15 Prestigious Mental Health Internships for High School Students
Are you a high school student looking for a meaningful way to explore career options before college? Internships offer skill development, industry experience, and valuable connections. Whether you are exploring healthcare or psychology-related pathways, prestigious mental health internships for high school students allow you to learn about supportive roles in counseling centers, nonprofits, research labs, youth wellness organizations, and community-based mental health programs. Many of these internships offer stipends or hourly pay.
Participating in a prestigious mental health internship can also make your college applications stand out, especially if you’re planning to major in psychology. Because mental health careers value early exposure, whether through projects, observing professionals, or participating in guided mentorship, such internships tend to be competitive and harder to find.
To help you navigate your options, we’ve curated a list of 15 prestigious mental health internships for high school students, each offering selective admission, small cohorts, and structured training.
1. Ladder Internship Program
Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: Varies; financial aid available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort
Eligibility: High school students, undergraduates, and gap-year students able to commit 10–20 hours/week for 8–12 weeks
Ladder Internships is a selective, project-based program that pairs high school students with high-growth startups across fields such as health tech, AI/ML, digital wellness, education, consulting, and social impact. In mental-health–aligned placements such as digital therapy tools, behavioral health apps, or youth wellness organizations, you may assist with research, user experience testing, program design, or community engagement tasks. You will work on active projects using tools such as project management platforms, analytics dashboards, or content development systems, giving you firsthand experience with real workflows used by early-stage companies. The program provides for structured mentorship from both your startup manager and a dedicated Ladder Coach, ensuring consistent guidance and support every step of the way. You’ll also learn workplace communication, time management, and professional collaboration skills, all of which translate directly to future clinical or research settings. At the end of the internship, you’ll present your findings to the host company, leaving you with portfolio-ready work to strengthen your resume. Apply now!
2. Youth Mental Health Academy (YMHA)
Location: California (onsite, hybrid, or remote depending on program phase)
Cost/Stipend: Up to $2,000 for the first summer; paid internship during the second summer
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified; selective multi-phase structure
Dates: First Summer Academy: June 23 – July 24, Academic Year Workshops: August – May, Second Summer Internship: July – August (100 hours)
Application Deadline: March 31
Eligibility: High school students from California
The Youth Mental Health Academy is a 14-month program designed to give high school students an early exposure to mental health careers through project-based learning, mentorship, and a structured internship pathway. During the first summer, you will explore topics such as mental health disorders, public health inequities, community wellness, and introductory research methods, culminating in a capstone project with a written analysis and a creative component. Throughout the academic year, you’ll attend monthly workshops and “Psych Talks” led by clinicians, researchers, and community health leaders, deepening your understanding of advanced concepts in mental health. The program also includes college readiness guidance and opportunities to network with professionals working in youth mental health. In your second summer, you will complete a paid internship at a partner organization, supporting tasks such as data analysis, community outreach, advocacy, or research assistance. This multi-phase structure gives you meaningful, long-term experience in mental health work in a community environment and a clear pathway into future mental health careers.
3. Wolverine Pathways: Paid Research and Career Internships
Location: University of Michigan; Detroit, Southfield, Ypsilanti, Grand Rapids
Cost/Stipend: Paid internships; U-M tuition scholarship awarded to program completers
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective; cohort size varies
Dates: Year-round programming; internships typically offered during the summer
Application Deadline: Varies by opportunity; enrollment in Wolverine Pathways is required
Eligibility: Students in grades 7–12 living in Detroit, Southfield, Ypsilanti Community School districts, or attending partner schools in Grand Rapids
Wolverine Pathways offers selective, paid internships that enable high school students to explore professional fields, including psychology, public health, education, and community wellness, through project-based work and mentorship. After completing the academic-year program, eligible students may be placed in summer internships where they support research teams, assist with community health initiatives, or contribute to youth-focused mental health programs. Your responsibilities may include data entry, literature reviews, program support, or participation in outreach projects related to behavioral health. You will work closely with University of Michigan staff and partner organizations, gaining early exposure to research practices and service-oriented work. The program also provides structured college readiness support, culminating in a tuition scholarship for students who successfully complete the full pathway.
4. American Psychological Association (APA): Internal Internship Program (IIP)
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Paid and for-credit options available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective; varies by department
Dates: Year-round; flexible timelines
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: High school students under 18 with a DC work permit who reside in states where APA is registered as an employer
The APA Internal Internship Program (IIP) provides high school students with structured exposure to psychology through nonclinical roles in research, communications, education, and policy. As an intern, you will support department-specific projects such as data gathering, content development, program coordination, and outreach, under the supervision of APA staff mentors. Although not a clinical placement, the internship offers valuable insights into how psychology shapes national initiatives, advocacy efforts, and educational programming. You will also participate in virtual workshops, team meetings, and learning sessions that introduce you to the broader functions of a major professional organization. The program’s flexible scheduling makes it a good fit for students balancing school and extracurricular commitments. For students interested in mental health, the internship provides a practical look at the administrative, research, and policy foundations of the field.
5. Summer Internship Program (SIP) – National Institutes of Health (NIH)
Location: NIH campuses nationwide; main campus in Bethesda, Maryland
Cost/Stipend: Paid; stipend varies by education level
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly selective
Dates: Full-time summer research placement (June–August)
Application Deadline: Opens in November; closes in February
Eligibility: U.S. citizens/permanent residents 18+ by June 1; high school seniors enrolled at least half-time, gap-year students, and college students
The NIH Summer Internship Program (SIP) offers a research experience for students exploring psychology, behavioral health, neuroscience, public health, and related fields. You will be placed in NIH Intramural Research Program laboratories, where you may contribute to projects in behavioral science, clinical psychology research, neurodevelopment, or mental health–focused public health studies. You will work full-time under the guidance of a Principal Investigator, gaining experience through data analysis, literature review, experimental support, and participation in research team meetings. The program also includes professional development workshops, resilience and well-being sessions, and provides access to NIH’s Graduate & Professional School Fair. Interns present their work at the NIH Summer Poster Day, gaining formal research communication experience.
6. Inspiring Careers in Mental Health Internship
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective
Dates: Two-week program in June
Application Deadline: Late September – early February
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors
UT Southwestern’s Inspiring Careers in Mental Health Internship is a selective two-week program that introduces high school students to psychology and mental health careers through interactive sessions with licensed clinicians and researchers. You will learn directly from professionals, including psychiatrists, physician assistants, neuropsychologists, and social workers, gaining insights into fields such as psychotherapy, neuroscience, neuropsychological testing, and interventional psychiatry. The program focuses on experiences in child and adolescent mental health, helping you understand how clinical and research roles work together to support patient care. You will participate in discussions with clinician scientists who will share their career pathways, training journeys, and what their day-to-day responsibilities actually look like. You’ll also have opportunities for mentorship, giving you the space to ask questions, build connections, and receive early guidance on preparing for future studies in psychology or mental health. With its selective admissions and strong clinical focus, this program provides meaningful, entry-level exposure to mental health professions.
7. Jerome Home and Arbor Rose – Student Internship
Location: Jerome Home, New Britain, Connecticut
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective
Dates: Flexible; minimum 60 hours across 3 months
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: High school students ages 16+; college students
The Student Internship at Jerome Home and Arbor Rose provides structured exposure to psychology-adjacent careers within healthcare, human services, and therapeutic support roles. You will commit to at least sixty hours of service over three months, allowing for a meaningful introduction to patient-focused environments. You will receive an individualized training plan based on your interests, whether in social work, recreation therapy, music therapy, or other supportive mental health pathways. Interns have the opportunity to observe and assist professionals who work directly with older adults or patients needing emotional and cognitive support. Your tasks may include activity assistance, program support, and engagement with interdisciplinary care teams. This internship offers a hands-on look at how therapeutic services operate in community and clinical settings, helping you explore a wide range of psychology-related career options.
8. Summer High School Internship Program – Barrow Neurological Institute
Location: Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, Arizona
Cost/Stipend: Unpaid; no application fee
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly selective
Dates: Early June – mid-July (includes mandatory orientation and symposium)
Application Deadline: January – February (rolling review after submission)
Eligibility: Students aged 16+
The Barrow Neurological Institute’s Summer High School Internship Program offers an early pathway into neuroscience and mental-health–aligned research. You will work in translational labs or in research support departments such as neuroscience publications, marketing, or foundation operations. As an intern, you’ll take part in hands-on tasks such as assisting with experiments, organizing data, observing research workflows, and supporting communication efforts related to mental health and neurological science. Each intern is paired with a long-term mentor, receiving guidance in scientific communication, research ethics, and professional conduct in the lab. The program also includes structured training in reading scientific literature, evaluating evidence, and presenting findings. You’ll wrap up the internship experience by presenting your work at a formal symposium, gaining valuable experience with presentation standards used in academic and mental health research environments.
9. Summer Teen Internship – DOROT
Location: DOROT, Manhattan, New York
Cost/Stipend: Free; over 100 community service hours earned
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective; limited cohort admitted each summer
Dates: Late July – mid-August (four-week program; Monday–Thursday, 10 p.m.–5 p.m.)
Application Deadline: Rolling from December through April
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors
The DOROT Summer Teen Internship is a selective, four-week program focused on reducing social isolation among older adults, which is an important aspect of community mental health and emotional well-being. You will work with older adults through home visits, technology assistance, discussion groups, and creative arts workshops, building meaningful inter-generational connections. The program emphasizes leadership, communication skills, and empathy, offering structured training, weekly themes, and guided reflection sessions. You will also participate in group activities, collaborative projects, and community-building exercises designed to strengthen your interpersonal and support skills. After the summer internship, you will complete at least 15 additional volunteer hours during the academic year, helping reinforce long-term engagement and service. This program provides a strong entry point for students interested in mental health, social work, gerontology, or community-based care.
10. High School Internship Program – JSSA
Location: National Capital Region (parts of Maryland, Washington, D.C., and Northern Virginia)
Cost/Stipend: Unpaid; students can earn approved Student Service-Learning (SSL) hours
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective; interview required for shortlisted applicants
Dates: Flexible; internships are typically arranged during the summer and the school year
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Local high school students able to commute to JSSA locations
JSSA’s High School Internship Program introduces high school students to human services and mental health support within a large nonprofit agency that serves clients across the lifespan. As an intern, you might assist with administrative tasks, data analysis, outreach, report writing, and training coordination, gaining a behind-the-scenes understanding of how mental health and social services are delivered. You may also help develop community presentations on mental health topics and support youth programs or summer camps, which provide indirect exposure to mental health education and prevention work. In some cases, you may be invited to observe case consultations or cross-department meetings, offering a view into interdisciplinary collaboration among clinicians, caseworkers, and program staff. The program is intentionally flexible, allowing you to “design your own path” by working with departments that align with your interests and goals. This internship is best suited for independent, self-directed students who want to explore community-based mental health and social services in a real nonprofit environment.
11. Medical Immersion Summer Academy (MISA) Internship
Location: Medical Immersion Scholars Academy, Oakland, California
Cost/Stipend: $1,800 + $75 non-refundable application fee
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective
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, age 15 or older
The Medical Immersion Summer Academy (MISA) Internship is a five-day, skills-focused program that introduces high school students to clinical environments through partnerships with organizations such as Alameda Health Systems, Samuel Merritt University, and local clinicians. You’ll observe healthcare professionals across different specialties and learn how medical teams work together to deliver patient care. The curriculum includes training modules where you practice essential skills and earn certifications in CPR, First Aid, Stop the Bleed, Teen Mental Health First Aid, and Bloodborne Pathogens. These certifications provide a foundational understanding of safety, crisis response, and mental health awareness; key components for students exploring psychology-adjacent careers. You will also participate in workshops that break down daily responsibilities in clinical and community health settings.
12. UCLA Neuroscience High School Summer Program
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly selective; limited cohort, interviews required
Dates: June 15 – July 23 (Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays; 9 a.m.–12 p.m.)
Application Deadline: February 9
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors; applicants must attend all sessions
The UCLA Neuroscience High School Summer Program provides a selective six-week introduction to neuroscience with a special focus on Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD). The program connects students to mental-health–aligned research in both clinical and scientific contexts through its emphasis on brain health, cognition, and aging. You will participate in live seminars, journal clubs, clinical case discussions, and Neurology Grand Rounds, gaining exposure to how neuroscience and mental health intersect in clinical and research settings. Guest speakers from diverse medical and research backgrounds offer insight into pathways in psychology, neurology, gerontology, and behavioral health, strengthening your understanding of patient care and scientific inquiry. The program also includes virtual lab activities and structured training in reading and analyzing neuroscience literature, helping you build critical thinking and data literacy skills. You will complete a final research project where you investigate a neuroscience topic of your choice and present your findings to peers and faculty.
13. Clinical Neuroscience Immersion Experience (CNI-X)
Location: Virtual (CNV-X) or in-person at Stanford University, California
Cost/Stipend: $1,725 (virtual), $3,325 (in-person); scholarships available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective; small cohorts per session
Dates: Virtual: June 8–19; June 22–July 3, In-person: July 6–17; July 20–31
Application Deadline: Listed in the application portal (typically winter–spring)
Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors
Stanford’s Clinical Neuroscience Immersion Experience (CNI-X) is a two-week program that introduces students to neuroscience, psychiatry, and psychology through interactive seminars and guided project work. You will learn from Stanford faculty and researchers about clinical neuropsychiatry, behavioral science, psychiatric epidemiology, and brain health topics relevant to youth. Sessions also highlight modern mental-health research tools, including neuroimaging, early-psychosis intervention models, behavioral neuroscience methods, and clinical case analysis. You will work in small teams to design an innovative solution to a real social or clinical issue in mental health, culminating in a capstone presentation to faculty, peers, and families. Past sessions have explored topics such as trauma, sleep, eating disorders, addictions, early intervention, and stress reduction.
14. Wake Forest Psychology Institute
Location: Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Cost/Stipend: $3,400 + $550 non-refundable deposit; need-based scholarships available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective
Dates: One-week sessions in June and July
Application Deadline: Rolling (opens November 1)
Eligibility: High school students with a strong academic background
The Wake Forest Psychology Institute offers a one-week introduction to psychology that blends academic learning with hands-on mental health–aligned activities. As an intern, you will explore core areas such as perception, emotion, addiction science, and behavior through guided experiments and observational research. Your activities will include dissecting a sheep brain, observing human behavior in public settings, and conducting sensory perception trials, each designed to demonstrate how psychological principles play out in real life. Faculty-led seminars introduce you to modern topics in mental health, including emotional resilience and the neuroscience of behavior, helping you connect scientific concepts to real-world contexts. You will also design and carry out your own observational study, gaining early experience with research methods and analysis. This program is well-suited for students considering future pathways in mental health, therapy, neuroscience, or psychology.
15. Psychological Science and Society
Location: University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California (on-campus, residential)
Cost/Stipend: Standard USC Summer Programs tuition; $85 application fee; no stipend
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective
Dates: June 22 – July 17
Application Deadline: International: March 13, Domestic: May 8
Eligibility: Students who have completed grade 9
USC’s Psychological Science and Society course is a four-week academic program that introduces high school students to psychology through cognitive science, development, clinical psychology, and social behavior. You will study research methods, perception, memory, emotion, stress, and mental health topics through lectures, labs, and group projects led by USC faculty. Weekly activities include cognitive experiments, developmental case studies, clinical role-plays, and social-psychology simulations that connect psychological theory to real-world issues. Field trips to community spaces such as the California Science Center and The Broad Museum highlight how human behavior interacts with societal factors, including technology, wellness, and relationships. You will also design a team research project and present your findings in the final week, developing skills in scientific communication and collaboration.
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