Inspiring Careers in Mental Health

The Inspiring Careers in Mental Health Internship is a virtual summer program from the UT Southwestern Medical Center Department of Psychiatry that introduces high school students to careers in mental health. The 2027 internship will be held online over Zoom. It runs in two weeks, June 7-11 and June 14-18, 2027, with sessions from about 9 AM to 2 PM each day. Sessions are led by mental health clinician-scientists, including licensed clinical social workers, neuropsychologists, physician assistants and psychiatrists. Before each session, interns read assigned packets that range from popular media to scientific journal articles. Leaders show what their daily work looks like and answer students' questions about their jobs and career paths. Topics include psychotherapy, neuropsychological testing, neuroscience, interventional psychiatry and community psychiatry.

Students who are in 9th, 10th, 11th or 12th grade as of fall 2026 may apply for the 2027 program. Participants must live in the United States, or on a U.S. armed forces base or diplomatic post, during the program. Interns must attend all virtual sessions, take part actively and keep their cameras on. The online application asks for applicant information, a 100 to 200 word essay on your interest in the internship, optional school activities, awards and volunteer or work experience, and your school counselor's email for a reference. The 2027 application deadline is February 1, 2027 at 11:59 PM Central Time. Selected students will be notified by email by March 31, 2027.