Department of Human Services

Training in psychology is administered by the Director of Psychology Training who is also the Director of the Psychology Services Division. 

The Psychology Internship Training Committee, consisting of the Training Director, Assistant Training Director, licensed staff psychologist and departmental licensed professionals in the mental health field, meets regularly to review student progress and assist in the continued development of the program. 

A total of three doctoral level psychologists licensed in the State of Florida provide the supervisory base for student training in psychology.

The psychology staff adheres to the American Psychological Association's Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Standards for Educational and Psychological Testing; keep up-to-date with policy statements relevant to standards for professional services as issued by the Association; and conform to relevant statues established by federal, state, and local governments.

Assignments and Partnerships

All psychology interns are assigned in the Psychological Services Division to a full-time, 2000 hour (one year) placement in a major rotation with preschool children and a minor rotation with adults. Student's placement is based on their background, knowledge, area of needed training, and supervisor/supervisee match.

The psychology staff works in partnership with social workers, occupational therapists, preschool teachers, speech pathologists, and other professionals in addressing the needs of the clients. 

The interns receive advance training designed to address range of mental health problems. Intern selection occurs as psychology students complete their academic requirements and obtain greater clarity regarding career objectives.  Responsibility is assumed by the psychologists within the Psychological Services Division for the daily clinical and administrative supervision of the interns in their work and professional development.

Intern training takes place via a Mentor-Practitioner training model and is designed to produce competent professionals in psychologist assessment, intervention, and consultation with chidlren and/or adolescents and their families.  The minor rotation provides an opportunity to work with the adult population. 

Therapeutically, emphasis is mainly eclectic, applying fmaily systems, behavioral, existential, nondirective, and cognitive and other principles of psychology.  Multi-faceted aspects of the program allow for training in individual, group and family therapies; psychological and psycho educational assessment; consultation; and case management.

Application Procedures

Our internship program considers doctoral interns from Clinical, Counseling, and School Psychology programs that are APA accredited, or well underway in the accreditation process. A major focus of our screening and selection process is to identify individuals who have training and experience in working with children and/or adolescents.

Additionally, because of the potential for abuse in working with minors, we look closely at the Professional Conduct section of Part I of the APPIC Application for Psychology Internship (AAPI) and the Evaluation of Applicant section of Part II of the AAPI which is completed by the graduate program’s Training Director. Personal and/or telephone interviews are required to give both the applicant and the Psychology Training Committee a chance to mutually assess their matching potentials.

During interview of applicants we also consider interpersonal variables that would support the close Mentor aspect of our program.

The deadline for receipt of the completed application and paperwork is November 30, 2010.  Applicants must follow the APPI on line application available at the link listed below.

• Application for Psychology Internship

Stipend and Leave Time

All interns are Temporary Employees of Miami-Dade County Government and as such are not eligible for paid vacation for more information click link below.

• APA Stipend and Leave Time

For more comprehensive information about our internship program, please download our Internship Handbook.