Whether or not you're applying for internships this year, it's always a good idea to get active in addressing — and hopefully ending — the internship shortage. APA is hard at work on the problem, and last year's match numbers indicate that the shortage may be beginning to ease.
Still, the shortage remains, and your voice as a student is just as important as that of those already in the profession. Plus, the more people who are involved, the faster change may happen.
"It is becoming increasingly clear that trainees have a vital role in solving the internship crisis," says Eddy Ameen, PhD, assistant director of APAGS, "not only as victims of the imbalance, but as agents of change. We want to see people at every stage of training engaged in some of these steps."
How can you help? Here are APAGS's three A's of addressing the crisis.
Awareness
Tell others about the shortage and keep the conversation going. For example, share the link describing the problem and solutions on APA's website, or tweet about it using the hashtag #EndTheInternshipCrisis.
Also, brainstorm with peers and faculty. Hold a lunch or informal meeting on campus to raise awareness of the problem and to develop ideas with faculty and students about new ways to combat it.
And consider hosting prospective students at your program. You can help them become more knowledgeable about the internship process and teach them what to look for when applying to graduate programs.
Action
Join your state psychological association and work with it on the issue of Medicaid/insurance reimbursement for intern and postdoc services. Since many states don't provide reimbursement to sites for trainee services to patients, this ultimately restricts how many positions exist — but if sites were reimbursed, this could fund more internship positions.
Also, urge your state psychological association to develop a position statement on the internship crisis in the state and its short- and long-term plans to address it.
At the federal level, join the effort to request expanded funding for internships through the Graduate Psychology Education and Mental and Behavioral Education and Training programs.
On campus, push for improved advising and mentoring around the internship process, including regular group and individual meetings to help prepare students beginning in their first year.
While on your internship, talk with your director and staff about expanding the number of spots or applying for APA accreditation if it is not accredited.
Advocacy
Getting involved with APAGS is a great way to help fellow and future students navigate the internship process. So, consider running for a position on the APAGS committee or one of the subcommittees, or be a campus representative on the APAGS Advocacy Coordinating Team .
Be sure to keep an open dialogue with APAGS officers and staff members. Think about writing about your experience for others on the APAGS blog.
Finally, attend APA's Annual Convention, where you can talk with students, faculty and psychologists in general about new ways to address the internship crisis.