Undergraduate Psychology Internship in California
Sentio University is a 20-month hybrid (online and in-person) Marriage and Family Therapy graduate program dedicated to training the next generation of mental health professionals.
We're seeking motivated undergraduate students for our Internship, a remote opportunity to gain hands-on experience and build foundational skills for graduate school and a future career in mental health. Interns work alongside our team to develop practical, real-world knowledge of the field.
This is a fully remote Internship.
Please contact the Director of Internships, Peter Awad, with any questions: pawad@sentio.org
Upcoming Cohort
Fall Cohort: Oct 7th, 2026 to Oct 28th, 2026
Applications Open: August 10
Application Deadline: Sept 25
Weekly meetings: Wednesdays, 10am to 12pm
Schedule
Interns commit three hours per week for four weeks (12 hours total).
Each week, interns:
Attend a 2-hour live Zoom session to learn and practice a new psychotherapy skill
Spend 1 hour reviewing materials to build a deeper understanding of psychotherapy and major treatment modalities
In the final week, interns work independently to complete a Capstone Project.
Internship Duties
Assist Sentio University staff in testing new experiential teaching methods for undergraduates
Attend training and supervision sessions, learn new clinical skills, and practice them using mock client scenarios
Submit weekly assignments and complete a Capstone Project by the end of the internship
Benefits
Training in empirically based Deliberate Practice methods.
Hands-on clinical experience in professional mental health training
Insight into career paths in professional mental health
Opportunities to learn directly from mental health professionals
Eligibility
To qualify, applicants must:
Live in California (this is a remote/online internship)
Be a Junior or Senior in an undergraduate (BA/BS) program at an accredited institution
If a recent graduate, apply within 24 months of graduation
Our Commitment to Diversity
The Sentio University Internship is designed to support college students from populations underrepresented in the mental health field. We strongly encourage students from diverse, marginalized, and underserved communities to apply.
Applicants must live in or attend school in California.
How to Apply
Cohorts are limited to 20 students, and admissions close once that number is reached, so we encourage students to apply early. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until the cohort fills or the deadline passes, whichever comes first.
Questions? Contact the Director of Internships, Peter Awad, at pawad@sentio.org.
Endorsements from past interns:
“The Sentio Internship provided me with a lot of tools and skills that I otherwise would not have had access to. I was able to strengthen my skills in empathy, active listening, and goal setting all within a month. I'm beyond grateful that I had this opportunity.” - Ashley, Saint Mary’s College of California
“The Sentio University internship has provided me with realistic and practical skills that had increased my confidence in pursuing psychology. It gave me the chance to learn the role of a therapist with hands-on techniques that are missing from the psychology curriculum in most universities. In only four sessions, I was able to see significant growth in my ability to hold an empathetic space for another human being.” - Tabatha, University of La Verne
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Sentio University undergraduate psychology internship?
The Sentio University Undergraduate Psychology Internship is a free, four-week remote program for California college students who are exploring careers in mental health and psychotherapy. Interns participate in live Zoom training sessions, learn and practice evidence-based clinical skills using the Deliberate Practice methodology, and complete a Capstone Project with a partner. The program gives undergraduates hands-on experience in professional mental health training that is rarely available before graduate school.
Who is eligible to apply for the Sentio undergraduate internship?
To be eligible, applicants must currently live in California and be enrolled in their junior or senior year of an accredited undergraduate (BA or BS) program. Recent graduates may also apply if they do so within 24 months of completing their degree. The internship especially encourages applications from students from diverse, marginalized, and underserved communities, consistent with Sentio University's mission to expand access to high-quality mental health training.
Is the internship in-person or remote?
The Sentio undergraduate internship is fully remote and conducted online via Zoom. While applicants must reside in California, there is no requirement to travel to a physical location. This makes the program accessible to students throughout the state, including those attending universities far from Los Angeles.
What clinical skills will I learn during the internship?
Interns are trained in evidence-based psychotherapy skills using the Deliberate Practice model, the same methodology at the core of Sentio University's Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy program. Skills include active listening, empathic attunement, goal-setting with clients, and responding effectively to challenging client statements. Interns practice through structured exercises with mock client material, guided by Sentio faculty and licensed clinical supervisors.
What is Deliberate Practice and why is it used in the internship?
Deliberate Practice is a research-supported training method that builds clinical skills through structured, repeated practice with targeted feedback, similar to how elite athletes and musicians develop mastery. Sentio University is one of the only graduate MFT programs in the United States to build its entire curriculum around this approach. The undergraduate internship gives students an early introduction to Deliberate Practice, which research shows significantly accelerates the development of effective psychotherapy skills. Learn more on our What is Deliberate Practice page.
How will the internship help me prepare for graduate school in psychology or MFT?
The Sentio internship provides practical clinical training experience that strengthens graduate school applications for programs in psychology, counseling, and Marriage and Family Therapy. Interns gain direct exposure to professional mental health training, interaction with licensed therapists and faculty, and a concrete understanding of graduate-level clinical education. Students interested in pursuing an MFT career in California are welcome to explore Sentio's MFT graduate program and the California MFT licensure pathway. Visit our FAQ page for more details about the graduate program.
Is the Sentio undergraduate internship paid or unpaid?
The internship is unpaid but provided at no cost to participants. There are no fees or tuition associated with the program. It is offered as part of Sentio University's broader commitment to expanding access to professional mental health training for undergraduate students across California.
How do I apply for the Sentio undergraduate internship?
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, and each cohort is limited to 15 students. Spots fill quickly, so early applications are encouraged. Use the Apply button above to submit your application online. For questions, contact the Director of Internships, Peter Awad, at pawad@sentio.org.