Internship Opportunities

What is an internship?

An internship is a short-term position within an organization, designed to give the intern direct experience in an occupation of interest. We help undergraduate students majoring in psychology to line up internships with relevant local and national organizations. Although these semester-long internships are usually unpaid, you can receive 1-4 credit hours by enrolling in the “PSY 391 Internship Experience” course. 

• Why should you consider an internship?
  It is not enough to take courses during college, you need other accomplishments on your resume to stand out and be competitive in the job market.
• It can be hard to imagine a potential career path if you have never observed or taken part in the day-to-day aspects of the job. Completing an internship will give you a realistic sense of what a potential job actually involves, to determine whether it is a good fit for you.
• Internships expand your career network. You will form relationships with professionals who can write letters of recommendation for you, and help guide and mentor you as you develop your career.
• The host organization may offer you a job after a successful internship. 

Organizational Site Partners 

We partner with local and national organizations to provide high-quality internship opportunities for our psychology majors. Click on the links below to learn more about our regular site partners. Students are also welcome to identify their own sites for internship, subject to approval by the Internship Coordinator. 

• Beech Brook
• NAMI Greater Cleveland (National Alliance on Mental Illness)
• MetroHealth Behavioral Health
• InspireKids
• PEP
• GCJFS

Arranging an internship takes time, so you should submit your internship application no later than June for a fall semester internship, no later than October for a spring semester internship, and no later than March for a summer semester internship.

The PSY 391 Internship Experience Course

The Department of Psychology offers undergraduate course credits for approved internships, via the “PSY 391 Internship Experience” course. These internships can take place in Fall, Spring, or Summer semesters. The details of your internship (e.g., specific duties and activities) will be tailored to each student, based on a proposal that you will craft in collaboration with your host organization. 

Students need to meet each of the following requirements to be eligible for a PSY 391 internship (otherwise you will need special permission from the Internship Coordinator)

• Enrolled full-time and in good standing as an undergraduate at CSU.
• Have formally declared a major in psychology.
• Have taken “PSY 200 A Major’s Guide to Psychology” previously, or are currently enrolled in PSY 200
• GPA of at least 3.0 for the two previous semesters on record

Students can enroll in PSY 391 for 1-4 elective credits in psychology, depending on the hours per week spent interning at the host organization.

• 1 credit = 3 hours/week, 45 hours total
• 2 credits = 6 hours/week, 90 hours total
• 3 credits = 9 hours/week, 135 hours total
• 4 credits = 12 hours/week, 180 hours total
   

How do I begin my PSY 391 internship?

If you are interested in pursing a PSY 391 internship, start by filling out the PSY 391 Internship Application form. We will then work with you to establish a match with a host organization (if you have not already identified one). Please fill out your application well in advance of the semester in which you hope to intern, as you will need to have the proposal approved and complete any onboarding procedures required by your host organization (e.g., background checks, immunizations) before the first week of classes. 

Once enrolled, what are the requirements for the PSY 391 course?

Specific activities and duties at the host organization will vary according to the agreement between you and your site supervisor (as described in your proposal). At the end of the semester, you will download & complete the Student Internship Review Form, and your supervisor will complete the Supervisor Review Form, evaluating how the internship went and whether you accomplished your goals.  These review forms will be due before exam week (1st week of December for Fall semesters, or 1st week of May for Spring semesters). The information in these reviews will be used to help determine your pass/fail grade in the PSY 391 course.

Contact Information

If you have any questions about the PSY 391 course and/or internships in general, email the Psychology Internship Coordinator, Dr. Rob Hurley.

Opportunities for Psychology Internships

NAMI Greater Cleveland

Intern with NAMI Greater Cleveland!

Do you have a passion for raising mental health awareness? Are you someone who wants to be part of a national movement to support people with mental illness, provide education and resources, and eliminate stigma everywhere? NAMI Greater Cleveland is happy to offer internships in the areas of Helpline, Communications,

and Marketing & Development.

Our internship opportunities are unpaid and are available to rising juniors and seniors enrolled in accredited four-year university programs, as well as graduate students. For Marketing & Development and Technology Production, full fall/spring academic year internships are preferred, but single semester internships will also be considered on a case-by-case basis. For the Helpline, full fall/spring academic year internships

are required. Our Helpline and Volunteer Coordinator is also equipped to provide

clinical supervision to bachelor’s level social work students serving as Helpline interns.

We require a minimum of 8+ hours of work weekly from all our interns.

NAMI Greater Cleveland internships allow you the opportunity to build professional relationships in the nonprofit mental health field to strengthen your chances of finding employment upon graduation. We are always looking for creative individuals who are passionate about mental health advocacy and eager to put their unique stamp on more relevant and innovative programming.

See below for brief descriptions of the responsibilities of each of our internship opportunities. Complete the form below to apply for an internship with NAMI Greater Cleveland. For any additional questions, please contact Melissa Cocchi, Helpline and Volunteer Coordinator, at mcocchi@namicleveland.org.

Helpline Intern responsibilities include:

• respectfully and effectively respond to calls, emails and live chat inquiries to NAMI Greater Cleveland Helpline service, in accordance with the NAMI Helpline model
• maintain the privacy of people who contact the Helpline by keeping their sensitive, private and personal information confidential
• intervene immediately and appropriately when there is a danger of harm to a Helpline caller or others.
• complete data collection and recordkeeping tasks in an accurate, timely manner.
• maintain a high level of energy and enthusiasm for NAMI and NAMI Greater Cleveland’s mission and purpose
• conduct volunteer work in a manner that is aligned with NAMI Greater Cleveland’s mission and consistent with the organization’s policies
• demonstrate a positive, professional demeanor with NAMI Greater Cleveland community partners, staff, and other volunteers at all times
• respect, relate to and represent the interests of persons with mental illness and their family members

Communications Intern responsibilities include:

• create social media posts and other promotional materials for NAMI Greater Cleveland events and programming
• develop outreach lists for promotion of NAMI Greater Cleveland events
• provide support at NAMI Greater Cleveland in-person events as needed
• research topics and assist staff in the development of relevant stories using a

variety of sources to be shared on NAMI Greater Cleveland’s social media sites: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn

• produce and edit video, podcasts, and live stream content that adheres to NAMI Greater Cleveland’s guidelines and standards; share content on our online channels, including social media and YouTube
• communicate with writers, directors, coordinators and other members of staff to ensure the smooth running of projects
• provide assistance in all components of production for virtual programming

including moderating and managing the technological aspects of presentations (e.g., announce guests, oversee chat box, Q&A, post-presentation materials, poll management)

• assist program facilitators and participants by handling technical issues as they arise
• assist with the development of online surveys for various departmental needs

Marketing & Development Intern responsibilities include:

• help develop content and graphics to be shared on NAMI Greater Cleveland’s social media sites: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, and LinkedIn
• provide assistance writing and editing articles for quarterly newsletter, monthly e-newsletter and annual reports
• assist with general aspects of organizing NAMI GC’s Membership/Volunteer Appreciation event, Annual Meeting and Awards Ceremony, and NAMIWalks
• meet weekly with Special Events and Development Coordinator and contribute to event planning and social media program planning

Compensation:

This is an unpaid position. The position offers an excellent opportunity to work on substantive projects and can result in a great reference. There is opportunity for CSU psychology course credit if pre-approved. For course credit complete CSU’s PSY 391 Internship Application form

• At NAMI, we believe a diverse, inclusive, and equitable organization (or Alliance) is one where all volunteers, employees, and members — regardless of gender,

race, gender identity, ethnicity, national origin, age, sexual orientation,

education, disability, veteran status or other dimension of diversity — feel valued and respected.

• We are committed to providing informed, authentic leadership for cultural equity and modeling diversity and inclusion for the entire NAMI alliance.

• We expect all of our interns to embrace this notion and to express it in program interactions and through everyday practice.
• We are committed to a nondiscriminatory approach and to providing equal opportunity for internships in all programs & worksites.

APPLY HERE!

csu-nami-flier.docx

Don’t forget to apply for course credit as well:

Complete CSU’s PSY 391 Internship Application form 

Internship Opportunity at MetroHealth Behavioral Health

The MetroHealth System, in partnership with Cleveland State University, has launched an internship opportunity that allows students to gain clinical exposure in a behavioral health inpatient hospital and outpatient setting. Enrolled students in the course will complete 9–12 hours of onsite work per week, across multiple locations throughout The MetroHealth System. Students will collaborate alongside teams of psychologists, behavioral health specialists, social workers, and counselors and will observe their interactions in clinical care.

This course is for one semester and is a non-paid internship. You will receive course credit at CSU. Reliable transportation, COVID-19 vaccination, annual flu shot, drug screening, and background check are required.

To apply, complete a PSY 391 Internship Application form

csu-metrohealth-flier.docx

Beach Brook

Kickstart Your Career with an Internship at Beech Brook!
Gain valuable skills and hands-on experience with children and families. We offer school-based, outpatient services, foster care, early childhood, and more!
Benefits of joining the Beech Brook Internship Program:
•    Engage with clients and gain trauma-informed care experience.
•    Develop the skills needed to become an independent licensed practitioner through weekly supervision, program instruction, and agency resources.
•    Our largest program, the School-Based department, will provide experience working with diverse student bodies in a school setting. We have the most availability for field
placements in this program.
•    Interns may need to be available during the school day if they work with children during the school year.
•    Flexibility in earning your required hours and achieving your desired goals.
•    Opportunities to attend agency trainings to develop skills and clinical knowledge.
•    Eligible placement for the Great Minds Fellowship.

Requirements:
How to Join our Team!
Apply at www.beechbrook.org/internships
•    Undergraduates working towards a degree in social work or psychology.
•    Graduate students working towards a degree in social work, counseling, or marriage and family therapy.
•    Psychology students must complete 6+ hours per week, enroll in the PSY 391 internship course for 2-4 credits. 

Apply Here for PSY 391 internship course 

*CPR training and background checks must be completed (handled at Beech Brook with no cost).

csu-beech-brook-flier.docx

Positive Education Program

pepcleve.org/work-with-us

Make a difference with us!
PEP and CSU have partnered to offer an internship program
to psychology students at our Therapeutic Schools.
Pay: $16 per hour
Hours: 6 - 8 hours per week
To apply: Email your resume to  r.s.hurley@csu.edu

InspireKids

Interns majoring in psychology at CSU will be eligible to enroll in PSY 391 for the course. 

Contact the CSU psychology Internship coordinator, 

Dr. Robert Hurley (r.s.hurley@csuohio.edu) for more information.
 

Summer Paid Internships at Geauga County Family Services

Employer: Geauga County Job and Family Services
Location: 12611 Ravenwood Drive; Chardon, OH 44024
Job title: Paid Student Intern
Position type: Part-time or full-time, seasonal
Base rate: $15.00/hour
Compensation: › Friendly work culture 
› Sick leave and personal days
› 11 paid holidays per calendar year
Hours of work: Depending on schedules, hours may vary between 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, some 
evening/weekend hours as needed.
Summary: Geauga County Job and Family Services is seeking enthusiastic students to join our Social Services Division.
This is a unique learning opportunity for students to turn their passion for helping others into purpose by 
gaining valuable hands-on experience in a real-world social service environment. As an intern, you will be
given a realistic job preview by working alongside experienced professionals who will help you develop the 
skills and knowledge necessary for a rewarding career in social work. 
This internship is open to students who are currently pursuing a degree in social work, psychology, sociology, 
criminal justice, or a closely related field, and have a strong interest in pursuing a career in child or adult 
protective services. Strong communication, interpersonal, and organization skills are essential for success in 
this role. The ideal candidate will be compassionate, level-headed, and dedicated to making a positive impact 
in the lives of others and the community.
If you’re ready to learn, grow, and help make a difference, we would love to have you as part of our team!
Requirements: › Must be currently enrolled in an accredited degree program (BSW, MSW, Psychology, Sociology, Criminal 
Justice, etc.)
› Written agreement with the student’s school placing a student intern at the agency
› Valid driver’s license, proof of insurance, and good driving record
› Ability to pass pre-employment drug screening and FBI/BCI&I background checks
Direct link to the application