15 Counselling Psychology Internships for Undergraduates
Counseling psychology internships allow you to apply the psychology concepts you’ve been learning while gaining a clearer understanding of how mental health support works in professional settings. These internships can help you explore areas such as counseling, behavioral research, community outreach, and client support through practical experience. They also give you exposure to the day-to-day responsibilities of psychologists, counselors, and mental health professionals. Participating in an internship can strengthen your resume, help you build professional connections, and give you insight into potential academic or career paths in psychology.
If you’re looking for an internship that’s summer-based, you can check out a list of psychology summer internships here!
Why Should I Do a Counseling Psychology Internship in College?
During a counseling psychology internship, you will encounter approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based interventions, behavioral assessments, and crisis support strategies in practice. You can also learn how mental health professionals document cases, communicate with clients, maintain ethical standards, and collaborate with schools, hospitals, or nonprofit organizations. Exposure to different counseling methods and populations can help you identify the areas of psychology that interest you most, whether that is child psychology, trauma counseling, rehabilitation, or community mental health.
To help you explore opportunities in this field, we’ve put together a list of 15 counseling psychology internships for undergraduates. Whether you’re interested in clinical work, education, or social services, counseling psychology internships can help you better understand the field and the different environments in which psychologists work.
Key takeaways
This list gathers 15 counseling psychology internships for undergraduates spanning university counseling centers, community mental health organizations, and specialized clinical practices, with placements across more than ten states.
Most of these are unpaid or offer a modest stipend, though a couple of clinical placements pay by the contact hour, and several nonprofit-based internships are free to participate in without additional compensation specified.
Two entries on this list share identical program dates, including a reference to an "Adventure Camp week" that seems specific to one organization's program rather than the other, worth double-checking against each organization's official page before publishing.
These internships are spread across states including New York, Illinois, Minnesota, Maryland, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Tennessee, and Kentucky, so most require being local to one of those specific regions, while Ladder remains the only fully remote option.
A couple of the earliest deadlines fall in late January and early February for two of the clinical internship programs, so it's worth reaching out early if a hands-on clinical placement is your goal.
1. Ladder University Internship Program
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Varies depending on the program type.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Approximately 25% | around 100 students per cohort
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including spring, summer, fall, and winter
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort – spring (January), summer (May), fall (September), and winter (November)
Eligibility: High school students, undergraduates, and gap year students who can work for 8 - 12 weeks, devoting 10 - 20 hours/week
The Ladder University Internship Program is a remote, project-based internship where you work with startups and nonprofits across fields such as health tech, mental health, behavioral research, social impact, and more. During the program, you will be matched with a company and assigned a project based on your interests. For counseling psychology internships, depending on your placement, you may contribute to research, user behavior analysis, mental health initiatives, or strategy projects connected to wellness and healthcare organizations. You will work closely with a startup manager while also receiving mentorship and feedback from a Ladder coach throughout the internship.
2. Pace University Counseling Center Undergraduate Summer Internship
Location: Pace University Counseling Center, New York, NY
Cost/Stipend: Free; stipend offer, exact amount varies each year
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly disclosed
Dates: May 19 – July 23
Application Deadline: Applications accepted throughout January
Eligibility: Rising seniors (including international applicants) enrolled in an undergraduate program in psychology or a related field
The Undergraduate Summer Internship at Pace University is a part-time psychology training program offered through the university’s Counseling Center. The internship is designed for undergraduate students interested in counseling and clinical psychology, providing exposure to the work of psychologists in a university mental health setting. During the program, you can attend seminars on topics such as clinical interviewing, therapeutic techniques, diagnostic categories, and professional issues related to psychology practice. You may also participate in outreach activities, research projects, literature reviews, and mock screening interviews focused on mental health assessment. As an intern, you will receive both individual and group supervision from doctoral trainees and senior staff members throughout the summer.
3. Cognitive & Behavioral Consultants (CBC) Summer College Psychology Internship
Location: White Plains, NY
Cost/Stipend: Free; unpaid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly disclosed
Dates: June 8 – July 31
Application Deadline: February 27
Eligibility: Undergraduates pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in psychology or a related mental health field
The College Psychology Internship at Cognitive & Behavioral Consultants (CBC) is designed for undergraduate students considering graduate study or future careers in counseling, clinical psychology, or mental health research. This 8-week summer program introduces you to evidence-based therapeutic approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). As part of the program, you will attend didactic seminars, observe clinical and administrative meetings, and read research literature related to CBT and DBT interventions. You may also assist with literature reviews, clinically focused projects, research tasks, and exposure therapy activities under supervision.
4. Advanced Therapeutic Solutions for Anxiety (ATSA) College Summer Internship in Psychology
Location: Oak Brook, IL
Cost/Stipend: Free; unpaid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly disclosed
Dates: June 1 – August 7; Adventure Camp week: July 27 – 31
Application Deadline: February 5
Eligibility: Undergraduate students with a 3.5 cumulative GPA or higher; psychology majors preferred, but open to all majors
The Undergraduate Psychology Internship at Advanced Therapeutic Solutions for Anxiety is a 10-week summer program centered on anxiety disorders, selective mutism, and child psychology. The internship places you in a private practice setting where psychologists use exposure-based and behavioral interventions to support children and adolescents with anxiety-related conditions. You will be introduced to therapeutic approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), exposure therapy, and behavioral treatment methods commonly used in clinical psychology. The program includes professional development seminars, selective mutism training sessions, observational learning opportunities, and support with intake-related tasks. You may also act as “confederates” in therapy exercises and assist with the organization’s Adventure Camp for children with selective mutism.
5. Youth Villages
Location: Multiple locations across the US, primarily in Memphis and Nashville, TN
Cost/Stipend: Free; paid (exact amount will vary based on specific internship)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Over 70 interns throughout residential programs in the summer
Dates: June 1 – August 7; Adventure Camp week: July 27 – 31
Application Deadline: April 1
Eligibility: Open to undergraduate and graduate students; exact requirements will vary based on the specific internship
The Youth Villages Undergraduate Internship provides experience in children’s mental and behavioral health through community-based counseling, crisis services, foster care, and residential treatment programs. The organization works with children, adolescents, and families facing emotional, behavioral, and social challenges, giving you exposure to applied counseling and intervention work. Depending on the placement, you may observe therapy sessions, assist with case documentation, participate in treatment team meetings, and learn about evidence-based approaches used in youth mental health services. Some internship roles also introduce you to trauma-informed care, family intervention models, crisis de-escalation strategies, and behavioral support methods used in counseling and community psychology settings.
6. Mental Health and Wellness (MHAW) Internship Program
Location: Ronkonkoma, NY
Cost/Stipend: Free; paid (exact amount will vary based on specific internship)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly disclosed
Dates: Varies based on specific internship
Application Deadline: Varies based on specific internship
Eligibility: Open to undergraduate and graduate students; exact requirements will vary based on specific internship
The Mental Health Association Internship Program at Greater Mental Health of New York gives you exposure to the structure and operations of community mental health organizations serving diverse populations. Through placements in departments focused on behavioral health, recovery services, youth programs, and crisis support, you will learn how mental health systems coordinate care for individuals and families. The internship can help you understand concepts such as trauma-informed care, peer support models, case management, and psychosocial rehabilitation in applied settings. You may also gain insight into how psychologists, counselors, social workers, and healthcare professionals collaborate within multidisciplinary teams. In addition to client-facing environments, some placements provide experience with outreach initiatives, advocacy efforts, and mental health program administration.
7. People Incorporated Mental Health Services Internship
Location: Primarily Minneapolis and Coon Rapids, MN
Cost/Stipend: Free; paid (exact amount will vary based on specific internship)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly disclosed
Dates: Varies based on specific internship
Application Deadline: Varies based on specific internship
Eligibility: Open to undergraduate students, graduate students, and doctoral students; exact requirements will vary based on specific internship
People Inc. internships give college students exposure to organizations that support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, behavioral health conditions, and independent living needs. The program can help you understand how counseling and behavioral support strategies are adapted for different age groups and care settings. Placements across residential facilities, community programs, and day services will help you learn about person-centered care models, behavioral interventions, and support planning in applied environments. Some roles involve assisting with group activities, community engagement programs, and daily support services that encourage social and emotional development.
8. Sagent Behavioral Health's Co-Occurring Substance Use Disorder Internship
Location: Multiple locations in Minnesota
Cost/Stipend: Free; paid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly disclosed
Dates: Varies based on specific internship
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Students who are pursuing an associate’s, bachelor’s, or master’s degree
Sagent Behavioral Health's Co-Occurring Substance Use Disorder Internship is a clinical placement for students pursuing licensure as an alcohol and drug counselor (LADC), with an optional dual-track pathway for students also seeking LPCC, LICSW, or LMFT licensure. You will work with adult and adolescent clients in intensive outpatient programs across multiple locations in Minnesota. During your first two weeks, you will observe sessions before taking on a small client caseload of your own. You can also co-facilitate process groups alongside a licensed supervisor, develop and deliver psychoeducational lectures, and document client progress using Allscripts electronic health records. Weekly case reviews and twice-monthly multidisciplinary staff meetings are built into your schedule. The dual-track option adds individual, family, and couples outpatient psychotherapy cases, supervised by a licensed mental health professional.
9. Pro Bono Counseling Project
Location: Primarily in Maryland
Cost/Stipend: Free; paid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly disclosed
Dates: Varies based on specific internship
Application Deadline: Varies based on internship
Eligibility: Open to undergraduate students pursuing a degree in counseling, social work, psychology, public health, or a related field
Pro Bono Counseling's undergraduate internship is a placement for students pursuing degrees in counseling, social work, psychology, public health, or a related field at a Baltimore-based nonprofit that connects low-income Marylanders with free mental health services. You can assist with case management by maintaining and updating client resources, conducting client interviews to collect qualitative and quantitative information, and presenting cases to volunteer therapists. Depending on your interests and the organization's needs, you may also update clinical materials, contribute to the newsletter and blog, or attend coalition meetings. Internships typically run one or two semesters, with summer placements also available.
10. Brighter Hope Wellness Center (BHWC) Undergraduate Intern
Location: Brighter Hope Wellness Center, Clarksville, MD
Cost/Stipend: Free; paid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly disclosed
Dates: Winter, spring, and summer internships available
Application Deadline: Varies by the cohort
Eligibility: Open to undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral students studying psychology, mental health, social work, counseling, business, or related fields
Brighter Hope Wellness Center's undergraduate internship gives undergraduate students exposure to psychotherapy, psychological evaluation, and medication management for adults, children, and families. You can apply for either a clinical or an administrative track depending on your interests and background. In the clinical role, you will work directly with clients and families, participate in multidisciplinary team meetings, conduct and report on intake sessions, and attend periodic supervision meetings for each client on your caseload. The administrative role involves scheduling appointments, managing correspondence, maintaining filing systems, and supporting daily office operations.
11. Turning Point NJ Internship
Location: Multiple locations in New Jersey
Cost/Stipend: Free; paid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly disclosed
Dates: Varies based on internship
Application Deadline: Varies based on internship
Eligibility: Open to undergraduate students
Turning Point’s internship gives undergraduate students the opportunity to support adolescents and adults with substance use disorders through withdrawal management and residential care services. The internship allows you to rotate across different units, giving you exposure to multiple levels of addiction treatment and behavioral health care within the same organization. Depending on your placement and academic background, you may assist with intake assessments, case management responsibilities, treatment planning, client documentation, and group support activities. The program also introduces you to relapse-prevention strategies, crisis-intervention methods, family support services, and recovery-focused counseling approaches used in substance-use treatment settings. Weekly individual and group supervision sessions are included throughout the internship.
12. Wayside Youth & Family Support Network Internship
Location: Multiple locations in Massachusetts, including Framingham, Arlington, and Lowell
Cost/Stipend: Free; paid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly disclosed
Dates: Varies based on internship
Application Deadline: Varies based on internship
Eligibility: Open to undergraduate and graduate students
Wayside Youth & Family Support Network is a Massachusetts nonprofit that delivers community mental health, residential treatment, and family support services to children, adolescents, and young adults across more than 200 cities and towns in the state. As an intern, you will be integrated into day-to-day client care alongside licensed clinicians, with field placements divided into community services or residential and day services tracks. Depending on your site, you will assist with intake assessments, crisis stabilization, behavioral interventions, case management, family therapy support, and safety planning. Some sites focus on specialized populations, including LGBTQ+ youth, domestic violence survivors, or adolescents involved with the Department of Children and Families. Weekly supervision is provided by master's-level clinicians throughout the semester.
13. University of Memphis Counseling Center Undergraduate Internship
Location: Memphis, TN
Cost/Stipend: Free; usually paid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly disclosed
Dates: Spring: January – May; Summer: June – August; Fall: September – December
Application Deadline: Spring: November 1; Summer: April 1; Fall: April 1
Eligibility: Undergraduate students enrolled in social work, psychology, or other applied sciences fields
The Counseling Center Internship at the University of Memphis Counseling Center operates through a multidisciplinary counseling center that supports college students through individual counseling, crisis intervention, outreach programming, and wellness services. You will gain exposure to areas such as intake procedures, case conceptualization, ethical practice, and counseling approaches commonly used in student mental health care. The internship environment will also introduce you to concerns frequently addressed in university counseling centers, including stress, anxiety, adjustment issues, identity development, and academic pressures. Training activities may include outreach support, observation opportunities, seminars, supervision sessions, and collaboration with counseling staff and trainees. This internship is especially relevant if you are interested in counseling psychology, student mental health, higher education counseling, or clinical mental health services.
14. Secure Base Counseling Center Undergraduate Internship
Location: Northfield, New Prague, and Farmington, MN
Cost/Stipend: Free; $20-25 per contact hour
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly disclosed
Dates: Flexible, 12-15 weeks
Application Deadline: Apply one month prior to the desired semester
Eligibility: Student is currently enrolled in an undergraduate behavioral science program like social work, psychology, sociology, community counseling, family social science, child development, child psychology, community mental health, addiction counseling, counseling and guidance, special education, nursing, etc., and is eligible to receive an internship credit through their school; students must have access to a vehicle and valid driver’s license
The Undergraduate Internship at Secure Base Counseling Center is a behavioral health training internship for students studying psychology, counseling, social work, and related fields. The internship introduces you to rehabilitative mental health services for children and adults with complex mental health diagnoses through programs such as Children’s Therapeutic Support Services (CTSS) and Adult Rehabilitative Mental Health Services (ARMHS). You will receive training in areas including attachment theory, trauma-informed care, de-escalation strategies, recovery models, child development, and person-centered treatment practices. The program also includes shadowing opportunities across individual client sessions, group sessions, and community-based mental health services. Some interns may support client caseloads under supervision while learning about behavioral interventions and community mental health systems.
15. Seven Counties Services Undergraduate Student Placement
Location: Louisville and multiple other locations in Kentucky
Cost/Stipend: Not publicly disclosed
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly disclosed
Dates: Varies each year
Application Deadline: Varies each year
Eligibility: Undergraduate students actively enrolled in a program at an accredited university
The Undergraduate Internship at Seven Counties Services gives you exposure to large-scale behavioral healthcare organizations that provide mental health, addiction recovery, and family support services across community settings. The program can help you understand how counseling and psychological services operate within hospitals, outpatient clinics, schools, crisis centers, and residential programs. Through different placement opportunities, you may learn about intake coordination, psychosocial support services, behavioral health assessments, and recovery planning processes used in community care systems. The internship introduces you to the administrative and collaborative side of mental health services, including interdisciplinary communication, referral systems, and care coordination practices.
Questions students often ask about these internships
1. Do I need to already be a psychology major to apply to these internships?
Not always. Several of these welcome students from related fields like social work, sociology, or public health, though a psychology or counseling-related major is preferred for a few of the more clinical placements. Check each listing's eligibility section before ruling yourself out.
2. Some of these internships are unpaid. Are they still worth pursuing for a counseling career?
Yes, especially for the clinical placements that offer direct client exposure and supervision from licensed professionals, since that kind of hands-on experience carries real weight for future graduate applications. If pay matters to your summer plans, a few paid options on this list are worth prioritizing first.
3. Do I need to already live near one of these organizations to apply?
Most of these require being local to the organization's specific city or state, since the work involves in-person client interaction. Ladder remains the only fully remote option if relocating isn't feasible for your situation.