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Psychological Trainee Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Psychological Trainee information

What is a psychological trainee?

Psychological Trainees are individuals in the process of completing their education and practical training in psychology, often as part of a graduate program. They work under the supervision of licensed psychologists to gain hands-on experience in assessment, therapy, research, and other psychological services. This role allows trainees to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings, develop clinical skills, and prepare for future licensure as professional psychologists. Psychological Trainees may work in various settings, such as hospitals, schools, mental health clinics, or research institutions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a psychological trainee?

To thrive as a Psychological Trainee, you need a foundational understanding of psychological theories, assessment techniques, and research methods, typically supported by a relevant undergraduate or graduate degree in psychology or a related field. Familiarity with standardized psychological testing tools, clinical documentation software, and data analysis programs is often expected. Strong interpersonal skills, self-awareness, ethical judgment, and the ability to communicate sensitively with clients set outstanding trainees apart. These skills and qualities are essential to ensure ethical, effective client interactions, accurate assessments, and meaningful contributions to clinical teams.

What are some common challenges psychological trainees face when transitioning from academic settings to clinical practice?

Psychological Trainees often encounter challenges when moving from classroom-based learning to hands-on clinical environments. These can include adjusting to working with diverse client populations, managing complex cases under supervision, and developing effective communication skills with both clients and multidisciplinary teams. Additionally, balancing administrative responsibilities with direct client work can be demanding. However, these experiences are invaluable for building clinical competence and confidence as trainees progress toward full licensure.

What is the difference between Psychological Trainee vs Psychological Assistant?

AspectPsychological TraineePsychological Assistant
Required CredentialsGraduate degree or in training, supervised practiceOften holds a master's or doctoral degree, with some supervised responsibilities
Work EnvironmentInternships, supervised clinical settings, universitiesClinics, hospitals, mental health facilities
Employer & Industry UsageEducational institutions, training programs, mental health agenciesHealthcare providers, mental health clinics, hospitals

Psychological Trainees are typically students or interns gaining supervised experience, while Psychological Assistants are more experienced professionals providing support under supervision. Both roles involve working in clinical settings, but Trainees focus on learning, whereas Assistants have more defined responsibilities.

How do you become a psychological trainee?

To become a psychological trainee, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in psychology or a related field, and some programs require enrollment in a graduate program such as a master's or doctoral degree. Gaining relevant experience through internships or volunteer work and obtaining any required licenses or certifications can also be necessary depending on the specific training program or setting.

What is the easiest job to get in psychology?

Entry-level positions such as psychological research assistant or mental health technician are often the easiest to obtain in psychology, typically requiring a bachelor's degree and some relevant coursework or certification. These roles usually involve supporting professionals and may require basic knowledge of psychological principles and good communication skills.

What are the most commonly searched types of Psychological jobs in California?

The most popular types of Psychological jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Psychological Trainee jobs?

Cities in California with the most Psychological Trainee job openings:

Infographic showing various Psychological Trainee job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, and 25% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Psychologist I Licensed

Children's Hospital Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$115K - $130K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 24 days ago


Children's Hospital Los Angeles rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 25 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

55th of 1,061 rated hospitals


Job description

Job Description
Join a team that's shaping the future of pediatric care. Children's Hospital Los Angeles is consistently ranked among the top 10 children's hospitals in the nation, delivering world-class care through more than 350 specialized programs and services. Here, world-class experts in medicine, research, and education work together to deliver family-centered care to more than 155,000 patients each year. At CHLA, your work will help build brighter tomorrows for the children and families we serve.
Overview
Purpose Statement/Position Summary: The Licensed Psychologist I, provides mental health evaluation and treatment for children, adolescents, and families in the department or division's area of focus. Provides autism spectrum and neurodevelopmental assessments, diagnoses, family feedback, and clinical interventions with children, adolescents, and adults through the Neurodevelopmental Assessment Core at The Saban Research Institute of Children's Hospital Los Angeles. Primary emphasis is on autism spectrum and related disorders, with additional diagnoses assessed in multidisciplinary studies. Previous medical diagnoses also include sickle and non-sickle anemias, pediatric brain tumors, Type 1 diabetes, congenital heart disease, congenital hydrocephalus, and long COVID. This role may also provide individual and group supervision and training for pre-and postdoctoral psychology trainees. This role may present APA-accredited, one-hour continuing education lectures. Provides psychological/developmental assessments as needed. May provide individual and group supervision to pre- and postdoctoral psychology trainees. Teaching duties include didactic presentations; community presentations; and participation in staff/supervisor meetings at which teaching & training programs are developed. Opportunities for additional areas of interest with independent research and clinical work may be available.
This role involves engaging with a diverse participant population, including a significant number of Spanish-speaking individuals. Spanish language proficiency is highly preferred to facilitate effective communication and support data collection.
Minimum Qualifications/Work Experience:
  • Supervised professional experience providing clinical psychology assessments, diagnostic evaluations, and clinical interventions to a child, adolescent, and adult autism spectrum disorders population is required.
  • Supervised professional experience and certification administering the Autism Diagnostic Observation Scale (ADOS) is preferred.
  • Experience providing supervision and training to pre and postdoctoral psychology trainees preferred.
  • Experience working with bilingual English/Spanish and monolingual Spanish strongly preferred.
  • Supervised professional experience providing therapy to a child, adolescent, and/or pediatric psychology population is required.
  • Experience conducting psychological and developmental assessments is preferred.
  • Spanish language proficiency is highly preferred.
Education/Licensure/Certification:
  • Ph.D., Psy.D., or Ed.D., in School, Counseling, or Clinical Psychology; prefer education from an APA-accredited program.
  • Licensed Psychologist in the State of California or license eligible where applicants must have received completed their licensure by their anticipated start date.
  • American Heart Association BLS Certification required.

Pay Scale Information
$115,003.20-$130,000.00
CHLA values the contribution each Team Member brings to our organization. Final determination of a successful candidate's starting pay will vary based on a number of factors, including, but not limited to, education and experience within the job or the industry. The pay scale listed for this position is generally for candidates who meet the specified qualifications and requirements listed on this specific job description. Additional pay may be determined for those candidates who exceed these specified qualifications and requirements. We provide a competitive compensation package that recognizes your experience, credentials, and education alongside a robust benefits program to meet your needs.
About Us
CHLA is a leader in pediatric and adolescent health, in our community, across the nation, and around the world . As a premier Magnet®-recognized teaching hospital, CHLA offers an environment rooted in learning, collaboration, and compassionate care. . We are home to groundbreaking research, clinical innovation, and a culture that supports personal and professional growth.
Since 1932, CHLA has been affiliated with the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California. Through this partnership and our own enduring mission, we remain committed to creating hope and building healthier futures.
CHLA is an Equal Opportunity Employer
At Children's Hospital Los Angeles, our work matters. And so do each and every one of our valued team members. We consider qualified applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran or military status, genetic information or any other legally protected basis under federal, state or local laws, regulations or ordinances. We will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal history, in a manner consistent with the requirements of state and local laws, including the LA City Fair Chance Ordinance and SF Fair Chance Ordinance.
Qualified Applicants with disabilities are entitled to reasonable accommodation under the California Fair Employment and Housing Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act. Please contact CHLA Human Resources if you need assistance completing the application process.
Our various experiences, perspectives and backgrounds allow us to better serve our patients and create a strong community at CHLA.

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