Practicum and Internship
The Department of Psychology offers a wide range of opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience and earn practicum credit in psychology. By participating in a practicum placement, you will have the opportunity to gain practical knowledge and real-life experience by working in a specific area of psychology. Becoming involved in practicum gives you the chance to apply information that you have learned in the classroom to real world situations, and it is also a great way to explore personal and/or career interests. Students are encouraged to sign up and get hands-on experience!
If you’re interested in earning practicum credit, please complete the following steps. More detailed information can be found on the Psychology Canvas website.
1) Choose a practicum / internship site you are interested in. Students generally select organizations from our list of approved practicum sites (located on the Psychology Canvas website). If you find an outside practicum site that you are interested in working for and would like to have the site added to our approved list, contact the Psychology Practicum account for a site evaluation.
2) Apply for and obtain a position. Each site has its own application and hiring process, so please be aware of how long this process may take for the site you are interested in (application details are included in each of the links on the approved practicum page). In addition, sites may not be looking for new students every term, so reach out to the site(s) you are interested in to see if they are currently accepting students before applying. (We cannot guarantee every student will find a position).
3) Print and sign practicum / internship contract with practicum / internship supervisor. Once you have found a position, download and print out a Practicum / Internship Contract (located on the Psychology Canvas website). Complete this contract with your supervisor at your practicum / internship site. The contract includes defining your responsibilities and specifying the number of hours you will work over the term (must be a minimum of 30 hours; 30 hours = 1 credit or roughly 3 hours per week/per credit).
4) Bring or email (psychprac@uoregon.edu) the signed contract to the Practicum / Internship Supervisor in order to obtain permission to register for PSY 406**.
**NOTE: In order to register for PSY 406, you must complete the four steps listed above by Friday at noon of Week 1 each term.
Practicum credit hours (PSY 406, 1-9 hours, P/N only) are repeatable up to 21 credits. However, only 4 of these credits will apply toward your elective upper-division credits in psychology, and the credits you earn must come from an accredited practicum.
Previously Approved Practicum/Internship Sites
Brief descriptions are provided below about each of the approved practicum/internship sites. Please click on the green links for more information about the positions available, time commitment, qualifications, and application process. Each site has a different interview and selection process which may take several weeks to complete, so plan accordingly. Positions are not guaranteed.
If you find that any of the posted information is no longer accurate, or you discover a broken link, please e-mail the Psychology Department (psych@uoregon.edu) so we can fix the problem.
Interested in a site that is NOT on our approved list?
Please don’t feel constricted by the approved practicum sites. We have had several students seek out other opportunities in the community that fit with their own unique career goals. If you are interested in getting an outside site approved, please contact the Practicum Coordinator (psychprac@uoregon.edu).
A Family For Every Child is dedicated to finding loving, permanent families for every waiting foster child. A Family For Every Child is the only organization in Oregon that exclusively recruits families for hard-to-place children including those over the age of six, sibling groups, those who have been in foster care for a long time, children who are ethnic minorities, and those with severe mental, physical or emotional challenges. The organization began with the mission of connecting foster children with families through the Heart Gallery, a program that displays professional photographs of waiting foster children in public spaces such as faith-based venues and local businesses. A Family For Every Child now operates nine programs that recruit families for foster children, provide support and training for adoptive families and foster youth, and facilitate adoptions and permanent family connections. Since 2006, AFFEC has served nearly 6,000 children and families through these programs.
Adaptive Recreation is the primary provider of community recreation services for persons with disabilities in Lane County. It is based in the Hilyard Community Center, a fully accessible facility. Direct services offered by the program include recreation programs adapted to serve people experiencing disabilities, individual and group skill training, assistance to make activities accessible, adaptive equipment, and referral and information assistance. *Background check required
Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) provides every child in need with trained volunteer advocates to ensue they are safe, have a permanent home and the opportunities to thrive. They want to ensure every distressed child and family has a pathway to positive outcomes. In 1977, Judge David Soukup realized that there was no one in the courtroom whose only job was to provide a voice for the child. He was consumed by the fact that very little information was provided about the child and didn’t know if he was doing the best job he could. He believed that volunteers, properly trained, could speak for the children, and give judges better insight into the facts pertaining to the child. Through his efforts the first volunteer guardian “ad litem” program was established, which later became known as CASA.
Center for Dialogue & Resolution
The Center for Dialogue & Resolution (formerly Community Mediation Services) is a community-based non-profit that provides a variety of mediation programs and educative opportunities to people in Lane County. Their focus is on transforming conflict and facilitating positive communication to build peaceful communities. About half of its services involve the Restorative Justice Program; the other half: dispute resolution.
Riverview Center for Growth (formerly The Child Center)
Intensive day treatment program for children ages 5 – 12 with serious mental health disorders and/or severe behavioral disorders. Mental health treatment is provided in a special education classroom setting. Children receive instruction and behavioral support as well as individual, group and family therapy. Staff and practicum students or interns work together as a team to provide a highly structured milieu. *Background check required
The Center on Parenting and Opioids
The Center on Parenting and Opioids is working to raise awareness and improve the lives of parents and children impacted by opioid use and parenting. By identifying those pathways, the CPO can build personalized programs for families affected by opioids. Helping them feel more successful and confident as parents.
City of Springfield Human Resources Department
City of Springfield Human Resources Department serves as support for all other City departments by providing all major employment, risk, and benefit services; administers a job classification system, oversees compensation practices to ensure compliance with State and Federal regulations; works with collective bargaining units and administers the labor contracts; manages the employee benefits programs and coordinates the Volunteer Programs. The department tracks Workers Compensations and Short- and Long-Term Disability claims which result in additional wage subsidy and worksite modifications.
Connect the Dots is a private outpatient clinic serving children in the Lane County and surrounding areas with Occupational, Physical, and Speech Therapy. Connect the Dots offers play-based therapy for kids ages birth – 18 years with various approaches including individual therapy, group therapy, aquatic therapy and co-treats. Each discipline addresses a wide range of diagnoses and challenges. *Background check required
Department of Human Services (DHS)
The Department of Human Services (DHS) is Oregon’s principal agency for helping Oregonians achieve wellbeing and independence through opportunities that protect, empower, respect choice and preserve dignity, especially for those who are least able to help themselves. DHS provides direct services to more than 1 million Oregonians each year. These services provide a key safety net for those in our society who are most vulnerable or who are at a difficult place in their life. See attached file below for overview of internship process. *Background check required
Early Childhood CARES (Early Childhood Coordination Agency for Referrals, Evaluation, and Services) provides early intervention and early childhood special education services to infants, toddlers and preschool age children in Lane County who have developmental delays or disabilities. Early Childhood CARES offers home visits to parents, parent-toddler groups, classrooms for children with autism and significant disabilities, speech groups, behavior consulting for children with challenging behaviors, and consultation to community preschools. *Background check preferred
First Place is a day center that gives crucial assistance and support to families with children who are in transition due to homelessness, job loss, health issues, or other critical problems. Housed within the day center, First Place Early Childhood Program operates a therapeutic drop-in preschool for young children experiencing crisis. Our trauma-informed preschool provides a safe, nurturing environment five days a week in which young children can gain crucial social and emotional skills. *Background check required
The Lane Community College Gender Equity Center exists for students, staff, and faculty, providing services and initiatives that reflect sensitivity to gender-related issues and which emphasize equity, inclusiveness and responsiveness for students. The Center is a friendly, supportive environment for people of all gender identities to connect with each other, share information, obtain resources and referrals, and help educate the campus community about gender equity and social justice. The Gender Equity Center includes prevention and intervention of Title IX gender-based incidents related to domestic violence, sexual assault, harassment and other forms of gender-based issues.
HIV Alliance’s mission is “supporting individuals living with HIV/AIDS and preventing new HIV infections”. It accomplishes this mission through three main departments. The Client Services Department provides case management, emergency financial assistance and dental care to individuals living with HIV/AIDS. The Prevention Department provides support for high-risk individuals through an outreach program, HIV and Hepatitis C testing program, and a Needle Exchange program. The Education Program provides HIV 101 presentations and positive speaker presentations to schools, drug treatment programs, and other community groups. *Background check required
Your time and talent goes a long way to help a child, mentor a teen or provide support for individuals and families. Volunteers with the Hope and Safety Alliance come from all walks of life, but share a common trait – wanting to help others. With training, you can work directly with survivors through the 24-hour crisis and support line, emergency shelter, and/or children services program. You can also provide assistance with the office or help coordinate donations. You can join our outreach team and staff tables at community events. Training and ongoing support is provided to every volunteer. There is approximately 40 hours of online and in person training for some of our programs. Learn more about how to apply to be a volunteer at https://www.hopesafetyalliance.org/get-involved
Jasper Mountain’s mission is to bring hope and healing to traumatized children and their families, and to enhance the physical, emotional and spiritual health of its clients and staff. Jasper Mountain provides a continuum of programs that meets the needs of emotionally disturbed children and their families. Services include an intensive residential treatment program with a therapeutic school, a short-term residential center, treatment foster care program, community based program and crisis response services.
Kids’ Forensic Intervention Response and Support Team Center (Kids’ FIRST) serves child physical and sexual abuse victims and children who witness domestic violence along with their non-offending family members. Kids’ FIRST helps abused children going through the investigative and judicial processes by providing a warm, child-focused setting where children can be forensically interviewed, receive medical examinations and testify before the grand jury when necessary. At Kids’ FIRST, volunteer victim advocates work hands-on with child victims of abuse and their non-offending guardians, providing victim assistance, advocacy, support, and information and referral services. Kids’ FIRST works in cooperation and in collaboration with local law enforcement, child welfare, medical personnel and assistant district attorneys on behalf of child victims. *Background check required
Lane County Human Resources Department
Lane County Human resources is dedicated to creating a workplace where all employees thrive. Talent Management, Labor Relations, and Workforce Wellness Solutions provide exceptional service by focusing on solutions through collaborative relationships that promote equity, respect, integrity, and innovation.
Victim Services Advocates provide a number of services for crime victims and their families. Services include: crisis intervention, case status notification, community resources and referrals, court accompaniment, domestic violence case management, and emotional support. Victim Services provides crime victims with applications for crime victim’s compensation. Victim Services also has a clinic for assisting petitioners applying for protective orders. Some internship opportunities are available. We have internships in Case Management (Juvenile Probation Counselor), and also in our Detention Program, Phoenix Treatment Program, or our school – Martin Luther King Jr. Educational Center. We also have interns work with our Research Analyst if this is something that they are really interested in. *Background check required
Left Coast Wellness is a therapy group located in Eugene, Corvallis, and Online throughout Oregon. They provide services for: depression; anxiety and phobias; relationship difficulties; parent support and education; life transitions; difficulties with self-esteem; OCD; PTSD; traumatic experiences; professional/career issues; college/graduate school issues; chronic health issues; lifestyle analysis and change; stress management; ADD; gender identity support; LBGTQ+ affirming counseling; grief, loss, or bereavement; practice supervision and consultation.
Looking Glass is a private, nonprofit organization that serves more than 7,000 at-risk kids and families each year primarily in Lane County, Oregon. We are committed to assisting our clients in navigating life’s challenges, so that they can lead healthier, happier and more productive lives. Our agency provides a continuum of integrated services, ranging from prevention to treatment, through a variety of innovative programs. Counseling, 24-hour crisis intervention, substance abuse treatment, education and vocational training are just a few examples of the services we have to offer. Our programs span the diverse fields of Mental Health, Juvenile Justice, Education, Youth Development and Workforce Readiness. We also work closely with, and help shape, the major systems that impact the young people and families in our community and state. Our organization is proud to partner with the public and private sectors on addressing and finding solutions to the issues that adversely affect the well being of children, youth and families.
Looking Glass New Roads assists homeless youth, ages 16-21 who are interested in creating long-term solutions that improve the quality of their lives. We help young people on their road to independence. The program’s location is ideally situated to provide services for youth exiting street life. *Background check required
Looking Glass Station 7 provides runaway and homeless youth with on-the-spot problem solving, emotional support, information, and survival resources. Street teams are strategically stationed throughout Lane County. Station 7 is open 24 hours a day to provide crisis intervention services. *Background check required
**Interested students are encouraged to begin the application process at the beginning of a term to help ensure a spot for the next term.
There is a nonviolent revolution brewing in the mental health system, and Mind Freedom International is considered to be one of the groups on the cutting edge of that revolution of empowerment, advocacy, self-determination and alternatives. Mind Freedom International campaigns for human rights in the mental health system. Founded in 1987, and based in Eugene, Mind Freedom is a non-profit that now unites 100 groups and thousands of members to expose practices such as involuntary electroshock and forced drugging, and to promote humane, safe voluntary alternatives. Most members have personally experienced the mental health system, but membership includes a diversity of the public. Mind Freedom is the only group of its kind accredited by the United Nations as a Non-Governmental Organization (Consultative Roster Status). Mind Freedom is a small non-profit with only a few employees, but has widespread influence in the mental health field. Mind Freedom is also one of the few totally independent groups in the mental health advocacy field, and is more activist oriented.
Monte Nido’s treatment approach focuses on the restoration of physiological and nutritional balance, implementation of health eating and exercise routines, elimination of harmful behaviors, and development of motivation and treatment engagement. Their Objective is to help each client to achieve a clear understanding of their eating and/or exercise disorder and its effect on their life, as well as an individualized appreciation of what is necessary for their personal recovery.
Moss Street is the child care center on the UO campus that serves student families. We have nine classrooms with children ages 3 months to 11 years. Child care has been provided as a program of the Erb Memorial Union to the University of Oregon community since 1970. Our primary mission is to support UO student parents by providing high quality care for their children while they attend classes. Our secondary mission is to provide opportunities and training in caring for children to UO student staff. *Background check required
Ophelia’s Place provides support services to middle and high school age girls with a focus on their strengths, challenges and choices. We offer a supportive environment and use a strength-based, goal-oriented philosophy in program services. Young women face challenges that are unique to girls within systems of inequality, sexism, overt media messages and stereotypical expectations. By placing the experience of girls of this age at the center of our thinking, we offer girls a unique, friendly, and safe environment. If you are interested in applying for an internship at Ophelia’s place, you can do so directly here: https://www.opheliasplace.net/internships
*Background check required
Oregon Community Programs is a private nonprofit agency that has provided research-based treatment and prevention services and programs to children, youth, and families since 1983. They provide a range of evidence-based behavioral health and rehabilitation interventions. As an organization, they use evidence-based treatment services and support for foster families and outpatient mental health treatment.
OFSN is the longest standing organization in Oregon providing advocacy, support, education and direct peer delivered services to families with youth who experience mental health challenges. Children, youth and families we work with have complex challenges resulting from mental or behavioral health disorders. Our families and youth also struggle with many obstacles and barriers, including; poverty, domestic violence, homelessness, disconnection from family, untreated mental health and addictions, as well as profound traumatic experiences. Our offering is best described as peer delivered service. Families and youth come to OFSN for education and training, community supports, advocacy and/or for family partner services through behavioral health systems. *Background check required
Oregon Research Institute is an independent behavioral sciences research center dedicated to understanding human behavior and improving the quality of human life through the prevention and treatment of health, educational, and social problems. Some responsibilities include assisting with recruitment, scheduling participants, data entry and general administrative tasks as needed.
Oregon Social Learning Center (OSLC)
The Oregon Social Learning Center (OSLC) is a non-profit, collaborative, multidisciplinary research center dedicated to increasing the scientific understanding of social and psychological processes related to healthy development and family functioning. This internship at OSLC is part of a five-year project funded by the National Institute of Drug Abuse. The project, called the JEAP Initiative, seeks to advance research on the effectiveness of recovery support services for adults with substance use disorders.
Parenting Now! is a non-profit organization that provides parenting education and support to families with young children. We fulfill our mission through direct service to families and sales of curricula and material to parenting educators. *Background check required
The Pearl Buck Preschool serves up to 30 children ages 2-5 years born to parents with difficulties, including developmental disabilities. Children of this population are at higher risk for environmental disabilities. The goal of the program is twofold: (1) to provide the children with the social and developmental skills that they need to make a smooth transition to kindergarten, and (2) to provide the parents with information and training in order to minimize the impact of their disability on the children. The Mission Statement is: Pearl Buck Center offers people with disabilities and their families quality choices and supports to achieve their goals. *Background check required
The Relief Nursery provides comprehensive early intervention and family preservation services for low-income county families with children between birth and six years of age, who have a history of, or who are at risk of, physical, emotional, or sexual abuse or child neglect. *Background check required
RISE, Inc. is a non-profit, human services agency providing supports to children and adults with developmental disabilities. Our mission at RISE is to create opportunities for and with people of all ages with a variety of needs. We strive to provide tools and teach skills that promote high quality of life and inspire people to reach their full potential. RISE believes that all individuals should have the opportunity to live in a family setting, regardless of the complexity of their needs. RISE Family Services focuses on individualized care and family perseveration for those who support children and adults with a wide range of backgrounds and needs. We offer a wide array of customized services including behavior consultation, relief care, attendant care, skills training, and parent training. *Background check required
Serenity Lane is a private, not-for-profit treatment center for alcohol and other drug addictions. We offer inpatient/residential and outpatient services to adults 18 years and older. At Serenity Lane, our mission is to provide a healing environment in which chemically dependent individuals and their families discover an enhanced quality of life through long-term recovery from alcoholism and drug abuse. We believe that chemical dependency is a treatable disease. Through education, intervention and innovative treatment services, healing and recovery from the illness can be accomplished.
Sexual Assault Support Services (SASS)
SASS is a non-profit, grassroots organization serving adult, adolescent and children (male and female) survivors of sexual assault, as well as friends, family and partners of survivors through direct service, as well as community education. A 24 hour crisis line, long term and crisis response advocacy, support groups, and in-person peer counseling are available. Education programs include interaction with middle and high school students and a variety of community groups. SASS’ mission is to provide services to survivors as well as work to change societal conditions that allow oppression, especially sexual violence, to exist. *Background check required
The Sheldon Community Center offers a wide variety of opportunities for youth, adults, families and seniors. Programs include health and fitness classes, trips, art classes, workshops, dance classes, early learning classrooms, afterschool enrichment for grades K-5 and summer camps, family events, etc. It’s their mission to provide recreation opportunities to all Eugene residents for sharp minds and strong bodies.
Sponsors, Inc. provides transitional housing and employment opportunities to adults who are released from Oregon prisons and jail in Lane County, Oregon. Since 1973, Sponsors has been the model in evidence-based reentry services. Sponsors employs recognized best practices to help the formerly incarcerated stay out of prison for good. The program based upon the belief that “People can and do change, and that a strategic intervention at the appropriate time can serve as a catalyst in that change.“
TrackTown USA is a non-profit organization committed to setting a standard of excellence in the sports of track and field and running by hosting premier events, creating a supportive environment for elite athletic performances, improving facilities, being a leader in sustainability and inspiring the next generation of track and field athletes and fans.
The U.S. Probation Office promotes justice, reduce risk to the community, and provide opportunities for positive change. This provides a roadmap for their work with clients, the Court, and their partners in the community.
Vivian Olum Child Development Center (VOCDC)
The Vivian Olum Child Development Center (VOCDC) is a comprehensive program of early childhood and school-age education and care whose mission is to serve the needs of university faculty and staff families. The center consists of seven classrooms, serving over 100 children daily, providing care for infants through elementary school-age children. VOCDC is a program of Human Resources. The center is open weekdays 7:30-5:45, and supports the growth and development of children through quality interactions, providing activities and materials that match their interests, and supporting their emerging social and emotional skills. *Background check required
White Bird Clinic is a non-profit human service agency collective. Our services range from CAHOOTS to dental care to ongoing counseling. Information about specific programs can be found on our website, whitebirdclinic.org. *Background check may be required
Other approved sites students have interned at in the past, that we currently do not have full informational documents on yet. Please reach out to these sites directly to express your interest and request further information!
Eugene Police Department
Springfield Police Department
Waterford Grand Senior Living Center
Food for Lane County
NOTE: Outside sites may be approved by the practicum coordinator on a case-by-case basis. We have had several students successfully seek out other opportunities in the community, or elsewhere while off-campus for summer, that fit with their own unique career goals. If you are interested in getting an outside site approved, please contact the Practicum Coordinator at psychprac@uoregon.edu.