Application Procedures

Requirements of applicants

Applicants must be enrolled in a PhD or PsyD program that is accredited by the American Psychological Association and be pursuing a doctoral degree in clinical, counseling, or school psychology*. Further, they must be a citizen, national, or permanent resident of the United States. Individuals on temporary or student visas are not eligible.

* Note, students attending newer doctoral programs that are in the process of preparing to seek accreditation will be considered on a case by case basis. Applicants from such programs are encouraged to request that their DCT include in his/her/their verification of readiness comments about the program's plans for seeking accreditation.

Applicants must have completed at least three years of graduate training in psychology, two of which must be in full-time residence at the institution that will be granting the doctoral degree regardless of accreditation status. Applicants must have advanced to doctoral candidacy and proposed their dissertation by the time of submitting rankings to the National Matching Service. Significant progress toward the completion of the doctoral dissertation is appropriate and completion of the dissertation is desirable.  

We strive to recruit applicants who are well prepared for the challenges of our internship program. To that end, we seek interns who have a strong background in at least one of the following areas: developmental disabilities, assessment of pediatric/child populations, pediatric psychology, pediatric chronic illness, and child and family cognitive behavioral/behavioral intervention. Those applying to the ASD Track must have prior clinical experience with this patient population. Those applying to the Neuropsychology Track must have completed coursework in neuropsychological assessment and have prior clinical experience completing such evaluations. During the process of reviewing applications for our internship, faculty members consider the following practicum training experiences when determining whether applicants' experiences and interests fit with the program's model, philosophy, and training goals:

  • Those that involve working directly with children and/or families
  • Those that emphasize youth with complex medical and/or developmental conditions
  • Those that involve interdisciplinary and/or multidisciplinary care
  • Those that involve hospital-based care

We recognize that prospective interns are unlikely to have had all experiences listed above. However, moderate involvement in one or more practicum experiences in the areas listed above strengthens one's application.

Additionally, successful applicants are expected to have training and background in the theoretical orientation of the training program. That is, we select applicants who have didactic training and experience in models of practice that focus on using empirical data and methods to select/evaluate assessment and intervention practices. Further, those who are able to demonstrate that they are well grounded in a theoretical orientation and that they are able to use that orientation to guide care decisions are more attractive to our program.

Optimal candidates have experience with or interest in interdisciplinary care. Assessment and treatment experience with children is essential. Well-developed social skills and an ability to work collaboratively are highly valued.

How to apply

OHSU is an equal opportunity, affirmative action organization that does not discriminate against applicants on the basis of any protected class status, including disability status and protected veteran status. Individuals with diverse backgrounds and those who promote diversity and a culture of inclusion are encouraged to apply. Applicants with disabilities can request reasonable accommodation by contacting the Office of Student Access at 503-494-0082 or studentaccess@ohsu.edu.

The following is to be submitted for a complete application:

  • The APPIC Application for Psychology Internship (AAPI ONLINE) as it appears on the APPIC homepage.
  • The APPIC certification of readiness for internship signed by your Director of Training (part of the AAPI ONLINE).
  • An official transcript of your graduate work.
  • A current curriculum vita that includes the following (as appropriate):
    • Educational history
    • Professional experience including clinical and research endeavors.
    • Membership in professional societies.
    • Papers published, presented, and in press.
    • Other relevant training and/or experience
    • Honors and awards
  • Three letters of reference from professionals familiar with your academic, clinical, and/or research activities, utilizing the Standardized Reference Form endorsed by APPIC.
  • A description of your psychological interests and goals for the training year (which may be addressed as part of the APPIC application or as part of a cover letter).