Doctoral School Psychology Internships in NonSchool Settings in the United States

Abstract

School psychologists in the United States work in a variety of settings outside of schools, particularly school psychologists with doctoral degrees. As interns are more likely to obtain employment in a setting similar to the internship site, this study reviewed non-school internship centres that indicated they would consider applications from school psychology doctoral students. Internship directors were asked to complete a questionnaire about the characteristics of the internship site and their perceptions of doctoral interns. School psychology interns devoted the majority of their time to individual and group counselling and psychotherapy and assessment. School psychology interns were perceived as having strengths in educational and psychological assessment and consultation and weaknesses in individual, group and family counselling/psychotherapy. Doctoral students from school psychology programs are perceived as strongest in areas equated with the traditional role of school psychologists in the schools, and weakest at the tasks in which they would devote most time in non-school settings. School psychology doctoral students seeking an internship outside of schools should select additional coursework in counselling and psychotherapy, diagnostic personality assessment and practica in settings similar to the desired internship site. Training programs can support students by providing mentorship and assistance in obtaining the requisite courses and field experiences.