Top 10 Psychology Summer Internships for High School Students
If you are thinking about psychology as a career, a summer internship can give you a practical look into how the field works. These programs enable you to assist with research, observe behavioral studies, and explore topics such as cognition, emotion, and decision-making through real data collection and analysis.
Internships help develop essential skills, such as critical thinking, data analysis, and research communication, which are highly valued in college applications and future academic endeavors. Whether you're working in a university lab or alongside a clinical research team, you'll gain insight into the science of human behavior and what it means to work in psychology.
This list covers the top 10 psychology summer internships for high school students, including programs hosted by universities, labs, and research institutions.
1. American Psychological Association (APA) Internships
The American Psychological Association (APA) offers high school students both in-person and remote internship opportunities across various departments. These internships will introduce you to the professional environment of psychology and provide firsthand experience in the field.
You will participate in research, writing, and online projects, while also helping with administrative duties and special assignments. In addition to daily responsibilities, you will participate in workshops, group discussions, and collaborative projects that deepen your understanding of psychology-related work.
Stipend: Internships may be paid or unpaid
Location: Remote or at APA headquarters in Washington, D.C.
Program Dates: Internships are offered throughout the year
Application Deadline: Varies by position; APA internships are posted year-round on a rolling basis
Eligibility: Requirements vary as per position. Students from some areas cannot apply; here is the list of areas.
2. UT Southwestern “Inspiring Careers in Mental Health” Internship
The University of Texas Southwestern Department of Psychiatry offers a two-week virtual summer internship that provides high school students with a genuine insight into what it’s like to work in mental health. You’ll meet and learn from a wide range of professionals like psychiatrists, neuropsychologists, social workers, and physician assistants, who share their personal experiences and day-to-day work in the industry. Before starting some sessions, you’ll dive into short readings from journals and other sources to help you get the most out of the discussions.
During the live sessions, you’ll explore topics like neuropsychological testing, neuroscience, psychotherapy, and even how mental health care works in medical communities. In addition to learning, this program provides you with the opportunity to connect with mentors who can help guide you as you navigate your path in psychology.
Cost: Free
Location: Remote
Program Dates: June 2 – 6 and June 9 – 13 (2 weeks)
Application Deadline: Early February, application opens again in late September
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors.
3. SHTEM: Summer Internships for High Schoolers and Community College Students
Stanford University’s SHTEM program offers high school students an interdisciplinary summer internship, where you can explore psychology alongside other fields like computer science, design, and engineering. The program encourages you to work on a project that goes beyond traditional academic boundaries, allowing you to combine your interests in creative and meaningful ways. Throughout the summer, you’ll collaborate with Stanford faculty and graduate students on your projects while also participating in group activities with fellow interns. This mix of independent research and shared learning creates a space for both academic growth and connection with like-minded peers.
Cost: Free
Location: Virtual
Program Dates: 8 weeks in the summer; typically from June to August. Click here for updates
Application Deadline: Typically in late February
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors (typically ages 16+; applicants must be at least 14 years old)
4. Ladder Internships
Ladder Internships provides high school students with virtual internships at startups and nonprofits around the world, which allows you to choose a field and industry that aligns with your interests. If you're interested in psychology, you can select the Mental Health option while applying.
Throughout the internship, you’ll work on a project that contributes directly to the organization and present your findings at the end. A key feature of the program is its dual-mentorship mode. In addition to working closely with your startup manager, you’ll be paired with a Ladder Coach who offers additional guidance and support. The program also includes skills training and group sessions with other interns, helping you build professional skills while engaging with work and research.
Cost: Starting at $2,490; financial assistance is available.
Location: Virtual
Program Dates: 8-week programs with multiple cohorts throughout the year
Application Deadline: Multiple deadlines throughout the year.
Eligibility: Open to all high school students who can work for 10–20 hours per week, for 8–12 weeks. The internships are also open to undergraduates and gap-year students.
5. Child Mind Institute Youth Mental Health Academy
The Child Mind Institute’s Youth Mental Health Academy (YMHA) is a 14-month program that equips high school students with the skills and experiences needed for future careers in psychology while promoting community involvement. The program provides a paid, project-based learning experience in the first summer. You’ll explore mental health topics, work on group projects, and present your findings at the end.
During the program, you’ll receive ongoing mentorship and support, including workshops, help with college planning, and access to community resources. To apply your learning in a real-world setting, you’ll move into a paid internship during the second summer.
Internship opportunities span various areas related to psychology, including research, clinical practice, and media and communications.
Stipend: $2,000 stipend
Location: Virtual with some in-person sessions at the Mental Health Academy in California
Program Dates: 14-month program spanning two summers and the school year; June 23 to August the year after.
Application Deadline: March 31
Eligibility: High school students in California who come from structurally disadvantaged communities. Students must have an overall GPA of 2.5 or higher. For more details, click here.
6. Medical Immersion Summer Academy (MISA) Internship
MISA offers a healthcare-focused internship program for high school students interested in pre-med and pre-health paths. With partnerships with local healthcare organizations, such as Alameda Health Systems, Samuel Merritt University, and private clinicians in Oakland, you’ll gain hands-on exposure to clinical settings and healthcare roles.
As part of the program, you’ll be able to build practical skills and have the opportunity to earn certifications like CPR, First Aid, Stop the Bleed, Teen Mental Health First Aid, and Bloodborne Pathogens. The experience is designed to introduce you to the day-to-day work of medical and healthcare professionals while helping you explore your future interests.
Cost: $1,800 + $75 application fee
Location: Oakland, CA
Program Dates: Multiple 5-day sessions between June – August
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: High school students who are 15 years or older
7. Internships at JSSA
JSSA is a nonprofit dedicated to providing care for the elderly and offering therapy to families and children. Its high school internship is flexible, with students encouraged to dedicate 12-16 hours per week to the program.
The internship includes activities like conducting case consultations, helping with administrative duties, creating presentations on mental health subjects, attending departmental meetings to gain insight into current projects, and providing support to different JSSA departments as required. Those who participate in the internship can also earn credit toward their service-learning hours, as JSSA is an approved Student Service Learning site.
Cost: Free
Location: Washington, D.C
Program Dates: Flexible over the summer; ~12–16 hours per week and a minimum commitment of 60 hours over ~3 months.
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: High school students (must be at least 16) who can work in the D.C. region.
8. Barrow Neurological Institute – Summer High School Internship
The Barrow Neurological Institute, a leading center for neurological disease research and treatment, offers a Summer High School Internship Program that gives students practical experience in neuroscience research. You’ll spend the summer working with a Barrow specialist, gaining experience in lab work and learning how to use research tools and techniques.
You’ll also explore how to read and interpret scientific literature and strengthen your communication skills. The program offers an opportunity to participate in ongoing research in a professional setting and gain a deeper understanding of the work involved in neuroscience.
Cost: Free
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Program Deadline: May 30 – July 3
Application Deadline: February 14
Eligibility: Current high school students ages 16 and up (must be 16+ by start of program)
9. Rockefeller University – Summer Neuroscience Program (SNP)
If you go to a NYC public high school and are in 11th or 12th grade, you can apply to this free two-week program at Rockefeller University. You will conduct experiments in labs, learn how to design these experiments, and receive guidance from graduate students.
You will study the brain, engage in activities with electrophysiology tools, and explore topics in molecular biology. You will also hear from scientists, tour real neuroscience labs, and meet other students interested in science. The program gives you free lunch and Metro cards.
Cost: Free
Location: Rockefeller University, NY
Dates: August 4 – 15
Deadline: March 15
Eligibility: NYC public high school sophomores or juniors, at least 16 years old.
10. BRAINYAC at Columbia University
BRAINYAC is a free seven-week research internship at Columbia University for high school students interested in neuroscience and psychology. You work in a neuroscience lab with a mentor, usually a graduate student or researcher. Many projects focus on brain function, behavior, emotions, learning, and mental health.
You assist with lab tasks, such as running experiments, collecting data, and reading scientific articles. The program also includes weekly workshops on research methods and science communication. You receive a stipend after completing the program.
Cost: Free; with a stipend provided.
Location: Columbia University, NY
Dates: June 30 – August 15
Deadline: October
Eligibility: High school sophomores or juniors in NYC who are at least 16 by the summer start. Must be enrolled in a partner program based in Upper Manhattan or the Bronx (such as Columbia’s S-PREP, BioBus, Lang Youth, Double Discovery, etc.)
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