Psychology Internship Program
Application and Selection Process

Eligibility and Selection Criteria

Eligibility

Applicants for our doctoral internship must meet the following minimum requirements:

• Be enrolled in a doctoral program in Counseling, Clinical or School Psychology that is accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA) or the Canadian Psychological Association (CPA)
• Pass their comprehensive examinations no later than the ranking deadline for the APPIC Match
• Successfully defend their dissertation proposals no later than the ranking deadline for the APPIC Match
• Complete all doctoral coursework no later than the beginning of the internship
• Have completed a minimum of 400 Intervention Hours as indicated on the Application for Psychology Internship (APPI)
• Be certified as ready for internship by their doctoral programs
• Be able to pass (a) a criminal background check conducted by the university and (b) a background check to be conducted after the Match in accordance with Chapter 81 of the Texas Civil Practices and Remedies Code concerning the sexual exploitation of clients. This statute requires contacting employers from at least the last five years to determine whether sexual exploitation of clients has occurred. Applicants who match to our program but do not successfully pass background checks may be dismissed from the internship (see APPIC Match Policy 4a). Contact the Training Director if you have questions about these background checks.
• Be dedicated to working in a collaborative manner with staff members and trainees and demonstrate a commitment to being a proactive and supportive team member

Additional Selection Considerations

In addition to requirements outlined above, preference may be given to applicants who:

• Are interested and invested in participating in a training program that employs a "use of self" training model and possess the necessary characteristics to be successful in such a program (e.g., self-awareness, openness to feedback, willingness to self-reflect)
• Demonstrate a strong and genuine commitment to the study and application of multiculturally-informed clinical interventions as evidenced by activities such as coursework, practica, community or professional service, research, presentations or publications, etc.
• Demonstrate interest and experience in university counseling center work through practica, volunteer work, employment or other activities
• Has experience and/or interest in working in a time-limited clinical model
• Will have their dissertation completed prior to the start of the internship

Application Instructions

Complete applications must be submitted electronically via the Association of Psychology Postdoctoral and Internship Centers (APPIC) "AAPI Online" service. The application deadline is November 1. A complete application includes the following materials, which should be included with the application submitted via the AAPI Online service:

• A cover letter
• A complete, current curriculum vita
• Copies of all graduate school transcripts
• Three letters of reference, at least two of which must be from clinical supervisors familiar with your counseling and intervention skills

Applicants with disabilities who require accommodations for the application process, interview or training year are encouraged to contact the Training Director to discuss the process for arranging accommodations. We are committed to making reasonable accommodations for individuals who request them.

CMHC is sensitive to the needs of individuals with family obligations related to pregnancy, childcare, elder care and similar responsibilities.

Selection Process

Following is a summary of our selection process:

• The application deadline is November 1. Call or e-mail the Training Director if you have any questions or difficulties with the submission process.
• The selection committee will review your materials and send you an e-mail no later than the end of the day on December 15, indicating whether you will be offered an interview. In accordance with APPIC policies, we notify all applicants of their interview status if they submitted a complete application. Contact the Training Director if you have not received an e-mail notification by that time.
• For applicants invited to interview, the e-mail will contain a link to an online interview scheduling program. We will work with you to find a time that fits your schedule.
• Telephone or Zoom interviews may be conducted primarily during the first two weeks of January. Interviews last about an hour and are semi-structured, but we try to make them as relaxed and informal as possible. We will ask questions about your interests, background and experiences and will provide an opportunity for you to ask questions.
• In late January and early February, the Training Director will conduct follow-up calls with each applicant who had an interview. This call is not another interview (although we may have follow-up questions). It is an opportunity for you to learn more about Austin and our program and address any remaining questions you have. Applicants often ask questions about living in Austin such as housing, employment for partners, school and day care information, etc.
• Throughout the process, you are welcomed to contact the Training Director if you have questions or wish to speak to a current intern.

On-Site Visit Policy. Interviews are conducted exclusively via telephone or Zoom to minimize stress and financial burdens associated with this process. Visiting CMHC is not an expectation. If you are interested in seeing our counseling center to assist in your decision-making process, you are welcomed to schedule a visit.

To arrange a visit, contact the Training Director. A typical visit lasts approximately two hours and includes a tour of the facility, a meeting with the Training Director and a meeting with a current intern, if available. Meetings with other staff will be arranged upon request, if possible.

APPIC Guidelines. Our selection process follows all guidelines of APPIC and we participate in the APPIC Match. This internship site agrees to abide by the APPIC policy that no person at this training facility will solicit, accept or use any ranking-related information from any intern applicant.

Ensure that you have registered for the APPIC Match. Find registration materials at the National Matching Services web site. Our Program Code Number for the APPIC Match is 156811. If you have questions about our program or the application process, contact the Training Director, Dr. Mark Zentner, at mzentner@austin.utexas.edu.