Clinical Psychology Graduate Pre-Doctoral Externships
Now accepting applications for Summer/Fall 2025-2026
Externship Program Overview
Our pre-doctoral externship program focuses on advanced clinical training for students interested in rehabilitation psychology and neuropsychology. Tailored for clinically proficient individuals, the program spans 9-12 months, with practicums offered 2-3 days per week.
Applicants should possess prior clinical rotations experience and a commitment to professional excellence. Demonstrating flexibility and outstanding clinical skills in assessment and intervention, externs will undergo a comprehensive orientation to neurorehabilitation populations before commencing their training.
To learn more, download our Clinical Psychology Externships brochure.
Externship Training Structure
Training includes active participation in interdisciplinary team conferences, shadowing other team disciplines, and co-treating in clinical settings. Assigned readings and educational materials enhance knowledge of patients' medical conditions and foster professional development. Additionally, externs will benefit from a weekly Neurorehabilitation Didactic Series led by internal staff, postdoctoral fellows, and guest speakers and will be expected to present a rotation-relevant topic during their practicum.
Externs will engage in neurobehavioral assessments, interventions, psychological/neuropsychological testing, and individual/group psychotherapy. Those with previous neuropsychological testing experience can further enhance their skills. This program equips externs for seamless integration into medical treatment settings, preparing them for internship training and postdoctoral fellowship opportunities.
Externship Experiences
Shepherd Center currently offers five specialized tracks for externship experiences. Visit each page below for more information about each externship track and guidance on the application process. Due to variations in local college/university programming, students are
encouraged to apply early. Please refer to each track’s individual deadlines for application submissions.
- Track 1: Spinal Cord Injury and Rehabilitation Psychology
- Track 2: Inpatient Acute Brain Injury and Comprehensive Rehabilitation Unit
- Track 3: Neuropsychology Post-Acute Brain Injury
- Track 4: Rehabilitation Psychology and Post-Acute Brain Injury
- Track 5: SHARE Military Initiative and Complex Concussion Clinic