Undergraduate Psychology Internship in California

Sentio University is a 20-month hybrid online and in-person Marriage and Family Therapy graduate program committed to training the next generation of mental health professionals. We are seeking energetic undergraduate interns for our Internship. The Internship is a great opportunity for undergraduate students to gain experience for graduate school and develop skills to work in mental health. Undergraduate students interested in pursing a career in psychotherapy are strongly encourage to apply.

This is a remote/online Internship.

Upcoming Cohorts

April Cohort: April 1st, 2026 to April 22nd, 2026

Applications Open: March 2nd
Application Deadline: March 27th
Meetings will be held on: Wednesdays 10am-12pm

Schedule

Students will spend three hours per week for a total of four weeks on internship related material. (12 hours total)

The first 3 weeks:

Interns will attend a 2 hour live Zoom meeting where they will learn and practice new psychotherapy skills each week.
Interns will spend an hour reviewing materials to gain a better understanding of psychotherapy and the major modalities used in the field

The final week:

Interns will work with a partner to complete their Capstone Project.

Internship Duties

Interns will assist Sentio University staff with testing new experiential educational methods for undergraduates.
Interns will attend training and supervision with Sentio University staff, learn new clinical skills, and practice these skills with mock client statements.
Interns will submit a Reflection Essay and Feedback Form at the conclusion of the Internship.

Benefits

Training in empirically-based methods of Deliberate Practice.
Hands-on experience with training in professional mental health.
Information about careers in professional mental health.
Opportunities to work with and learn from mental health professionals.

Eligibility

To qualify for a Sentio University internship, applicants must:

Live in California (this is a remote/online Internship).
Be enrolled in their Junior or Senior year of an undergraduate (BA/BS) program at an accredited institution.
Recent graduates may apply if they participate within 24 months of their graduation.

Internship Diversity

The Sentio University Internship Program is designed to equip college students from populations typically underrepresented in the public health field. Students from diverse, marginalized, and/or underserved communities are encouraged to apply.

Note: applicants must live in or attend school in California

We accept applicants on a rolling basis, and cohorts are limited to 15 students. Once we reach this number, the admissions cycle will close, so we encourage interested students to apply early!

Please contact the Director of Internships, Peter Awad, with any questions: 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

Link to videos

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 accredited 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.