DSH - Metropolitan Psychology Doctoral Internship Frequently Asked Questions
What's the patient population like at DSH-M?
DSH-Metropolitan treats approximately 800 patients committed under two main categories: Incompetent to Stand Trial (PC 1370; "forensic") and Conservatorship (LPS).
The units are largely divided by commitment codes, although in some cases there is a mixture of forensic and civil conservatorship patients on a unit. There are also Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) units specifically dedicated to the treatment of medically fragile patients.
What are the rotations available?
The interns are expected to complete two, six-month rotations over the course of the year. Rotation options include experiences on LPS (civil commitment) units, Forensic (criminal commitment) units, and/or an off-unit rotation in Neuropsychological Assessment.
We aim to give our interns a broad, generalist experience that includes administration of a variety of assessments, report writing, individual and group therapy, collaboration with an interdisciplinary treatment team, and didactics/trainings. Interns attend two hours of didactic training each week. Interns will also be expected to provide three presentations during the year.
How many supervisors do interns have?
Each intern will have one primary supervisor and 2-3 delegated supervisors during each rotation. The primary supervisor will provide 1 hour of individual supervision each week and typically oversee the day-to-day work of the interns. One delegated supervisor will provide an additional hour of individual supervision each week and support the intern in developing specific skills, such as psychological assessment. Interns will also receive 2 hours of group supervision led by the Internship Director. Additionally, other licensed psychology staff members are available to provide consultation, training, and other supportive functions for the internship program.
What is the salary for interns? Other benefits?
Interns are DSH-M employees and receive salaries and benefits commensurate with their employee classification and salary range. Interns in the 2025-2026 internship program are to be classified as 9851 CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY INTERN. The interns are paid within Salary Range D ($4,346.00 - $5,179.00 per month, $52,152.00 annually, as of 09/17/2024). Clinical Psychology Interns are typically paid at the lower limit of Range D ($4,346.00). Note: Range D is assigned when the intern provides evidence of successful completion of three academic years of graduate work and the comprehensive examinations, language requirements, and 500 hours' professional experience toward the Doctoral Degree in Psychology. Compensation may vary year by year depending on the level of training and experience of the intern and the State budget.
As a State employee, interns also receive paid vacation/sick time and medical benefits. The full list of benefits and specifics on items such as medical insurance and accrual rates for vacation time will be covered during the New Employee Orientation.
Are there dress code guidelines or attire restrictions?
Interns are expected to dress in a manner that reflects positively on the psychology department, the hospital, and their profession. Clothing worn to work should be of a suitable color, fabric, and style to reflect professional status. This is typically referred to as “business casual.” Clothing should also be clean, neat, and in good repair; provide for the safety of the interns and patients; and allow for the full performance of all duties.
Other considerations include the requirement to wear hospital-issued name badges and PDAS tags (personal alarms) at all times. There is also the exclusion of neckwear (ties, scarves, necklaces, etc.) and khaki-colored clothing. The full list of dress code guidelines can be found in Appendix A of the DSH-M Psychology Doctoral Internship Manual.