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Psychological Trainee Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Virginia Family Services

QMHP

Richmond, VA · On-site

REGISTERED QMHP( A/C/TRAINEE) COMMUNITY BASED POSITION VIRGINIA FAMILY SERVICES (VFS) is currently ... Bachelor's Degree OR Master's Degree in Psychology, Social Work or related approved Human Services ...

Virginia Family Services

QMHP

Richmond, VA

REGISTERED QMHP( A/C/TRAINEE) COMMUNITY BASED POSITION VIRGINIA FAMILY SERVICES (VFS) is ... Bachelor's Degree OR Master's Degree in Psychology, Social Work or related approved Human Services ...

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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 Virginia?

The most popular types of Psychological jobs in Virginia are:

Psychological Trainee jobs near you

Psychiatry, Clinical Psychologist (M89513)

VCU Health - MCV Physicians

Richmond, VA • On-site

$87K - $121K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 9 days ago

Job description

Clinical Psychologist (M89513)
Children's Hospital of Richmond at VCU - Richmond, VA

The Department of Psychiatry, in collaboration with the Division of Pediatrics and the Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU, is committed to providing comprehensive, interdisciplinary, and evidence-based psychological services to infants, children, and their caregivers. The program emphasizes high-quality care for medically complex populations, including caregiver–infant dyads in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), and continuity of care through outpatient follow-up services.

Chief Purpose of this position

The Clinical Psychologist will provide specialized psychological services to caregiver–infant dyads in the NICU and follow-up programs. The role focuses on supporting caregiver mental health, promoting infant development, and improving family functioning through evidence-based assessment and intervention. The position also supports the academic mission through teaching, supervision, and program development.

Position Responsibilities

Clinical

  • Provide inpatient psychological services to caregiver–infant dyads in a Level IV 60-bed NICU and a Level III 20-bed NICU throughout hospitalization. 
  • Deliver services including brief behavioral interventions and psychological assessment in the Neonatal Continuing Care Program (a developmental follow-up program for high-risk infants). 
  • Provide longer-term outpatient postpartum psychotherapy addressing common concerns such as PTSD, perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, and grief. 
  • Conduct evidence-based trauma-focused treatments, including Prolonged Exposure (PE) and Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) with adults. 
  • Participate in care coordination and consultation to support caregiver mental health and infant developmental outcomes. 

Teaching

  • Provide supervision and training to psychology trainees (e.g., interns, fellows). 
  • Participate in interdisciplinary education, including teaching medical students, pediatric residents, and fellows. 

Service

  • Contribute to departmental and institutional service activities, including committee participation as requested. 

Administrative / Program Development

  • Participate in the development and expansion of NICU and perinatal mental health services. 
  • Support programmatic growth within inpatient NICU psychology services and outpatient follow-up care models.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications

  • Ph.D. or Psy.D. in Clinical or Counseling Psychology from an APA-accredited doctoral program. 
  • Completion of an APA-accredited internship. 
  • Licensed or license-eligible as a Clinical Psychologist in the Commonwealth of Virginia. 
  • Experience in evaluation and treatment of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. 
  • Training and experience in trauma-focused, evidence-based therapies (e.g., Prolonged Exposure, Cognitive Processing Therapy). 
  • Strong interpersonal, communication, and interdisciplinary collaboration skills. 
  • Ability to work effectively within a complex academic medical center environment. 
  • Demonstrated ability to work in and foster an environment of respect, professionalism and civility with a population of faculty, staff, and students from all backgrounds and experiences, or a commitment to do so as a faculty member at VCU. 

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience in infant mental health, early development, and caregiver–infant dyadic interventions. 
  • Experience working in NICU or other medical settings with high-risk infants and families. 
  • Experience providing maternal mental health services, including postpartum care. 
  • Prior teaching and supervision experience with trainees. 
  • Interest or experience in program development within hospital-based or academic settings. 

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