Clinical Psychology Internship for Underrepresented Students: An Inclusive Approach to Higher Education

This text introduces Taking Flight, a year-long clinical psychology internship program to be implemented for students of color and first-generation college-bound students. The program offers hands-on opportunities for participants to develop skills that will propel them to seek advanced degrees in mental health.

The book offers a comprehensive internship curriculum based on a culturally affirming mentorship framework that aims to increase interns’ exposure of clinical psychology, build confidence in their ability, and foster a sense of belonging as a means to inspire educational and career pursuits in the field. Chapters cover topics such as common mental health concerns; self-reflections and insights; research and clinical approaches; capstone projects and presentations; and integration of knowledge, skills, and self-concept. An appendix includes worksheets to utilize throughout the course of the program.

The program is designed to be operated within psychology departments in partnership with local high schools. The text will guide mental health providers and school professionals to executing this program in the hopes of ensuring a more diverse and inclusive clinical psychology workforce.

Anatasia Kim, PhD, is an associate professor at the Wright Institute in Berkeley, CA. She specializes in work with adolescents, minority mental health, and diversity, equity, and inclusion training.

Abigail Johal, PsyD, completed her doctorate in clinical psychology at the Wright Institute in Berkeley, CA. She works in the San Francisco Bay Area, specializing in LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC adolescents.