Frequently Asked Questions

There are 14 positions across 12 tracks for 2023-2024.

There are two rotations lasting six months each. During each rotation, the intern will be on two to four services depending on the time requirements of the service. For example, the Clinical Child-Pediatric intern may be on the Child Inpatient service (24 hours) and Pediatric Liaison (12 hours), plus seminar and support group (4 hours); on another rotation, this intern may be on Pediatric Liaison (20 hours), TEACCH (8 hours) and Heart-Lung Transplant (8 hours), plus seminar and support group (4 hours). Each intern works out his/her individualized program with the Program Coordinator to best fit his/her interests and needs.

Not really. During the internship year, interns will be exposed to methods of assessment and intervention that are evidence-based or supported; the use of academic and professional resources to inform clinical practice is emphasized. The intern can be assured of being trained in various models and approaches. More information about the theoretical orientations of the faculty can be found in the track descriptions.

Interns will work with a wide range of clients, reflecting considerable diversity with respect to ethnicity, race, socioeconomic status, and other individual differences. The UNC Medical Center serves as the primary care facility for local counties and as a tertiary care provider for patients from all 100 counties in North Carolina and nearby states, with 82,648 total annual patient visits. Therefore, the population served is as diverse as the population of the State of North Carolina. The population of North Carolina, according to the 2022 estimate by the US Census Bureau, is 10,698,973, of which approximately 22.2% are African-American, 10.5% are Hispanic/Latino, 3.6% Asian, and 1.6% American Indian.

These vary depending on the interests of the intern.  Many work in clinical, academic, and/or research positions in medical centers, universities, and psychiatric facilities; others have gone into private practice. Many have initially chosen postdoctoral settings (including positions at UNC) to further their training.

Opportunities range from time to complete a dissertation to engaging in research with faculty. Up to a day a week can be set aside based on the intern’s interests and goals.

Interns who have completed their training typically praise the diversity of experiences and the individualization of their needs and interests. The quality of supervision by a staff of psychologists committed to psychology training is an important asset. Interns are a part of excellent service models, both in the hospital and in the community, that give high priority to training and service in an interdisciplinary context alongside trainees in multiple professions.

The relationship between psychologists and psychiatrists in the Department has been strong and positive.  Psychologists are held in high regard and valued for their important contributions. Psychologists have held key administrative positions (e.g., Director of the TEACCH Autism Program). Interns have enjoyed and learned from the multidisciplinary training and collaboration with Psychiatry residents, who respect the interns’ skills.

Training in supervision is provided through the didactic seminar series and individually-developed experiences in supervising peers and/or other trainees.