Application Process
This page contains information on eligibility, the application and selection process and the interview process. We host two health service psychology interns: one at Chatham University’s Counseling Center, in Pittsburgh, PA, and one with Excela Health System, in Latrobe, PA.
Eligibility
Interested applicants must have:
A minimum of 350 intervention and assessment hours combined (candidates may continue to accumulate hours at the time of application)
At least two semesters of providing individual therapy experience
Comprehensive exams successfully completed and passed by the application deadline
All course work completed and a minimum of three years of graduate training at a doctoral program in counseling or clinical psychology, prior to the start of internship
Interest in diversity and evidence of self-awareness related to providing culturally informed counseling
Dissertation proposal passed by the application deadline
Good standing in their doctoral academic home program
APA Accredited doctoral program preferred but not required
Ability to pass the Criminal Background and Child Abuse clearance requirements of Pennsylvania (Acts 33 and 34) and FBI clearance
For Excela Intern, there are two additional requirements prior to start of internship
Updated CPR certification
Successful completion of 15 panel drug screen
Please note that failure to pass background checks, drug screenings, or provide required documentation (some sites require vaccination records) may result in denial or later revocation of internship position.
We will participate in APPIC’s match process in 2024, for internship beginning July 28, 2025.
We are provisional members of APPIC .
If we are able to use the APPIC process, our required application materials include:
Curriculum vitae
All graduate transcripts
Cover letter describing
your interest in and fit with our internship,
your career goals, and
which site or sites interest you
Three letters of recommendation, at least two from previous clinical supervisors
Brief letter from your academic doctoral program Director of Clinical Training stating that you are approved to apply to internship
Selection Process
What are we looking for in interns?
The above stated minimum requirements
Interest in the training opportunities we provide. We encourage you to write about your interest in our site(s) in your cover letter.
Strong oral and written communication skills
Openness to learning and integrating feedback
Willingness to consult
Flexibility, organizational skills, and team player approach are highly valued
Interview Process
Interviews will be conducted virtually. Telephone interviews are available for any applicant who does not have access to a reliable web-based video call service.
The interview has three parts:
50-minute structured interview with the Internship Training Director at Chatham and the Director of Behavioral Sciences at Independence.
a 45-minute meeting with two members of the training staff, and
a check in after all interviews with the Internship Training Director.
an opportunity to be connected via email with current or recent practicum students at Chatham and Excela. The 2025-2026 year will be our first internship class.
Interns should expect to be in person for the 2025 - 2026 year.
While the COVID-19 pandemic has affected our training and work environments in the past years, we value the opportunities and richness of in-person internship training and professional services. We offer in person services and do engage in some training experiences virtually.
If you have questions or concerns, please email the Internship Training Director.