Externship Program

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The externship programs at Loudoun Psychological Services (LPS) provide comprehensive training designed to give students practical experience in therapy, psychological testing, and neuropsychological testing. The program runs for the full academic year, with an optional summer externship available for advanced externs.

Externs receive a stipend and work alongside licensed mental health professionals in a supportive, collaborative environment. You will gain hands-on experience:

• Conducting clinical assessments and diagnostic evaluations;
• Developing and implementing treatment plans;
• Providing evidence-based therapy for a range of mental health concerns.

The program emphasizes clinical skill development, professional growth, and ethical practice. Externs receive regular supervision and feedback from experienced clinicians, participate in training seminars and case conferences, and have access to resources that support ongoing learning and growth.

Therapy externs participate in weekly group supervision and gain exposure to many evidence-based interventions, including:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
• Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
• Psychodynamic approaches
• Family Systems approaches
• Advanced externs may also gain exposure to Internal Family Systems (IFS) and Polyvagal-informed interventions.

Upon completion, externs will have developed a broad range of clinical skills and practical experience that prepares them for a career in mental health, with the confidence to work with diverse clients and provide evidence-based assessment and treatment.