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 Independence 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 2023, for internship beginning July 1, 2024.
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
Fit with site, including desire to train in the consortium, expressed interest in the opportunities we offer, and previous experience related to the specific site(s) candidates are interested in. We encourage you to write about your interest in and fit with 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 via Zoom. 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 Independence. The 2024-2025 year will be our first internship class.
Interns should expect to be in person for the 2024 - 2025 year.
While the COVID-19 pandemic has affected our training and work environments for the past three years, we value the opportunities and richness of in-person internship training and professional services. We will continue to offer telehealth (phone and video) services to clients and flexibility for working when exposed.
If you have questions or concerns, please email the Internship Training Director.
Application Deadline:
December 1, 2023
Interview Notification Deadline: December 20, 2023
Interview Dates:
January 4 - 19, 2024
Program Start and End Dates:
July 1, 2024 - June 30, 2025
Contact Us
Please email Dr. Gina Zanardelli, the Internship Training Director, with any questions regarding the application or interview process.