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Psychological Trainee Jobs in Virginia (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 Virginia?

The most popular types of Psychological jobs in Virginia are:

QMHP or QMHP-T - $5K hiring bonus - NEW Crisis Receiving Center

Horizon Behavioral Health

Lynchburg, VA โ€ข On-site

$1.5K/mo

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 11 days ago


Job description

Hours: full-time (37.5 hours per week), with full-time benefits
*This posting is for NIGHT SHIFT: 7:00 pm - 7:30 am, 12.5-hour shifts, 3 days per week*
Location: Lynchburg VA, 24501
$5000 Hiring Bonus for CRC QMHP or CRC QMHP-T, active as of 04/08/2026: $5000 Total, paid in three (3) installments; $2000 upon receipt of the following: Background clearances, including fingerprint background check, Acceptable drug screen results, Satisfactory references; $1500 upon satisfactory completion of the six (6) month probationary period; $1500 upon completion of twelve (12) months of continuous employment, with a satisfactory performance evaluation. This hiring bonus is applicable to new hires only, or otherwise, individuals not having been employed for a minimum of 1 year from the date application is received.
Position Summary
The Clinician QMHP or QMHP-T provides a variety of essential services for the adult 23-hour observation, residential stabilization unit, and detox program. Direct services are provided to clients in both an individual and group format and include, crisis intervention, care coordination, skills restoration and education, symptom and behavior management. Clinicians-QMHP also provide collaborative communication with treatment team members, treatment planning and discharge planning. These services are provided in order to help clients in a state of psychiatric crisis achieve stability in order to successfully transition back into the community and avoid inpatient hospitalization
Required Education and Experience
Requirements for QMHP:

  • Education: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college/university. Prefer Bachelor's degree from an accredited college/university in an applicable human services field (including social work, counseling, behavioral science, psychology, or other DMAS-approved human services and related fields degree).
  • Experience: One year of relevant clinical experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the stated knowledge skills and abilities. Prefer experience working with the population to be served.
  • Credential: Qualified Mental Health Professional
Requirements for QMHP-T:
  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited college/university. Prefer Bachelor's degree from an accredited college/university in an applicable human services field (including social work, counseling, behavioral science, psychology, or other DMAS-approved human services and related fields degree).
  • No professional experience required. Candidates must meet criteria for registration with the Virginia Board of Counseling as a QMHP-Trainee.
    Applicants who are not currently registered may be hired contingent upon: Completion of required employer-provided training (if applicable), and Submission of QMHP-Trainee registration to the Virginia Board of Counseling within six (6) weeks of hire, and current QMHP-T registration is preferred.

Related Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Knowledge of community mental health and public health in order to provide advocacy and enhance an individual treatment and access to community resources.
Knowledge of the principles, techniques, trends, and literature related to mental health, intellectual disabilities and substance abuse.
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Knowledge of and adherence to existing professional ethical standards.
Knowledge of and adherence to licensure regulations related to services provided
Knowledge of and adherence to Horizon policies and procedures.
Ability to communicate effectively in order to facilitate treatment and relay information to others as part of an interdisciplinary team.
Ability to analyze situations accurately and develop appropriate response or techniques.
Ability to perform clinical interviews in order to obtain information and to formulate appropriate treatment plans.
Ability to promote positive, collaborative, and professional working relations among co-workers and representative in the community.
Ability to communicate clinical finding related to clients to both internal and external audiences.
Ability to respond effectively to changes in the work environment in a positive and professional manner
Ability to participate in and successfully pass behavioral intervention training; includes both verbal de-escalation skills and physical skills techniques to be utilized with consumers as needed.
Willing and available to work modified schedules (weekends, holidays, etc.) as required.
Ability to drive and must possess a valid driver's license. May be called upon to travel to any Horizon worksite; transport clients, provide services to client @other locations. Regular attendance at trainings and Horizon meetings may require travel to a variety of Horizon sites.
THE BEST BENEFITS FOR THOSE WHO TAKE CARE OF THE COMMUNITY
We're proud to offer some of the best benefits options in Central Virginia. Participation in the Virginia Retirement System (VRS) is exclusively for public service workers in Virginia, while several options exist for life, health, dental, and vision insurance. Emphasis on work-life balance means a generous annual leave policy ensuring time for wellness with separate time allocated for sick leave and additionally for paid holidays. Stay active with Horizon's annual wellness programs and various opportunities to interact with the community throughout the year. Horizon's clinical sites are NHSC/HRSA-approved for clinical student loan repayment, and qualify for both the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) and the Behavioral Health State Loan Repayment (BHLRP) programs. If you are interested in continuing your education, working at Horizon qualifies you to receive discounts at some local universities.
To Apply - Please visit our online career center at https://www.horizonbh.org/careers/
Horizon Behavioral Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE).