15 Psychology Internships in Washington DC for High School Students
If you are a Washington DC D.C.-based high school student curious about what drives human behavior, psychology internships offer the chance to move beyond textbook theories and see how mental health professionals actually help people.
Washington, D.C., with its concentration of research institutions, government agencies, and nonprofits (such as George Washington University and the Urban Institute), creates an ideal environment for exploring the field's diverse possibilities. Many psychology internships in DC for high school students now offer virtual options, making prestigious programs at institutions like Johns Hopkins and the American Psychological Association accessible nationwide.
Below, we have listed 15 psychology internships in DC for high school students that provide meaningful experiences, from policy work at the APA to publishable research in cognitive psychology and neuroscience. They also include a few virtual psychology internships that allow students in DC to apply.
1. American Psychological Association (APA) Internships
Location: Washington, D.C., remote options
Stipend: Students will receive a stipend based on the opportunity
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Highly competitive
Dates: Year-round
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: High school students | Other requirements vary based on the internship | Must be eligible for and secure a D.C. work permit
The American Psychological Association offers internships across multiple departments, including policy, research, communications, operations, and publishing. You will work directly with APA professionals on real-world projects that apply psychological knowledge to benefit society. You will tackle research initiatives, writing projects, and organizational operations alongside experienced staff. The program provides mentorship opportunities through educational presentations led by senior staff members who share insights about non-traditional career paths in psychology. Interns receive a complimentary 1-year APA student affiliate membership, including access to the American Psychological Association of Graduate Students network. You can apply for up to three different internship positions, with separate applications required for each department.
2. Ladder Internships (Mental Health Track)
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on program type; financial aid available
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: 10%/70–100 students
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year; Fall session: September 14
Application Deadline: Multiple cohorts throughout the year. August 24, for the fall session
Eligibility: High school students who can work for 10-20 hours/week for 8-12 weeks
Ladder Internships offers high school students virtual mental health internships with startups and nonprofits worldwide. You can select the Mental Health track during application and work on real-world projects relevant to your host organization over 8-12 weeks. You will collaborate directly with your startup manager on company initiatives and receive additional mentorship from a Ladder Coach who acts as a second mentor throughout the experience. The program culminates in you presenting your work to the company leadership. Ladder internships partner with high-growth companies that have raised over one million dollars on average. Founded by Harvard alumni, this fairly selective opportunity provides hands-on experience in the mental health sector.
3. Jewish Social Service Agency (JSSA) Internships
Location: Washington D.C., Virginia, and Maryland area
Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Flexible schedule, 12-16 hours per week
Application Deadline: Vary depending on the specific internship type and academic program
Eligibility: High school students residing in the National Capital Region (DC, MD, VA)
JSSA's high school internship program provides students with hands-on experience in a nonprofit organization that serves mental health and social service needs across the National Capital Region. You will work alongside licensed professionals and contribute to case consultations, administrative tasks, including data analysis and training coordination, and assist with community outreach initiatives. The internship offers flexible scheduling with a recommended commitment of 12-16 hours per week to gain comprehensive exposure to human services work. You can earn credit toward your service-learning hours since JSSA is an approved Student Service-Learning site.
4. Pathways Internship Programs (U.S. Department of State & others)
Location: Internship positions are available across the United States, including Washington, DC, and various federal agency locations
Stipend: Typically $11 to $18 per hour
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Depend on the agency and internship opening
Dates: Flexible, typically over the summer
Application Deadline: Positions are posted year-round on USAJobs.gov on an as-needed basis. Application deadlines are position-specific and may close whenever a maximum number of applications is reached
Eligibility: U.S. citizen | At least 16 years old by the announcement closing date | Enrolled at least half-time in an accredited educational institution (including high school students for some positions | Minimum 2.0 GPA
The Pathways Internship Psychology Programs offered by the U.S. Department of State and other federal agencies provide high school students with a unique opportunity to explore careers in psychology within a federal government setting. You will engage in projects and activities that may include assisting with behavioral research, supporting mental health initiatives, analyzing data, and contributing to policy-related tasks. The program offers direct exposure to real-world applications of psychology in areas such as public service, mental health advocacy, and scientific research. A distinctive feature of this internship is that it is paid, and you may be eligible for federal employee benefits, offering a professional work environment that few high school programs provide.
5. National Student Leadership Conference on Psychology and Neuroscience
Location: Various universities across the United States, including American University, DC
Cost/Stipend: $4,295/None
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Accessible
Dates: June 12–20; June 24–July 2
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: High school students entering grades 9 through 12
The National Student Leadership Conference (NSLC) on Psychology & Neuroscience is an immersive program that allows high school students to explore the science of the human mind. You'll dive into topics like child development, personality types, and motivation. The conference offers practical experience through clinical psychology simulations and neurology workshops, giving you a hands-on understanding of how the brain influences behavior. Beyond science, the NSLC includes a leadership development curriculum. This part of the program is designed to sharpen your skills in communication, teamwork, and problem-solving, which are essential for a future career in any field.
6. Children’s National Hospital – Behavioral Health Shadowing
Location: Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC
Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Summer Volunteer Program: June 23 - August 1; Episodic Associate shadowing is available throughout the year
Application Deadline: Varies by program
Eligibility: Current high school student, typically 15 years or older
The Children’s National Hospital – Behavioral Health Shadowing for high school students offers a unique opportunity to gain insight into the field of pediatric psychology and behavioral health within a hospital setting. You will explore topics such as mental health disorders in children and adolescents, therapeutic interventions, and the role of psychology in overall healthcare. During the shadowing experience, you will typically observe clinical assessments, participate in patient case discussions, and assist with educational or administrative tasks related to behavioral health. You will get to directly interact with healthcare teams in a leading children’s hospital, providing a real-world view of psychology careers in medical settings.
7. DC Department of Behavioral Health – Youth Internship
Location: The Department of Behavioral Health Headquarters. Washington, DC
Stipend: Paid, amount unspecified
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Competitive/Not specified
Dates: Fall Semester: October 1 - January 31; Spring Semester: February 3 - May 31
Application Deadline: Typically mid-June
Eligibility: District residents aged 14-21 | Enrolled in grades 9-12
The DC Department of Behavioral Health Youth Internship is a hands-on program designed specifically for high school students interested in psychology and behavioral health careers. You will explore topics like mental health awareness, community support services, and the basics of behavioral health practices within a real-world government setting. You will take part in activities such as shadowing experienced professionals, assisting in case consultations, developing psychoeducational materials, and participating in group projects focused on mental health outreach. Through this experience, you will gain practical skills in communication, critical thinking, teamwork, and problem-solving, all essential for success in both college and future careers.
8. High School Scientific Training and Enrichment Program (HiSTEP)
Location: National Institute of Health, Bethesda, MD (7.1 miles from DC)
Cost/Stipend: None/Approximately $2,300-$2,530
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Highly selective due to its small cohort size of around 25
Application Deadline: Typically in mid-January
Dates: July–August
Eligibility: Open to current high school juniors (must be 17+ by June 1, 2025) who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents living with a parent/guardian within 40 miles of NIH in Bethesda, MD (DC/MD/VA only) | Must attend a school where more than 30% of students qualify for free/reduced lunch (confirm with a counselor or principal) | Minimum GPA of 3.0, though students with a 2.75–3.0 GPA and upward trends can also apply
The High School Scientific Training and Enrichment Program (HiSTEP) is a unique opportunity for rising high school seniors interested in psychology and biomedical research. The program covers a range of topics including behavioral sciences, neuroscience, mental health, and research methods, providing a broad foundation in psychological science. You will engage in activities like attending expert lectures, shadowing research groups, participating in small group discussions, and completing a research presentation, which helps deepen your understanding of scientific inquiry. The program focuses on supporting students from underserved communities, offering mentorship and guidance in addition to rigorous scientific training. You will develop critical skills such as scientific reasoning, data interpretation, teamwork, and effective communication.
9. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) Intramural Research Program (IRP)
Location: NIDA IRP research facility, Baltimore, Maryland (38.4 miles from DC); placements may happen in affiliated scientists at research institutions including the ones in DC
Stipend: $15 per hour
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Highly competitive/12 interns nationwide
Dates: 8 consecutive weeks during the summer, typically starting in June and ending mid-August
Application Deadline: January 3
Eligibility: U.S. citizen or permanent resident | 18 years or older by May 31 of the internship year | high school sophomore, junior, or senior | Not have participated in the program previously
The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) Intramural Research Program (IRP) for high school students is an immersive summer internship that introduces young learners to the scientific study of drug use and addiction. You will explore topics like the brain’s response to substances, behavioral health, and the biological basis of addiction. During the program, you will engage in activities such as assisting with laboratory experiments, collecting and analyzing data, participating in research team meetings, and learning about the latest scientific techniques. What makes this program unique is its hands-on mentorship from leading researchers and access to cutting-edge research facilities. You will develop valuable skills in critical thinking, scientific inquiry, data interpretation, and professional communication.
10. Johns Hopkins Internship in Brain Sciences (JHIBS) - Virtual Program
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: None/$500 scholarship upon successful completion
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive/5-6 students
Dates: 5 weeks in summer between June and August
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: Current high school juniors and seniors in the U.S.
The Johns Hopkins virtual internship in brain sciences offers psychology internships through a nationwide 5-week research experience. Students interested in behavioral sciences (psychiatry or psychology) or brain health-related sciences can participate from anywhere in the U.S. The program includes professional development workshops, educational presentations from professionals and students, and sessions on basic laboratory techniques and experiments. You will receive mentorship throughout the experience and participate in college prep classes and networking events. Participants complete a virtual research project and present their findings to demonstrate their learning. The program specifically encourages applications from underrepresented backgrounds as part of Johns Hopkins' effort to diversify the neuroscience and mental health fields.
11. UCLA Neuroscience High School Scholars Program
Location: UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, virtual options available
Cost: None
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Highly competitive/15-50 students
Dates: June 16 - July 24
Application Deadline: March 3
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors
The UCLA Neuroscience High School Scholars Program offers a 6-week program focusing specifically on Alzheimer's disease and related dementia research, exposing students to neuroscience topics while highlighting health disparities and cultural sensitivities. You will work with physician-scientists and research professionals on tasks from data entry, literature reviews, to brain-cutting sessions. The program includes seminars, journal clubs, community outreach activities, and clinical trial preparation. Students from underrepresented communities are specifically encouraged to apply as part of UCLA's effort to diversify the neuroscience field. The program runs Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm and requires students to attend all sessions.
12. UT Southwestern Inspiring Careers in Mental Health
Location: Virtual
Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Small cohorts
Dates: 2-week sessions typically scheduled in June
Application Deadline: Typically early February
Eligibility: Rising 10th, 11th, and 12th grade students
UT Southwestern Inspiring Careers in Mental Health is a two-week virtual summer program for high school students interested in pursuing a career in mental health. The program is led by mental health clinician-scientists, including psychiatrists, neuropsychologists, physician assistants, and licensed clinical social workers. The program includes interactive sessions where you will learn about fields like psychotherapy, neuroscience, neuropsychological testing, and community psychiatry through direct engagement with the facilitators. You will be assigned topical readings before sessions and have opportunities to ask questions about day-to-day careers and education paths in mental health. Students also collaborate on projects and may observe clinical work or case conferences.
13. The Introduction to Psychology at Carnegie Mellon University’s Open Learning Initiative (OLI)
Location: Virtual
Cost: None
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Open enrollment
Dates: Self-paced
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: All high school students
Carnegie Mellon University’s Introduction to Psychology course, available through the Open Learning Initiative, is a flexible, web-based program designed for high school students. It guides learners through fundamental areas of psychology, such as the brain and behavior, perception, learning, memory, language, intelligence, development across the lifespan, personality, psychological disorders, emotions, motivation, consciousness, well-being, and mental health. The course is divided into 16 sections, each featuring engaging videos, hands-on activities, and knowledge checks to reinforce understanding. You will explore how psychologists conduct research and build scientific knowledge, gaining insight into both classic experiments and modern findings. This self-paced format allows you to work independently and deepen your grasp of psychological principles in an interactive, supportive learning environment.
14. Psychology in Our Everyday Lives – Rice University
Location: Virtual
Cost: $1,495 - $1,795
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Multiple one, two and four week sessions with varying dates between June and August. More details here
Application Deadline: Multiple deadlines between June and August as per the program dates; usually one week before the individual program start date
Eligibility: High school students aged 13 and up
This virtual summer course from Rice University gives high school students a strong introduction to the essential concepts and real-world applications of psychological science. You will dive into areas such as cognitive, health, and organizational psychology, while also discovering how research methods and statistical tools help explain, predict, and influence behavior. A key part of the program is the capstone project, where students produce a three-minute video that examines a real-world problem through a psychological perspective. Along the way, you will receive guidance from graduate-level psychology mentors and gain exposure to different career paths in the field. By the program’s conclusion, you will have sharpened valuable skills like critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity, and will earn a Certificate of Completion recognizing your achievement.
15. Stanford University - SHTEM: Summer Internships
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: None; barring an application fee of $50; financial aid is available/None
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Highly competitive | Approximately 60 students selected annually
Dates: Typically June–August (8 weeks)
Application Deadline: Typically in March
Eligibility: Current high school juniors or seniors at the time of application | At least 14 years old by June 17
The Stanford SHTEM (Science, Humanities, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) Summer Internship is a rigorous eight-week research program conducted entirely online and aimed at high school juniors and seniors. Throughout the summer, you will work with other participants in small teams on projects that blend science and technology with areas like psychology, philosophy, linguistics, and design. Guided by Stanford professors, graduate students, and staff from the Stanford Compression Forum, you’ll devote around 30 to 40 hours each week to hands-on research and collaborative learning. The program wraps up with group presentations, allowing you to showcase what you’ve accomplished. SHTEM offers a chance to gain real research experience and deepen your understanding of interdisciplinary study.
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