12 Psychology Summer Programs for High School Students in Texas
Psychology programs can be a useful way for you to explore topics like human behavior, cognition, and mental health while you are still in high school. They allow you to build foundational knowledge and develop skills in analysis, research, and communication through structured coursework and discussions. Since in-person options can be limited, many programs are offered online, making it easier for you to access learning opportunities and mentorship regardless of your location.
Why should you attend a program in Texas?
Texas is home to universities and organizations that offer psychology programs in both virtual and in-person formats. Depending on the program, you might study areas such as neuroscience, clinical psychology, or behavioral science while engaging in lectures, research activities, or guided projects. These opportunities can be worth considering, whether you are a local student looking for options in Texas or an out-of-state student interested in programs you can access remotely.
To help with your search, we have curated a list of 12 psychology summer programs for high school students in Texas.
If you’re looking for free programs in Texas, check out our blog here.
1. University of Houston’s Mohan Lab Summer Internship
Location: MohanLab, University of Houston, TX
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: February 1 – March 26
Dates: June 8 – July 31
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors
The University of Houston’s Mohan Lab Summer Internship is an eight-week research program that introduces you to laboratory work in biomedical and data-driven research areas. The program begins with one to two weeks of instruction covering basic laboratory techniques and research methods. After the training phase, you conduct bench research under the supervision of a scientist or graduate student. Research topics include biomedical sciences, biomedical engineering, neuroscience, and big data analytics, such as artificial intelligence and image analysis. Throughout the internship, you work on an assigned research project connected to ongoing lab studies. At the end of the program, you present your findings through an oral research presentation.
2. Veritas AI - AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on program type. Full financial aid available
Application Deadline: Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November). You can apply to the program here
Dates: Varies by cohort: Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter
Eligibility: AI Fellowship applicants should either have completed the AI Scholars program or exhibit experience with AI concepts or Python
Veritas AI focuses on providing high school students passionate about AI with a suitable environment in which to explore their interests. The programs include collaborative learning, project development, and 1-on-1 mentorship. Students are expected to have a basic understanding of Python or are recommended to complete the AI Scholars program before pursuing the fellowship. The AI Fellowship program will allow students to pursue independent AI research projects. Students work on their research projects over 15 weeks and can opt to combine AI with any other field of interest. You can find examples of previous projects here and read about a student’s experience in the program here.
3. Psychology – Rice University Pre-College Program
Location: Rice University, Houston, TX/ Virtual
Cost: $1,795
Application Deadline: Varies depending on the session; rolling deadlines are announced monthly
Dates: Multiple sessions offered throughout the year
Eligibility: Students ages 13 and above
Rice University’s pre-college program introduces high school students to foundational areas of psychology through both on-campus and online formats. Participants explore topics such as cognition, perception, development, and abnormal behavior through case studies and current research findings. The curriculum focuses on developing core academic skills, including interpreting scientific literature, practicing professional writing, and examining ethical considerations in psychology. Students attending in person take part in seminars and lab-based activities, while online students engage through interactive discussions and guided coursework.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Remote , you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!
Cost: Varies depending on program type. Full financial aid available
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort
Dates: Varies by cohort: summer, fall, winter, or spring. Options range from 12 weeks to 1 year
Eligibility: You must be currently enrolled in high school and demonstrate a high level of academic achievement
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a rigorous research program tailored for high school students. The program offers extensive 1-on-1 research opportunities for high school students across a broad range of subject areas. The program pairs high school students with Ph.D. mentors to work 1-on-1 on an independent research project. At the end of the 12-week program, you’ll have developed an independent research paper! You can choose research topics from subjects such as psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, international relations, and more. You can find more details about the application here, and check out students’ reviews of the program here and here.
5. Inspiring Careers in Mental Health Internship
Location: Virtual, offered by The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. Dallas, TX
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: February 2
Dates: June 1 – 5 | June 8 – 12
Eligibility: Students in 9th-12th grades as of Fall
This internship introduces you to the range of disciplines within mental health by connecting you with experienced clinician-scientists. You attend online sessions led by social workers, psychiatrists, neuropsychologists, and physician assistants who demonstrate their clinical responsibilities. Each meeting is supported by required readings drawn from journal articles and public media sources. Program leaders discuss the realities of entering their professions, including education pathways and personal career choices. You gain insight into specialty areas like interventional psychiatry, psychotherapy, and neuropsychological assessment. Through these components, the program outlines multiple avenues for contributing to mental health work.
6. Foundations of Psychology at the University of Texas at Austin, TX
Location: University of Texas at Austin, TX
Cost: $3,799 - $7,999
Application Deadline: Not specified
Dates: June 28 – July 17
Eligibility: Grades 9-12
In the Foundations of Psychology course at UT Austin, you explore how psychological theories and research explain human behavior and experience. The curriculum addresses social, cognitive, and emotional functioning through established and emerging psychological perspectives. You study the mind–body connection to understand how mental and physical processes interact. Classroom experiments provide hands-on opportunities to test theories and observe behavioral patterns. You learn to evaluate psychological studies and research methods. The course emphasizes applying psychological knowledge to everyday situations.
7. HSRA Summer Program
Location: The University of Texas, Austin, TX
Cost: $4,000; need-based scholarship is available
Dates: June 8 – July 15
Application Deadline: March 22
Eligibility: Rising sophomores, juniors, or seniors living in Texas | 15 years or older by June 1
The High School Research Academy (HSRA) at UT Austin is a five-week program that immerses students in authentic scientific research. Students work in College of Natural Sciences laboratories, gaining exposure to fields such as neuroscience, organic chemistry, genome engineering, and biochemistry. The program emphasizes hands-on experimentation, data analysis, and close mentorship from UT faculty and student researchers.Weekly Wednesday seminars feature guest speakers who share insights into their research and career journeys. The experience culminates in the HSRA Research Symposium, where students present their findings through a printed research poster, offering a realistic introduction to academic research.
8. Psychology Academy at The University of Texas at Austin
Location: University of Texas at Austin, TX
Cost: $3,799-$7,999, with a supplemental course fee of $95 for teen Mental Health First Aider training and certification.
Application Deadline: Not specified
Dates: June 14 – 26
Eligibility: Grades 9-12
The Psychology Academy at UT Austin provides you with an overview of psychological science and its applications to human thought and behavior. Instruction is delivered by a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with extensive professional experience in therapy and crisis intervention. You study core psychological theories, developmental stages, and behavioral patterns that shape mental processes. The program incorporates a daily gratitude journaling practice to support learning about positive psychology. Field research activities allow you to connect theoretical concepts with observable behavior. Guest lectures introduce you to diverse careers and specializations within psychology.
9. Internships at the American Psychological Association (APA)
Location: Virtual
Stipend: There are paid opportunities available
Application Deadline: Varies depending on the internship you apply for
Dates: Opportunities are available year-round on a rolling basis
Eligibility: High school students
The APA Internal Internship Program (IIP) gives students the chance to explore career paths in psychology, education, research, and communications. Interns work within the Education Directorate and other APA departments, contributing to projects focused on diversity, policy, and educational initiatives. Daily responsibilities are guided by supervisors, and participants may attend optional workshops that provide additional insight into professional psychology settings. The program strengthens skills in research application, critical thinking, and analytical problem-solving. Interns also have opportunities to collaborate with staff and build professional connections.
10. Dartmouth Precollege Online Program - Psychology Track
Location: Virtual
Cost: $1,895
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions until sessions are filled
Dates: Multi-length courses available throughout the year
Eligibility: Students ages 13 and above
In the Dartmouth Precollege Online Psychology Track, you gain an introduction to the core principles of clinical psychology and how they apply to mental health care. You study the major subfields of psychology and learn how they connect to diagnosis, treatment planning, and therapeutic practice. The curriculum examines how clinicians develop communication skills, such as empathy and mindful presence, to support effective therapeutic relationships. You also explore factors that influence mental health conditions, the diagnostic process, and treatment models, including psychopharmacology and the stages of change. You apply concepts to a capstone project that demonstrates your understanding of clinical frameworks. You finish the program with a Certificate of Completion from Dartmouth.
11. Stanford’s Clinical Neuroscience Immersion Experience (CNI-X)
Location: Virtual (CNV-X) or in-person at Stanford University, Stanford, CA
Cost: Virtual: $1,725
Application Deadline: March 1
Dates: Virtual: June 8 – 19 | June 22 – July 3
Eligibility: High school students aged 14-18 years
Stanford’s Clinical Neuroscience Immersion Experience (CNI-X) is a two-week program for high school students interested in neuroscience, psychology, and psychiatry. Under the guidance of Stanford faculty, you take part in lectures and discussions that introduce major ideas in brain science and mental health. The program offers exposure to ongoing research and highlights career paths across medicine and the behavioral sciences. In small groups, you develop a capstone project that addresses a neuroscience-related challenge. Throughout the experience, you refine skills in analytical thinking, teamwork, and understanding how the brain operates.
12. Georgetown University Pre-College Online Program Psychology Track
Location: Virtual
Cost: $1,895 - $3,995
Application Deadline: Varies depending on the session; rolling deadlines are announced monthly
Dates: Multi-length courses available throughout the year
Eligibility: Students ages 13 and up
Georgetown’s online psychology course introduces high school students to behavioral science and brain-based research. You study how the brain and behavior interact, including the roles of reward systems, mental health disorders, and popular culture. The program also explores learning and memory, offering a scientific perspective on sleep, cognitive changes, and learning disorders. Lessons on perception and design show how psychology informs digital platforms, product development, and communication. You apply these concepts through an experiment that mirrors real research practices. The course provides college credit and a foundation for fields such as counseling, social work, and psychological testing.
Tyler Moulton is Head of Academics and Veritas AI Partnerships with 6 years of experience in education consulting, teaching, and astronomy research at Harvard and the University of Cambridge, where they developed a passion for machine learning and artificial intelligence. Tyler is passionate about connecting high-achieving students to advanced AI techniques and helping them build independent, real-world projects in the field of AI.