Psychology and Cognitive Science majors can attend a Field Study Info Session to find out specific placement opportunities available to students accepted in the Psychology Field Study Program. Accepted students can view a full listing of all placements including detailed internship descriptions. Below are some examples of the types of placements available to field study students. Please note that internship availability varies each quarter depending on the needs of the various agencies.

Working with Children & Adolescents

Instructor

Assist in implementing and and evaluating instructional programs for individual students ages 5-22 with autism and developmental disabilities. 

Teacher's Aide

Assist teachers in preschool or grade school with various tasks, including but not limited to, monitoring play/recess time, assisting with and/or preparing lessons and activities, supporting student learning, etc.

After-school Program Aide

Implement recreational, educational, social and character-building activities that support the development of youth age 6-18 and provide other support as needed (e.g. assisting with snack time, cleaning, etc.).

Resiliency Trainer

Be supported, coached and supervised by a school psychologist in arranging regular one-on-one and small group sessions with youth at elementary, middle and high school sites. The goal of sessions is to build relationships and resilience, develop self-esteem and improve social skills through games, art, play and communication.

Residential Counselor Intern

Responsible to support the therapeutic milieu and the treatment of all residents (i.e. adolescent girls). Plan, organize and implement therapeutic recreational activities. Assist residents with academic requirements and teach independent living skills. 

Community Impact Intern

Support coordination of implementation of various initiatives centered around youth leadership and advocacy in Santa Cruz County through research on best practices, event support and small group discussion facilitation. Intern works with stakeholders, youth and community members.

Working with Adults

Mental Health Worker Intern

Assist in social service assessments, co-facilitate program groups and activities, document treatment progress, and hold one-on-one meetings with residents in treatment diagnosed with severe mental or emotional illness (e.g. schizophrenia, borderline personality disorder, etc.).

Health & Wellness Coach

Assist in gardening activities, teaching/aiding cooking classes, and utilization of nutrition education curriculum. Support small group of participants in achieving their individual wellness goals focused on healthy exercise, nutrition and diets.

Public Defender Investigator Intern

Work with the investigation unit to request records, help prepare and serve subpoenas, locate and conduct interviews with witnesses, write reports and interpret/translate as needed.

Direct Support Professional

Work one-on-one with individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities and support the implementation and teaching of skills, as identified by the client and their team.

Treatment Program Intern

Learn and experience the complexities of a community health center which provides a variety of services (e.g. integrated behavioral health, medication assisted treatment, SUD counseling etc.) to the unhoused and low-income population of Santa Cruz County. Assist in direct care under supervision of experienced staff.

Advocate for Survivors of Domestic Violence

Provide strength-based intervention support and advocacy to individuals that have experienced domestic violence via a 24-hour Domestic Violence hotline.