Undergraduate clinical psychology experience?

February 10, 2009 3:47 PM

I'm a junior in college looking for clinical psychology experience in the Philadelphia area for this summer, especially in and around the Main Line. Where should I inquire?

I have looked at my college for resources, but they're very research-oriented so I haven't gotten any leads. I've also done a few searches on here for Psy.D information but nothing has come up on the experiences that people have had before entering those programs.

I'm pretty open as to what kind of setting but definitely am interested in the counseling rather than research field. I'm stumped on where to start looking. Also, what sort of duties are given to undergrads? Specific places to inquire would be welcome! Also, any insight on whether clinical experience is suggested before Psy.D programs would be helpful--I do want to get experience and make sure I like it anyway but I'm getting conflicting information as to its necessity.

--Ms. DeucesHigh

posted by DeucesHigh to Education (3 answers total)

Best answer: When I was a junior in college and contemplating grad school (I'm in a PsyD program right now) I decided to volunteer for the local crisis hotline. It was a great experience. I learned the skills of active listening and how to de-escalate suicidal callers (and in one case, a homicidal caller). I liked it so much I ended up working there full-time for the year after I graduated before I went to grad school. I'm assuming that Philly has something like this (try doing a search for 2-1-1 or crisis hotline). You probably won't be able to find the actual address online. The place I worked at insisted on a confidential address to protect the hotline staff.

As for whether or not experience is necessary to getting into a program... it can only help you. I think my program prefers it, but I don't think its absolutely necessary. I would definitely recommend getting some sort of experience in order to make the grad school decision. PsyD programs are horribly expensive (I pay $950 a credit hour) and don't expect the school to give you any type of assistance.

If you have any other questions please feel free to mefi mail me. Good luck in your search!
posted by Nolechick11 at 6:37 PM on February 10, 2009

You could start with some of the major area mental health services providers; Horizon House, PHMC, the Wedge, WES, Comhar, the Consortium, etc. The suicide hotline in Philly is staffed by the Department of Behavioral health; you could contact them, along with the other city mental health departments -- Community Behavior Health, the Office of Mental Health or the Behavioral Health Special Initiative.
posted by The Straightener at 7:40 PM on February 10, 2009

Clinical psychology at Penn
Clinical psychology at Temple
Clinical psychology at Bryn Mawr

I'd start by contacting people there, lots of them, until you find people willing to help you out.
posted by The Michael The at 3:39 AM on February 11, 2009