15 Online Psychology Internships for Undergraduates
If you are an undergraduate student interested in psychology, an internship can be a worthwhile way to explore this field. College students benefit significantly from internships because they strengthen resumes, clarify career interests, and improve employability by demonstrating experience beyond the classroom. Online psychology internships for undergraduates are particularly valuable as they provide early exposure to research, mental health services, behavioral analysis, and other applied psychology fields.
What online psychology internships are available for undergraduates?
Online psychology internships span different areas, including research assistance, mental health advocacy, data analysis, and behavioral science projects. Common opportunities include remote research internships, virtual roles with mental health nonprofits, and opportunities with psychology-focused companies operating online. These internships allow you to gain experience, receive mentorship, and develop academic and career direction. Fully virtual formats also help you balance coursework, jobs, and personal commitments while building a strong professional profile. For undergraduate students, online psychology internships offer flexible, meaningful ways to explore the field and prepare for graduate study or entry-level roles.
To help you get started, we’ve put together 15 online psychology internships for undergraduates.
1. University of California, Berkeley Early Learning Lab Summer Internship Program
Location: University of California, Berkeley, CA (in-person or remote)
Cost/Stipend: Free/None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 2 - July 25
Application Deadline: February 28
Eligibility: Open to undergraduate students (including international students)
BELL Internships offer part-time, summer research opportunities for undergraduates interested in cognitive science and language development. Over an eight-week period, you commit approximately 15 to 25 hours per week working in Dr. Fei Xu’s research lab. Your responsibilities may include supporting data collection, creating or testing research materials, and helping with participant recruitment in both the lab and nearby museums. You are paired with a graduate student or postdoctoral researcher who provides day-to-day guidance and mentorship. Throughout the program, you take part in weekly lab meetings, reading discussions, and sessions focused on academic and professional skills. You may also choose to attend optional workshops that introduce research and analysis tools such as R, Blender, Datavyu, and LookIt.
2. Ladder University Internship Program
Location: Online
Cost/Stipend: Varies depending on the program
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 10%
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, winter: November)
Eligibility: High school students, undergraduates, and gap year students able to work 8 - 12 weeks, devoting 10 - 20 hours/week
Ladder Internships is a selective, fully virtual internship program designed for high school students seeking hands-on exposure to start-up environments. In the program, you are matched with growing start-ups and contribute to real projects rather than simulated tasks. Participating companies span multiple fields, including technology, AI and machine learning, health tech, marketing, journalism, consulting, and many others. Many of these participating start-ups are in active growth stages and have secured early-stage funding. Throughout the internship, you work directly with a company manager and receive guidance from a ladder coach to support your progress. The program concludes with a presentation of your work to the start-up team. Most virtual internships run for approximately eight weeks. You can explore all the options here on their application form.
3. NAMI HelpLine Information & Referral Specialists
Location: Online
Cost/Stipend: Free and unpaid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Varies; 4-month internship
Application Deadline: Varies; internships begin throughout the year
Eligibility: Students enrolled in an academic program | non-students may also participate as volunteers
The National Alliance on Mental Illness offers structured psychology internships for undergraduates who want experience supporting individuals affected by mental health challenges. This internship is well-suited for students considering a future career in mental health services or counseling. You begin the internship with approximately three weeks of onboarding and skills training, including guided practice scenarios to prepare you for client-facing interactions. During the program, you support NAMI’s HelpLine, where people reach out for information on treatment options, recovery resources, support programs, and mental health education. You can request placement with specific helplines, such as the Teen & Young Adult HelpLine or the Family Caregiver HelpLine. A general helpline role is also available if you prefer to assist a wide range of callers.
4. American Psychological Association Internships
Location: Remote (must reside in an eligible U.S. state; not available internationally or in states such as NY, CA, CO, WA, etc.)
Cost/Stipend: Free; some internships are paid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Dates: Varies by term (offered spring, summer, fall, winter)
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Open to U.S.-based part-time or full-time undergraduate and graduate students | must be eligible to work in the U.S.
APA Internships are remote, part-time opportunities available throughout the year in areas such as policy, research, publishing, communications, education, and organizational operations. In these roles, you contribute to projects that may involve research support, writing, content development, or web-based work. You also have the option to participate in workshops and seminars that focus on career pathways in psychology and general workplace skills. Depending on the specific role, you may receive academic credit or compensation. All roles are currently conducted virtually until further notice. To be eligible, you must be enrolled at least part-time at an academic institution and reside in a U.S. state approved for participation.
5. Baylor College of Medicine Bioethics Research Internship
Location: Online or Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
Cost/Stipend: Paid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: June - August
Application Deadline: February 13
Eligibility: Undergraduate and graduate students
Baylor College of Medicine offers a summer internship for undergraduates who are interested in how healthcare, psychology, and ethics intersect. During the program, you conduct research in medical ethics under the guidance of faculty from multiple disciplines. If you are studying psychology, you may study topics such as ethical considerations around AI and mental health, the use of psychedelics in therapeutic settings, or disparities in access to mental healthcare. In addition to research activities, you can participate in virtual lunch-and-learn sessions with faculty members who discuss careers in healthcare policy, biomedical ethics, and related fields of medicine and psychology. The internship also includes professional development programming designed to help you reflect on your research experience and plan next steps in your academic or career growth path.
6. RAINN National Sexual Assault Hotline (NSAH) Volunteer Program
Location: Online
Cost/Stipend: Free and unpaid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not applicable
Dates: Self-determined; volunteers may begin or end at any point in the year
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Must be at least 18 years old, pass a background check, and complete mandatory training
The National Sexual Assault Hotline, operated by the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN), offers a remote support role for undergraduates interested in crisis response and mental health services. In this position, you provide assistance to survivors of sexual violence through phone calls and online chat, helping them offer supportive, nonjudgmental listening and access to appropriate resources. Before taking live shifts, you complete approximately 40 hours of required training that includes self-paced coursework, live virtual sessions, and practice conversations. You also receive individual guidance from trained facilitators and observe experienced hotline staff to better understand the role. Once training is completed, you commit to regular scheduled shifts responding to calls or messages. This experience can be relevant for students considering future careers in counseling, social work, or related helping professions.
7. International Social Service — USA Internships
Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: Unpaid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Semester, summer, and year-long internships; exact dates set with the internship coordinator
Application Deadline: Accepted throughout the year
Eligibility: Current undergraduate and graduate students | additional criteria may apply depending on the internship
Internships with International Social Service-USA give you the opportunity to support child protection efforts for youth separated from family members across national borders. If you are studying psychology, the intercountry case management internship is particularly relevant, as it allows you to assist with casework involving clients and partner organizations. Your responsibilities may include drafting correspondence, preparing program documentation, and helping with advocacy initiatives at the state or national level. You also take part in research and data collection related to child safety, using psychological and sociological frameworks. Through this work, you develop applied research and case management skills in an international context. Academic credit may be available, depending on your institution, and placements are typically coordinated with ISS-USA and your university advisor.
8. Laney Graduate School (LGS) — SOAR at Emory University
Location: Virtual or in-person
Cost/Stipend: Unpaid (virtual)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Very selective
Dates: June 1 - July 29 (virtual)
Application Deadline: February 2
Eligibility: Undergraduate students (excluding graduating seniors) planning to attend graduate school | virtual applicants are often current freshmen and sophomores
Emory University’s LGS-SOAR program offers mentored research opportunities for undergraduates across STEM, humanities, and social science fields, including psychology. In the virtual track, you participate in research discipline sessions aligned with your interests, where you explore advanced topics in psychology and related fields with guidance from current LGS students. If you are seeking direct research involvement, there is a more selective in-person option which is available. In that track, you work with a professional researcher at Emory or another Atlanta-area institution to complete a research project and present your findings at the SOAR research symposium.
9. National Summer Undergraduate Research Project
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: None; stipend of $5,000
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Very selective; about 25 students admitted
Dates: June 9 - August 1 (tentative)
Application Deadline: To be announced
Eligibility: Undergraduate students, especially those from underrepresented groups
NSURP supports undergraduates interested in remote research at the intersection of psychology, neuroscience, and biology. Students in psychology or neuroscience can focus on neuromicrobiology topics, examining how microorganisms may influence brain function in conditions including autism, depression, or Alzheimer’s disease. If you are accepted, you are paired with a researcher located anywhere in the world whose work aligns with your interests. You collaborate with your mentor to define and complete a research project entirely online with regular guidance. In addition to your individual research project, you participate in virtual lectures led by researchers, along with professional development sessions and program-wide seminars. These components provide broader exposure to current research and opportunities to connect with peers and professionals beyond your direct mentorship.
10. Cambridge Centre for Innovation and Development Neuroscience Research Training Internship
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: $379.89 as tuition fee; no stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective, only 3 spots
Dates: Starting January 30; 4 months in duration
Application Deadline: Rolling enrollment
Eligibility: Open to undergraduate and graduate students worldwide
The Cambridge Centre for Innovation and Development offers 4-week research training internships for students interested in psychology, neuroscience, human behavior, and cognition. During the program, you begin by conducting a literature review, exploring current research in neuroscience and psychology, and learning to identify gaps that can inform future projects. You then develop a research proposal in your chosen area, practice presenting your ideas, and gain experience with data analysis methods used in advanced research. In the final week, you apply the skills you’ve learned to complete a literature review project in psychology, cognitive science, or neuroscience, integrating research synthesis, analysis, and presentation skills.
11. Massachusetts Department of Public Health Internship Program
Location: Remote and Hybrid options available
Cost/Stipend: $20/hour (undergraduates) | $25/hour (graduates)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; varies depending on the internship
Dates: September 8 - December 4 (tentative)
Application Deadline: March 25 - May 12 (tentative)
Eligibility: Undergraduate and graduate students in Massachusetts (permanent residents or enrolled at a Massachusetts school) with a minimum GPA of 2.5 | some internships may have specific degree or experience requirements
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health offers internships for college students in the state who want to apply their academic training to community health initiatives. If you are studying psychology, you might work on projects aimed at improving access to behavioral health and other healthcare services, enhancing health literacy through community outreach, or supporting local workforce development in psychological and medical services. Some internships may require occasional in-person participation or be restricted to graduate students, so it’s important to review each listing carefully to confirm your eligibility and other educational requirements.
12. Crisis Text Line Crisis Counselor Volunteer Internship
Location: Online
Cost/Stipend: Free and unpaid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not applicable
Dates: Self-determined; 200-hour minimum commitment within one year, with at least 4 hours/week expected
Application Deadline: Rolling; volunteers can start at any point in the year
Eligibility: Must be at least 18 years old, pass a background check, and complete a rigorous training program
The Crisis Text Line is a free, 24/7 online service where trained volunteers provide support to individuals experiencing severe distress via text or web chat. As a volunteer crisis counselor, you will receive training in crisis intervention, de-escalation, empathetic listening, and collaborative problem-solving to ensure the safety of those who are reaching out. Once training is completed, you can begin responding to messages according to your availability, making it a flexible option for students. You will receive guidance from a success coach and supervisor whenever you need support handling difficult situations. This experience provides practical insight into supporting people with mental health challenges and can serve as solid preparation for further education or careers in counseling, social work, or psychology. Volunteers who demonstrate strong performance may also be eligible for letters of recommendation.
13. MetroHealth Internship Program — Behavioral Health Department
Location: Cleveland, OH (remote, hybrid, or onsite)
Cost/Stipend: Paid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; varies depending on the placement
Dates: Early June - April
Application Deadline: March 21 (tentative)
Eligibility: Current undergraduate and graduate students with prior knowledge of their chosen department field
The MetroHealth System in Cleveland offers remote psychology internships for undergraduate students through its behavioral health department. Your responsibilities may vary depending on the department’s current projects, but commonly include supporting project management efforts, creating educational materials related to behavioral health, and analyzing data to identify opportunities to improve clinical services. You will be assigned to work on a primary project throughout the internship, developed in collaboration with department staff, and present your findings to both departmental and senior leadership at the conclusion of the program. In addition, you can take advantage of career development resources such as faculty mentoring, virtual clinical shadowing, and networking with past interns and MetroHealth team members.
14. NC Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) Experiential Learning and Opportunity Internship Program
Location: Remote, hybrid, and on-site (Raleigh, NC) options available
Cost/Stipend: $20/hour for undergraduates | $25/hour for graduate students
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: June 2 - August 8 (tentative)
Application Deadline: March 14 (tentative)
Eligibility: Sophomores, juniors, seniors, and graduate students
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services offers a 10-week remote internship program for undergraduates interested in psychology, social work, behavioral health, and related human services fields. Depending on your placement, your responsibilities may include collecting data, preparing research reports, and creating charts or visualizations to communicate findings. You collaborate with HHS staff and external partners to support programs that promote the psychological well-being of North Carolina residents, including family and individual support services, public treatment initiatives, and specialized care for incarcerated individuals.
15. The Trevor Project Crisis Counselor Volunteering
Location: Online
Cost/Stipend: Free and unpaid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not applicable
Dates: Flexible; requires at least a one-year commitment at 3 hours per week
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Volunteers must be 18 years old and located in the United States
The Trevor Project offers a remote crisis counselor role for students interested in supporting LGBTQ+ youth who may be experiencing suicidal thoughts, mental health challenges, or bullying and abuse. Based on your availability and preference, you can choose to volunteer over the phone through TrevorLifeline or online via TrevorChat or TrevorText. The program begins with over 40 hours of training, covering topics such as LGBTQ+ identities, crisis counseling techniques, conversation structure, and preparation for common issues encountered during the hotline. Once training is completed, you commit to a minimum of three hours per week responding to youth seeking support. This role is structured as a long-term volunteer position, generally requiring at least one year of participation.
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