Top 10 Child Psychology Internships for High School Students
When it comes to psychology, practical exposure and research methods are essential for understanding the mind and behavior, particularly when working with children and adolescents. Psychology internships for high school students provide a unique opportunity to explore child psychology in depth, allowing you to see how theories apply in real-world settings.
Some top universities, hospitals, and research centers offer psychology internships for high school students. They give you the chance to collaborate on projects under the guidance of experts, interact with peers who share your interests, and gain valuable insights into mental health careers. These programs often include mentorship, clinical exposure, community outreach, and even opportunities to present your work.
To help you get started, we’ve created a list of the top 10 psychology internships for high school students, with a focus on programs that offer meaningful learning experiences in child psychology. Whether you're seeking virtual or in-person opportunities, this list will guide you toward internships that offer real-world exposure and hands-on learning.
1. University of Texas Southwestern: Inspiring Careers in Mental Health Internship
Location: Virtual
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Program Dates: Typically runs for 2 weeks in June
Application Deadline: Late September to early February
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors
Cost: Free
UT Southwestern’s Inspiring Careers in Mental Health Internship program offers two-week psychology internships for high school students looking to explore a career in mental health. As an intern, you will participate in interactive sessions with professionals like licensed social workers, psychiatrists, physician assistants, and neuropsychologists. You’ll get to learn about various career paths in mental health, including psychotherapy, neuroscience, neuropsychological testing, interventional psychiatry, and community psychiatry.
Throughout the program, you will participate in conversations with clinician-scientists, hearing firsthand about their journeys into the field of psychology. The program emphasizes exposure to real-world experiences in child and adolescent mental health, helping you understand both the clinical and research aspects of the field. Additionally, there are opportunities to build connections with mentors who can guide your future career in psychology.
Location: Virtual
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year
Application Deadline: Rolling; Varies based on cohort
Eligibility: High school students
Cost: $2,490 onwards; Financial aid available
Ladder Internships is a remote program that connects high school students with start-ups and research projects across various sectors, including psychology and mental health. Through this program, you will work on real-world projects that offer practical experience in areas like health tech, mental health research, and child psychology initiatives. These projects may involve tasks such as data analysis, literature reviews, product design, or community outreach.
Throughout your internship, you’ll receive personalized mentorship from industry professionals, gaining insights into the intersection of psychology, technology, and innovation. Ladder emphasizes professional skill development, including project management, communication, and problem-solving. The virtual format allows for flexibility while still offering a collaborative learning environment with peers and mentors.
3. Child Mind Institute: Youth Mental Health Academy
Location: Child Mind Institute, California
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Program Dates: June 23 – July 24
Application Deadline: March 31
Eligibility: High school students enrolled in California schools from underserved communities with a strong interest in mental health
Stipend: Up to $2,000
The Youth Mental Health Academy is a five-week summer program designed to introduce high school students to careers in mental health. Organized by the Child Mind Institute, this program focuses on project-based learning, mentorship, and developing essential communication skills. You will engage with topics like mental health disorders, health inequities, and methods for effective health communication.
Throughout the program, you’ll participate in enrichment activities that prepare you for college and explore academic pathways in psychology and related fields. The experience includes mentorship from health professionals who share their career journeys and provide valuable guidance. The program emphasizes practical learning, community engagement, and real-world exposure to mental health science and youth-focused care.
4. Jerome Home and Arbor Rose: Student Internship
Location: Jerome Home, New Britain, Connecticut
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Program Dates: Flexible; minimum 60 hours over 3 months
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: High school students aged 16 and above; College students interested in healthcare, human services, or therapy fields
Cost/Stipend: None
Jerome Home and Arbor Rose offer flexible psychology internships for high school students interested in exploring careers in healthcare and human services. This opportunity is ideal for students curious about fields like social work, recreation therapy, and music therapy, which often intersect with child and elder psychology. You are required to commit to a minimum of 60 service hours over three months, allowing for a manageable yet immersive experience.
As a participant, you’ll receive an individualized training plan tailored to your area of interest. You will have the chance to work alongside professionals in healthcare settings, gaining valuable insights into patient care, therapeutic practices, and interdisciplinary collaboration. The program is designed to provide hands-on exposure while fostering a deeper understanding of psychology-related career paths in both community and clinical environments.
5. American Psychological Association (APA): Internal Internship Program (IIP)
Location: Virtual
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective; Varies by department
Program Dates: Year-round; flexible timelines
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: High school students under 18 with a D.C. work permit who reside in states where APA is registered as an employer
Stipend: Paid and for-credit options available
The APA Internal Internship Program (IIP) offers high school students a unique opportunity to explore the field of psychology through research, communications, education, and policy projects. While this is not a clinical internship, it provides valuable exposure to how psychology functions within a leading professional organization. You will work on department-specific assignments under mentor supervision, contributing to real projects that support APA's mission.
In addition to your work tasks, you’ll attend educational workshops and team meetings, gaining insights into the broader applications of psychology in nonprofit and policy-driven environments. The virtual and flexible nature of this internship makes it accessible to students balancing other commitments.
6. Medical Immersion Summer Academy (MISA) Internship
Location: Medical Immersion Scholars Academy, Oakland, California
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Program Dates: June 2 – 6, June 9 – 13, July 21 – 25, July 28 – August 1
Application Deadline: March 7
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9-12, aged 15 or older
Cost: $1,800 (plus a non-refundable $75 application fee)
The Medical Immersion Summer Academy (MISA) Internship is a five-day, non-residential program that provides high school students with hands-on clinical experience and exposure to various healthcare careers. In partnership with local healthcare organizations, such as Alameda Health Systems, Samuel Merritt University, and private clinicians in Oakland, you will observe and participate in real clinical environments.
Throughout the program, you’ll develop essential healthcare skills and have the opportunity to earn certifications in CPR, First Aid, Stop the Bleed, Teen Mental Health First Aid, and Bloodborne Pathogens. These certifications add practical value to your experience and help you understand the everyday responsibilities of medical professionals.
7. University of Southern California (USC) Psychological Science & Society
Location: University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Program Dates: June 15 – July 12
Application Deadline: March 14 (International); May 2 (Domestic)
Eligibility: Students who have completed at least 9th grade by June 17; Must be enrolled in a rigorous high school curriculum; International students must demonstrate English proficiency
Cost: $65 non-refundable application fee; $7,000 – $10,000, depending on commuter/residential status (Additional fees for international students may apply)
The Psychological Science & Society course at USC is a research-oriented program designed for high school students eager to explore the field of psychology. You’ll engage in independent research projects, participate in hands-on activities like mindfulness exercises and psychological experiments, and explore complex topics such as cognition, leadership, social media and mental health, and the mind-body connection.
Although not a traditional internship, this research program allows you to conduct hands-on work via an academically rigorous experience. You will also gain a strong foundation in psychological theory and research methods while discovering diverse career paths in the field. Whether you're analyzing the impact of social media or investigating the role of games in therapy, this course equips you to think critically, reflect deeply, and apply psychology to both personal and societal challenges.
Location: UT Austin, Texas
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Program Dates: June 15 – June 27
Application Deadline: May 15
Eligibility: High school students, grades 9-12
Cost: Free tuition for Texas residents; Supplemental $95 fee for Mental Health First Aid certification
The Psychology Academy at UT Austin is a two-week program that introduces high school students to the fundamentals of human behavior, cognitive processes, and psychological theory. Through a mix of lectures and hands-on activities, you’ll explore key frameworks, participate in exercises like gratitude journaling, and attend guest speaker sessions featuring professionals from various psychology fields.
Led by a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, the academy includes a field research project that allows you to apply psychological concepts in real-world settings. Additionally, you’ll complete Mental Health First Aid training, earning a certification that enhances your practical understanding of mental health support. At the end of the program, you will receive a certificate and a recognition letter acknowledging your academic achievements and project work.
9. Wolverine Pathways: Paid Research and Career Internships
Location: University of Michigan; Detroit, Southfield, Ypsilanti, Grand Rapids
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective; cohort size varies
Program Dates: Year-round programming with internships typically offered during summer
Application Deadline: Varies by opportunity; Enrollment in Wolverine Pathways is required
Eligibility: 7th-12th grade students living in Detroit, Southfield, Ypsilanti Community School districts, or attending partner schools in Grand Rapids
Stipend: Paid internships available; U-M tuition scholarship for program completers
Wolverine Pathways (WP) is a comprehensive college preparatory program for highly motivated students from under-resourced communities. Beyond academic enrichment, WP offers paid research and career internships that provide hands-on experience in various fields, including health sciences, social work, and psychology. These internships allow you to collaborate with professionals, participate in research projects, and explore career pathways in child and adolescent mental health.
The program includes pre-college courses taught by University of Michigan faculty, career guidance, mentorship from industry professionals, and support for college applications. You will also benefit from SAT prep, individualized tutoring, and professional development coaching.
10. Columbia University Summer Immersion: Psychology and Social Behavior
Location: Columbia University, New York, NY
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective; varies by session
Program Dates: Multiple sessions available
Application Deadline: March 3, tentatively
Eligibility: High school students worldwide
Cost: $2,810 – $12,449, depending on program length; Financial aid available
The Psychology and Social Behavior course is part of Columbia University's Summer Immersion Program, offering high school students a chance to experience Ivy League academics while exploring key topics in social psychology. Over three weeks, you will study concepts, such as group behavior, persuasion, interpersonal relationships, and cultural influences, building a solid foundation in understanding human behavior and social dynamics.
Learning happens through engaging lectures, collaborative discussions, and project-based assignments, allowing you to apply psychological theories to real-world situations. The program emphasizes critical thinking and teamwork, giving you opportunities to work on case studies and group projects with peers from diverse backgrounds.