the psychology internship program.
- Experience in recruitment and selection of students, and for the ongoing development, implementation and evaluation of the graduate level psychology training program for students pursuing practicum, pre-doctoral internship or postdoctoral training.
- Experience in scheduling didactic training on-site, developing all off-site training opportunities, and obtaining services of outside speakers to supplement the presentations of staff members.
- Experience in the administration, scoring, and interpretation of a wide variety of personality evaluation methods.
- Experience in assisting with the interdisciplinary classification of inmates by identifying behavioral, emotional, organic, drug/alcohol, or personality problems and the subsequent development of appropriate programs on an individual basis.
- Experience in facilitating both individual and group psychotherapy on a regular basis.
AND
Selective Placement Factor:
Applicants applying for this position MUST also possess the following Selective Factor. In the event that you do not possess the Selective Factor, you will be found ineligible for the position.
- Applicants must hold a full, current and unrestricted license to practice psychology at the doctoral level in a State, Territory, Commonwealth of the United States (e.g., Puerto Rico) or the District of Columbia.
NOTE: All applicants must electronically upload a copy of their license at the time they apply to the vacancy announcement. The documentation provided MUST show the expiration date of the license. Failure to
provide this documentation will result in loss of consideration for this position.
If applicable, credit will be given for paid and unpaid experience. To receive proper credit, you must show the actual time (such as the number of hours worked per week) spent in activities.
**Your eligibility for consideration will be based on your responses to the questions in the application.**
Education
ONLY if education is a requirement/substitution for specialized experience, applicant MUST upload legible transcripts as verification of educational requirement. Transcripts MUST be uploaded and electronically linked from USAJOBS at the time you apply and MUST include identifying information to include School Name, Student Name, Degree and Date Awarded (if applicable). All academic degrees and coursework must be completed at a college or university that has obtained accreditation or pre-accreditation status from an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For a list of schools that meet this criteria, Click Here.
Foreign Education: For information regarding foreign education requirements, please see Foreign Diploma and Credit Recognition at the U.S. Department of Education website: Recognition of Foreign Qualifications.
Additional information
Although 5 U.S.C. 3307 established a maximum entry age for original appointment to a position in a Bureau of Prisons institutions, applicants applying for this series can be considered at any age.
An approved age waiver prior to entry on duty is required. Age waivers are not required for:
- Applicants with prior federal law enforcement coverage.
- Qualified Preference Eligible Veterans.
If you are above the maximum entry age and have prior federal law enforcement coverage, you MUST submit an SF-50 to verify prior coverage.
Qualified Preference Eligible Veterans may be exempt from meeting the maximum age. Please refer to the Required Documents Section for the appropriate documentation to submit to validate veteran eligibility.
Special Conditions of Employment Section:
Initial appointment to a supervisory/managerial position requires a one-year probationary period.
The incumbent is subject to geographic relocation to meet the needs of the agency.
Appointment is subject to satisfactory completion of a pre-employment and panel interview, urinalysis, physical, and background investigation.
All applicants are subject to, and must satisfactorily pass all screening requirements in relation to National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and credit check.
All applicants not currently working in an institution will be required to complete a qualification inquiry regarding convictions of misdemeanor crimes of domestic violence in order to be authorized to carry a firearm.
Successful completion of the "Introduction to Correctional Techniques", three-week training course at Glynco, Georgia is required.
Additional selections may be made if vacancies occur within the life of the certificate.
NOTE: A 50% RECRUITMENT INCENTIVE MAY BE PAID TO SELECTEE(S) WHO MEETS THE CRITERIA FOR RECRUITMENT BONUSES.
NOTE: A 25% RETENTION INCENTIVE MAY BE PAID TO SELECTEE(S) WHO MEETS THE CRITERIA FOR RETENTION INCENTIVES.
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
How you will be evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
Your application will be evaluated and rated under DOJ's Category Rating and Selection Procedures. Based upon your responses to the assessment questions during the application process, your application will be placed into one of three categories: Best Qualified, Highly Qualified, or Qualified. Applications will be reviewed from the top-quality category.
Your resume and supporting documentation will be used to determine whether you meet the job qualifications listed in this announcement. If you are found qualified for this job, your resume and supporting documentation will be compared to the responses you provided on the online assessment.
NOTE: Candidates within the top-quality category and who are eligible for veterans' preference will receive selection priority over non-veteran preference eligibles. If you are entitled to veterans' preference, you should indicate the type of veteran's preference you are claiming on your resume.
Although veterans' preference points are not assigned under the category rating procedures described under "How You Will Be Evaluated", veterans preference eligibles are listed ahead of non-veterans within each category for which they are qualified.
Preference eligibles who meet the minimum qualification requirements and who have a compensable service-connected disability of at least 10 percent must be listed in the highest quality category (except in the case of scientific or professional positions at the GS-9 level or higher). As noted above, an agency may not select a non-preference eligible in lieu of a preference eligible in the same category unless there are grounds for a passover and the agency has complied with the passover procedures at 5 U.S.C. § 3318(b).
What Competencies/Knowledge, Skills and Abilities are Required for this Position?
The following Competencies/Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSA's) are required:
- Ability to conduct psychological assessments
- Ability to identify and manage training programs
- Ability to make sound decisions and act quickly in critical circumstances.
- Ability to recommend treatment interventions for various disorders
- Skill in conducting individual and group psychotherapy
Required Documents
Failure to provide legible required documents and/or follow the prescribed format often results in removal from consideration. If uploading documentation, do not identify/save your documents utilizing a special character such as %, #, @, etc. Documentation should be identified/saved as VA Letter, DD-214, or Transcripts.
Veterans' Preference Documentation:
Failure to submit all required documents at the time of application will result in the loss of claimed preference eligibility.
- DD-214: Veterans MUST provide a DD-214 demonstrating that they have been discharged or released from active duty under honorable conditions (i.e., the individual must have received either an honorable or general discharge).
- SF-15: If you are a disabled veteran, a Purple Heart recipient, widow/widower of a veteran, the spouse of a disabled veteran or the parent of a disabled or deceased veteran, you must submit:
- A completed Standard Form (SF) 15, "Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference" AND all required documentation identified on the SF-15. NOTE: A Department of Veterans Affairs letter must contain the Veteran's Name and Combined Service-Connected Evaluation. For a copy of the most current SF-15, Click Here.
- If you are on active duty and expect to be discharged or released from active duty service within 120 days, you may submit a Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty from the appropriate Branch Personnel Office containing the following information:
- The military service dates including the expected discharge or release date; and
- The character of service (must be an honorable or general discharge); and
- Any qualifying service/campaign/expeditionary medals.
- Resume (limited to 2 pages) must include your name, contact information, and relevant experience (cover letter optional). Experience that would not normally be part of the Federal employee's position is creditable when documented by satisfactory evidence of qualifying experience (e.g., a memorandum from the manager, Human Resource Manager, SF- 52, MOU, etc.). If providing a memorandum, it must follow the format below AND clearly cite the duties performed.
- To receive credit for experience, your resume and/or any satisfactory evidence must
include:- Start date and end date in month/year format (MM/YYYY) AND
- Number of hours worked per week.
- To receive credit for experience, your resume and/or any satisfactory evidence must
- College transcript: includes the School Name, Student Name, Degree, and Date Awarded (if applicable). NOTE: If you are selected, official transcript(s) will be required prior to your first day.
- SF-50: If you are a current/former federal government employee, you must provide an unredacted copy of your latest SF-50.
- Proof of ICTAP/CTAP eligibility, Click Here, if applicable.
- Professional Certification/License
We cannot be held responsible for incompatible software, delays in mail service, applicant application errors, etc.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
How to Apply
You must apply through the online application system at www.USAJOBS.gov. Follow the prompts to register, answer a few questions and submit all required documents.
This position may require the completion of additional forms and/or supplemental materials as described under the Required Documents section. Please carefully review the complete job announcement and the "How to Apply" instructions. Failure to provide the required information and/or materials will result in your application not being considered for employment.
USAJOBS Help Center - How to Add a Resume to Your Profile
How do I Apply for this Position if I am a Current Public Health Service Commissioned Officer?
- Submit a complete/detailed resume or curriculum vitae.
- Limit your resume to 2 pages. If the only resume(s) received is/are longer than two pages, your application is ineligible for further consideration.
- Address selective factor, if required.
- Resume or curriculum vitae must contain all information listed in the Qualifications Section.
- Submit supporting documents (i.e. transcripts, certification, registration, and/or license, if applicable).
Your completed application packet must be submitted to the Consolidated Staffing Unit by 11:59 p.m., Eastern Standard Time (EST), on the closing date of the vacancy announcement. You must include the last four digits of your social security number and the vacancy announcement number on your application packet. DO NOT SUBMIT AN APPLICATION ON-LINE.
How do I Apply for this Position if I am a Current Public Health Service Commissioned Officer and want to enter the competitive service?
Refer to the information below.
You must apply through the online application system at www.USAJOBS.gov. Follow the prompts to register, answer a few questions and submit all required documents.
All required supporting documentation MUST be received by the Consolidated Staffing Unit by 11:59 p.m., Eastern Standard Time on08/27/2026.
If applicable see Notice for Preference Eligible Veterans Applicants
To preview the application questionnaire, click the following link: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13032852
Agency contact information
Next steps
We will notify you of the outcome after each step of the application process has been completed.
Applicants will be notified via e-mail, to the e-mail address registered in USAJOBS. The referral certificate or list of eligibles will then be issued to the selecting official for further consideration.
The Human Resource Office may then contact you for an interview if they wish. We expect to make a final job offer within 80 days after the closing date of the announcement. Applicants referred on a certificate of eligibles may receive an inquiry of availability from the local Human Resource Department.
Applicants MUST telephone the Human Resource Department during normal business hours to schedule an interview. Failure to either return the form or contact the Human Resource Department may result in a loss of consideration for the position.
Overview
- 0180 Psychology
Psychologist Internship Market
Who's Hiring


Top Industries Hiring
- Education
Tips for Your Psychologist Internship Search
Apply before the season you want to start
Large employers and formal doctoral programs recruit summer and fall psychologist interns the preceding fall, sometimes opening applications in September. Smaller practices and co-ops post much closer to start dates. Knowing which type of employer you are targeting tells you when to start watching for openings and building your materials.
Build a portfolio before you apply
Psychologist intern hiring teams expect limited work history. What gives them something concrete to assess is documented project work: assessment reports, research summaries, case conceptualizations, or data analyses with the instruments and methods named. Two or three complete, linked examples carry more weight than a long list of coursework alone.
Work your campus network and apply directly at the same time
Campus career fairs surface structured programs tied to your university, and professors and career center staff often know which employers recruit from your school before roles post publicly. Applying directly to smaller practices and research labs running their own cohorts alongside campus activity widens the pool you reach without duplicating effort.
Practice explaining your clinical reasoning out loud
Psychologist intern interviews often include case vignettes or assessment scenarios where you walk through your diagnostic thinking in real time. Interviewers weigh how you reason through ambiguous situations as much as your final answer. Practice narrating your thought process out loud on realistic examples before your first interview, not during it.
Target APPIC and other structured internship pipelines early
Formal doctoral internship programs through APPIC, rotational placements at hospital systems, and university-affiliated training clinics are built specifically to train people entering the field. They recruit on fixed timelines, fill their cohorts early, and can be competitive. Identify the programs that match your training goals and submit materials in the first application wave.
Set your work-type filter before you start searching
On-site roles are 100% of the psychologist internships listed here. Decide what you can realistically commit to before sorting through openings, then filter by location and work type on Migrate Mate so every role you spend time on is one you can actually accept.
Psychologist Internships: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a psychologist internship?
Lead with coursework and documented case projects rather than work history, since hiring teams expect limited experience at the intern level. The concrete artifact that gives recruiters something to assess is a portfolio of practicum work, assessment write-ups, or research reports. Combine direct applications with campus career fairs, where program coordinators and recruiters often move faster for students they meet in person.
Can a psychologist internship turn into a full-time job?
Many employers extend return offers to strong interns, but conversion is never guaranteed. What actually drives it for psychologist interns is consistent performance on real client or research work, available headcount on the team at the end of the placement, and how early you signal interest in returning. Position for a return offer by treating every assignment as a demonstration of clinical or research judgment, without counting on the outcome.
When should I apply for psychologist internships?
Earlier than most expect. Large employers and formal doctoral internship programs recruit for summer and fall cohorts the preceding fall, sometimes as early as September or October. Smaller practices, research labs, and co-op arrangements post much closer to start dates, so openings appear year-round. Checking listings consistently and having your application materials ready before a role posts keeps you competitive across both cycles.
Are psychologist internships paid?
Most professional psychologist internships in the United States are paid. Compensation varies by employer size, setting, and location, with academic medical centers, hospital systems, and large research organizations generally offering structured stipends, while smaller private practices vary more widely. Listings show compensation where the employer discloses it, so you can compare what is available as you search.
What should a psychologist internship resume include?
Lead with projects, not work history: two or three documented clinical, research, or assessment projects naming the populations served, instruments used, and where reviewers can see the work, such as a linked research report, published analysis, or case study summary. Add relevant coursework in assessment, statistics, and clinical methods. Keep the entire document to one page.
Are there remote psychologist internships?
Yes. Remote and hybrid roles make up 0% of the psychologist internship listings here, with the rest on-site. Remote cohorts fill fast as candidates nationally compete for the same openings, so apply early and filter by work type to see them as soon as they post.
What is an APPIC internship for psychology students?
The Association of Psychology Postdoctoral and Internship Centers (APPIC) match is the primary structured placement system for doctoral-level psychology interns in the United States. It targets students completing APA-accredited graduate programs, pairs them with accredited training sites in hospitals and community centers, and operates on a formal application and match timeline. The process is competitive and opens early in the academic year, so submit materials in the first application wave.
Can international students get psychologist internships?
Yes. F-1 students can intern through CPT while enrolled or through OPT work authorization after finishing a degree, and the employer does not have to file anything for either, so many companies are open to international interns. Confirm your eligibility and timing with your university's international student office before accepting an offer.
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