How to Apply

Eligibility

Our program emphasizes training for clinical psychologists who have strong research backgrounds and who are interested in academic careers. Trainees selected for our Clinical Psychology Internship must come from an APA- or CPA- accredited PhD program in clinical psychology. We do not accept applicants from PsyD programs. In addition, we belong to the Academy of Psychological Clinical Science (APCS) and endorse its emphasis on the integration of research and clinical training, and a commitment to empirically informed approaches to clinical work. We encourage applications from students in graduate programs that belong to the Academy, but we do not limit admission to students from these programs. Candidates must have demonstrated interest in, and aptitude for, conducting clinical research that exceeds the minimum requirements of a master’s thesis and doctoral dissertation.

Our clinical psychology internship program provides intensive clinical experience, enabling interns to treat patients suffering from major psychiatric disorders. Therefore, it is essential that candidates have considerable supervised clinical experience. Students from clinical training programs that do not provide extensive practicum experience are unsuitable for the UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital program.

Minimum requirements for selection include trainees that:

  1. Are in good standing at an APA- or CPA- accredited Clinical Psychology Program
  2. Have minimum of 450 total complete hours of practicum experience
  3. Have completed of an independent master’s or master’s equivalent research project
  4. Express an interest in working within multidisciplinary medical center settings


Application

We use the university application developed by the Association of Psychology Postdoctoral and Internship Centers (APPIC).  All application materials must be submitted via the APPIC Application for Psychology Internships (AAPI) online service. Please visit the AAPI online service web site and click on "AAPI Online."  The Program APPIC # is 1544.

The online application includes the following components:

  • Cover Letter - Please specify preferred contact information, clinical rotations of interest, and faculty members with whom you share research interests.
  • Curriculum vitae – The CV must include a description of the applicant’s research experience (e.g., research assistant/associate experience, familiarity with research assessments, and experience on federally funded projects) and research productivity (e.g., peer-reviewed publications and presentations at regional and national meetings).  
  • APPIC Application Form
  • Graduate Transcripts
  • 3 to 4 Letters of Reference

Our Clinical Psychology Internship Program adheres to APPIC guidelines in our recruitment process.  APPIC has strengthened its position regarding sharing of information about ranking of candidates and sites. 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. We participate in the computer match through APPIC and adhere to the APPIC Match Policies.  All matches are contingent upon successful completion of required background checks, including Pennsylvania Act 31 (Child Abuse Recognition and Reporting), Act 33 (PA Child Abuse History Clearance), Act 34 (PA State Police Request for Criminal Records), and Act 73 (FBI Criminal Background Check). Applicants who do not successfully pass these background checks will be dismissed from the internship.


Review

All applications are reviewed by the Clinical Psychology Training Committee. Students identified as best suited for our program will be contacted in November and invited to attend one of our one-day virtual applicant interview sessions scheduled in January. During the visit, applicants are interviewed by members of the faculty and have the opportunity to speak with current interns.  

Administrative inquiries should be directed to Elizabeth Fyne.


Timetable

Application Deadline: November 1, 2026
Invitations Extended for Interviews: November 19, 2026
Interviews: January 8 and 15, 2027
Match Day: February 19, 2027
Start Date: September 1, 2027

UPMC is an equal opportunity employer. Policy prohibits discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, age, marital status, familial status, sexual orientation, disability, or veteran status. Further, UPMC will continue to support and promote equal employment opportunity, human dignity, and racial, ethnic, and cultural diversity. This policy applies to admissions, employment, and access to and treatment in UPMC programs and activities. This commitment is made by UPMC in accordance with federal, state, and/or local laws and regulations. We encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.