15 Psychology Summer Programs for High School Students in Texas

Nov 11

If you are a high school student interested in psychology, summer programs are a good way to explore careers in mental health, neuroscience, and behavioral science. These programs provide opportunities to contribute to research and receive professional mentorship. As a participant, you will gain insight into domains such as psychotherapy, neuropsychology, cognitive science, and counseling while developing transferable skills like communication, collaboration, and critical thinking.

Texas has several excellent opportunities for high schoolers offered by leading universities, medical centers, and research institutes. These programs help you get started, whether you want to shadow professionals in a hospital environment, participate in guided research on brain function, or join mentorship programs that connect you with practicing psychologists. To help you get started, we’ve put together 15 psychology summer programs for high school students in Texas, including both research-based and clinical exposure options.

1. Psychology Academy

Location: University of Texas at Austin, TX
Cost/Stipend: Free tuition for Texas residents; optional $95 fee for Mental Health First Aid certification
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: June 15 – June 27
Application Deadline: May 15
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9–12

The Psychology Academy at UT Austin offers a 2-week introduction to human behavior, cognitive processes, and psychological theory. You will engage in hands-on learning activities, including gratitude journaling, small-group discussions, and case-based exercises, that help you connect theory with practical applications. The program also incorporates guest lectures from practicing professionals across psychology subfields, giving you exposure to career pathways. A highlight of the academy is the field research project, which allows you to apply what you’ve learned in a real-world context. You will also complete Mental Health First Aid training and can opt for certification, making this program a comprehensive experience in psychology.

2. Ladder Internship Program

Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: Varies according to program; financial aid available on a need basis
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including summer (8–12 weeks)
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort (Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter)
Eligibility: Open to high school students, undergraduates, and gap year students; requires a 10–20 hours/week commitment

Ladder Internships is a selective program where high school students gain professional experience by working with high-growth start-ups across domains such as health tech, biotech, psychology, and mental health. Over the course of 8–12 weeks, you will contribute to real-world projects while working closely with your Manager and receiving guidance from a Ladder Coach. The program concludes with a presentation of your work, providing valuable experience in professional communication and project management.

3. High School Research Academy (HSRA) – Neuroscience Track

Location: UT Austin, TX
Cost/Stipend: Free; limited need-based scholarships available with a stipend option
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; limited spots per track
Dates: June 9 – July 16
Application Deadline: March 23
Eligibility: High school students, typically rising juniors and seniors; must be at least 15 years old by June 1

The High School Research Academy at UT Austin provides a 5-week immersive research opportunity for students interested in STEM, including a track in neuroscience. In this track, you will join an active College of Natural Sciences lab and investigate topics such as sensory circuits, computational modeling, or neural systems. You’ll gain experience with techniques like gene expression mapping, brain tissue imaging, and neural data analysis. The program also features weekly seminars with UT faculty, mentorship from undergraduates, and academic credit through a UT extension course. The experience concludes with a formal research symposium, where you will showcase your findings using a professional poster.

4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program

Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: Varies according to program; financial aid available on a need basis
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Multiple cohorts year-round; Summer Cohort I runs from June 2 to August 25
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort; April 13 for Summer Cohort I
Eligibility: High school students with strong academic records, a GPA of 3.3+ recommended

Lumiere’s psychology track pairs high school students with PhD mentors to guide them in completing an independent research project in areas like cognitive psychology, developmental disorders, behavioral science, or social neuroscience. You will gain experience in academic research practices, including reviewing literature, planning methods, and conducting data analysis using tools like JASP or Python. Mentors provide structured feedback throughout, helping you refine your ideas and write a full-length research paper by the end of the program.

5. Psychology – Rice University Pre-College Program

Location: Houston, TX or Remote
Cost/Stipend: Tuition-based; scholarships available on a need basis
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Multiple sessions offered throughout the summer
Application Deadline: Varies depending on the session; rolling deadlines are announced monthly
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9–12

Rice University’s pre-college program offers high school students an introduction to psychology using both in-person and online options. You will study key concepts in cognition, perception, development, and abnormal psychology while analyzing real case studies and behavioral research. The program emphasizes skill-building, which includes reading scientific papers, writing in a professional format, and understanding the ethical issues that psychologists face. The on-campus students participate in seminars and lab sessions, while online learners engage in interactive, discussion-based coursework.

6. Foundations of Psychology

Location: UT Austin, TX
Cost/Stipend: Tuition-based; scholarships available for eligible students
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: June 29 – July 18
Application Deadline: May 15
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9–12

The UT Austin’s Foundations of Psychology is a 3-week pre-college course designed to introduce students to human behavior, cognition, and emotion. You will study both classic theories and contemporary research, applying psychological principles through classroom experiments and real-world observations. The curriculum focuses on developing vocabulary, analyzing psychological studies, and exploring the connections between the cognitive and social self. The program also includes guided discussions and hands-on activities to deepen your understanding of psychological mechanisms in practice. At the end of the course, you will receive a certificate and a letter of recognition showcasing your academic work.

7. Persuasive Communication & Public Speaking

This 3-week UT Austin course combines communication studies with psychology to explore how persuasion works and how to become an effective speaker. You will study the psychological principles of influence, audience engagement, and the role of storytelling in persuasion. The coursework focuses on live presentations, peer critiques, and practical exercises to build confidence and sharpen rhetorical techniques. You’ll also practice structuring logical arguments and tailoring your delivery for different audiences and contexts. By the end of the program, you will have enhanced both your public speaking and critical thinking skills.

8. Neuroscience: Unlocking the Brain’s Secrets

UT Austin’s Neuroscience: Unlocking the Brain’s Secrets introduces you to the biological and cognitive foundations of behavior. You will study brain anatomy through virtual tools, analyze neural circuits involved in memory, learning, and sensory processing, and review case studies on neurological disorders and injuries. The course, taught by Dr. Lisa Griffin, emphasizes connecting scientific concepts to real-world clinical and research challenges. In addition to lab-based exploration, you will participate in data analysis and group discussions that showcase cutting-edge neuroscience research. At the end of the program, you’ll receive a certificate and a recognition letter to include in your academic portfolio.

9. Positive Psychology and Mental Wellness

Location: Austin, TX
Cost/Stipend: Tuition-based; supplemental $95 fee applies for Mental Health First Aid certification; scholarships are available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: June 29 – July 18
Application Deadline: May 15
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9–12

This 3-week UT Austin course introduces you to developmental and positive psychology with a focus on resilience, curiosity, and personal growth. You will analyze how psychological research examines well-being, happiness, and coping strategies while also learning how to apply these frameworks to real life. Coursework includes case studies, assigned scientific readings, and exercises like keeping a well-being journal. Taught by a counseling psychology doctoral candidate, the program also prepares you to earn a Teen Mental Health First Aid certification.

10. Psychology: Inside Diagnosis and Treatment

Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: $1,795; financial aid available on a need basis
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrollment
Dates: 2–4 week sessions offered year-round, including summer
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions until sessions are filled
Eligibility: High school students aged 13 and above

Northwestern’s online psychology course introduces students to the principles of clinical psychology, with a focus on diagnosing mental health disorders and understanding treatment options. Through video lectures, assignments, and case studies, you will study psychological assessments and therapy approaches. Mentorship and support are provided throughout, helping you apply your learning to a capstone project that connects course content to a real-world scenario or personal analysis. The program emphasizes analytical thinking, communication, and applied problem-solving within the field of psychology. Upon completion of the course, you’ll earn a Certificate of Completion.

11. Inspiring Careers in Mental Health

Location: Online hosted from Dallas, TX
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; limited spots available
Dates: June 17 – June 28
Application Deadline: May 1
Eligibility: Rising 10th–12th-grade students and rising first-year college students

This 2-week virtual internship introduces students to career paths in psychology and mental health. You will participate in live sessions with professionals – including psychiatrists, neuropsychologists, physician assistants, and licensed clinical social workers – gaining insight into what it is like to work in these fields. Topics include psychotherapy, neuropsychological testing, and interventional psychiatry, and practical discussions on education and training. To prepare, you’ll complete assigned readings ranging from journal articles to case studies that provide context for the interactive sessions. The program emphasizes the application of psychological concepts in the real world, providing you with both academic preparation and mentorship connections in the field of mental health.

12. Psychology: Explore the Mind & Mental Wellness

Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: $1,795; financial aid may be available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrollment
Dates: 1-week, 2-week, or 4-week sessions offered year-round
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions until sessions are filled
Eligibility: High school students aged 13 years and above

This Dartmouth online course introduces students to clinical psychology with a focus on mental wellness, diagnosis, and therapeutic practice. You will learn how psychologists evaluate and treat mental health conditions, while also examining the social and emotional factors that affect well-being. The course is a combination of pre-recorded lectures, discussion prompts, and mentorship to guide you through the entire learning process. Case-based projects allow you to apply psychological theory to real-world scenarios, concluding in a capstone project. At the end of the program, you will receive a Certificate of Completion, highlighting your academic achievements in psychology.

13. APA Internships – American Psychological Association

Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: Both paid and unpaid options available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Varies depending on the position; highly competitive
Dates: Offered year-round on a rolling basis
Application Deadline: Varies depending on the position
Eligibility: High school students enrolled part-time in an academic institution, eligible to work in the U.S., and residing in a state where APA is registered as an employer

The American Psychological Association (APA) offers remote internships for high school students interested in psychology, research, and organizational operations. You will support projects in areas such as policy, communications, and research, while gaining practical experience in writing and administrative tasks. You will have access to professional databases like PsycINFO and PsycARTICLES, giving you early access to academic research tools used in the field. The program also includes a 1-year APA student affiliate membership, along with workshops and group discussions that highlight different career paths in psychology.

14. Psychology: How the Brain Influences Behavior

Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: $1,795 (enrichment course); $3,995 (college credit course)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrollment
Dates: 1–12 weeks, depending on the course type, which is offered year-round
Application Deadline: Rolling; typically closes 1 week before course start
Eligibility: High school students aged 13 years and above

This Georgetown asynchronous course is a combination of psychology and neuroscience to examine how the brain influences behavior. You will investigate topics such as learning, memory, sleep, and emotion, with connections to real-world areas like technology, product design, and social media. The program includes video lectures, readings, and 1-on-1 mentorship, guiding you through both scientific concepts and applied case studies. The highlight is a capstone project, where you’ll use the scientific method to analyze a real-life routine and present your findings. You may also choose the for-credit version of the course, which provides college credit upon completion.

15. Psychology & Brain Sciences Summer Programs

Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: $1,950; financial aid available on a need basis
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrollment
Dates: Two-week sessions offered throughout the summer
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions until sessions are filled
Eligibility: Rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors with a minimum GPA of 3.0

Johns Hopkins offers 4 pre-college courses in psychology and neuroscience, allowing students to explore topics such as neurobiology, psychological profiling, and psychopathology. Each course combines asynchronous learning with multimedia lectures, guided assignments, and optional live discussions led by faculty. You’ll gain a structured introduction to research methods, case-based analysis, and emerging work in neuroscience and psychology. Beyond coursework, you can take part in co-curricular clubs, expert talks, and community forums designed to broaden your exposure to this field.

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Dhruva Bhat

Dhruva Bhat is one of the co-founders of Ladder, and a Harvard College graduate. Dhruva founded Ladder Internships as a DPhil candidate and Rhodes Scholar at Oxford University, with a vision to bridge the gap between ambitious students and real-world startup experiences.