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Psychologist Internship Jobs in Puerto Rico (NOW HIRING)

Psychologist Internship information

What is a psychologist internship?

A psychologist internship is a supervised training program for graduate students in psychology, typically required as part of a doctoral degree. During the internship, interns gain practical experience by working with clients in clinical, counseling, or research settings under the supervision of licensed psychologists. This experience helps interns develop essential skills in assessment, therapy, and ethical practice, and is necessary for licensure as a psychologist. Internships usually last one year and are often completed in hospitals, mental health clinics, or academic institutions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a psychologist intern?

To thrive as a Psychologist Intern, you need foundational knowledge in psychological theories, assessment methods, and mental health interventions, typically supported by progress toward a graduate degree in psychology. Familiarity with diagnostic tools like the DSM-5, psychological testing instruments, and electronic health record systems is often required. Strong interpersonal skills, empathy, ethical judgment, and the ability to communicate effectively with clients and supervisors distinguish outstanding interns. These skills are crucial for providing effective client support, learning from supervision, and developing professional competence in real-world clinical settings.

What types of supervision and mentorship can I expect during a psychologist internship?

During a psychologist internship, you will typically receive structured supervision from licensed psychologists who provide regular feedback and guidance on your casework and professional development. Supervision often includes weekly one-on-one meetings, case discussions, and opportunities to observe or co-facilitate sessions. Many programs also offer group supervision and interdisciplinary collaboration, allowing you to learn from peers and professionals in related fields. This supportive environment is designed to help you gain practical experience, build your clinical skills, and prepare for independent practice after licensure.

What is the difference between Psychologist Internship vs Psychologist?

AspectPsychologist InternshipPsychologist
Required CredentialsGraduate or doctoral student in psychology, supervisedDoctoral degree (Ph.D. or Psy.D.), licensure required
Work EnvironmentInternship sites, clinics, hospitals, universitiesPrivate practices, hospitals, clinics, research settings
Employer & Industry UsageTraining position within psychology fieldLicensed professional providing therapy, assessment, research

Psychologist Internships are training roles for students gaining supervised experience, while Psychologists are licensed professionals offering clinical services. Internships prepare individuals for licensure, whereas Psychologists have completed all credentials and can independently practice.

How to get a psychologist internship?

To obtain a psychologist internship, candidates typically need to have completed coursework in psychology and hold or be pursuing a relevant degree, such as a bachelor's or master's. Applying through university career centers, professional psychology organizations, and directly to healthcare facilities or clinics is common, and some internships require passing background checks or obtaining specific certifications like CPR or first aid.

What internships can I do as a psychologist intern?

Psychologist internships typically include placements in mental health clinics, hospitals, schools, or research settings, providing experience in assessment, therapy, and data collection. These internships often require relevant coursework, a background in psychology, and supervision from licensed professionals, and they may be part-time or full-time over several months.

What kind of internships should a psychologist internship do?

A psychology internship should include supervised clinical experience in areas such as assessment, therapy, and research. Interns often work in mental health clinics, hospitals, or academic settings, gaining skills in patient interaction, psychological testing, and treatment planning while meeting licensing or certification requirements.

What are the most commonly searched types of Psychologist jobs in Puerto Rico?

The most popular types of Psychologist jobs in Puerto Rico are:

What cities in Puerto Rico are hiring for Psychologist Internship jobs?

Cities in Puerto Rico with the most Psychologist Internship job openings:

Clinical Psychologist (Staff Psychologist) - Recruitment Incentive

Guaynabo, PR

$74K/yr

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago


Job description

Corrections professionals who foster a humane and secure environment and ensure public safety by preparing individuals for successful reentry into our communities.Qualifications:

Basic Requirements:
Satisfactory completion of all the requirements for a doctoral degree (Ph.D. or equivalent) directly related to full professional work in clinical psychology.
NOTE: If you are within nine (9) months of completing all the requirements for your PH.D in Clinical or Counseling psychology, you MUST electronically upload a copy of your unofficial transcript documenting current enrollment in a PHD program AND upload an official letter from the Registrar office or Dean validating current enrollment in Clinical or Counseling and your program projected completion date (MM,DD,YYYY). If selected, you MUST provide a letter from the university validating the completion date (MM,DD,YYYY) of all degree requirements to the local Human Resource prior to entering on duty. If your official letter from the Registrar office or Dean verified completion of all degree requirements with the sole exception being completion of your internship, an official letter from your Internship Program Coordinator, prior to entry on duty, is acceptable.
Applicants who meet the above basic requirements are fully qualified for the GS-11 level.
AND
In addition to the basic requirements, applicants must have:
Education:
GS-12: There is no substitution of education for specialized experience for this position at this level.
Experience:
GS-12: You must have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent in difficulty and complexity to the next lower grade level. To be creditable, this experience must have equipped the applicant with the particular qualifications to successfully perform the duties of the position, and must typically be in or related to the position to be filled.
Some examples of qualifying experience are:

  • Experience in making professional decisions concerning diagnosis and treatment of inmates under their care.
  • Experience in assisting in interdisciplinary classification of inmates by identifying behavioral, emotional, organic, drug/alcohol, or personality problems and the subsequent development of appropriate programs on an individual basis.
  • Experience in completing reports for the courts on study and observation cases.
  • Experience in providing assessment and referral services for staff referred to psychology services by their supervisors or for staff personally requesting assistance with problems of alcohol use, drug use, or emotional problems which are affecting job performance.

AND
Quality Ranking Factor:

  • Satisfactory completion of all the requirements for the doctoral degree (Ph.D. or equivalent) from an American Psychological Association (APA) accredited educational institution, directly related to full professional work in clinical psychology.

NOTE: The above quality ranking factor is preferred. Therefore, applicants who possess the quality ranking factor can be ranked above those who do not, but no candidates can be rated ineligible solely for failure to possess a quality ranking factor.
If applicable, credit will be given for paid and unpaid experience. To receive proper credit, you must show the actual time (such as the number of hours worked per week) spent in activities.

Education:

See Qualifications Section for education requirements, if applicable.

ONLY if education is a requirement/substitution for specialized experience, applicant MUST upload legible transcripts as verification of educational requirement. Transcripts MUST be uploaded and electronically linked from USAJOBS at the time you apply and MUST include identifying information to include School Name, Student Name, Degree and Date Awarded (if applicable). All academic degrees and coursework must be completed at a college or university that has obtained accreditation or pre-accreditation status from an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For a list of schools that meet this criteria, Click Here.

Foreign Education: For information regarding foreign education requirements, please see Foreign Diploma and Credit Recognition at the U.S. Department of Education website: Recognition of Foreign Qualifications.

If you are selected for this position and qualified based on education (i.e. basic education requirement and/or substitution of education), you will be required to provide an OFFICIAL transcript prior to your first day on duty.

Employment Type: OTHER