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Site Name: Youth Services Department, Palm Beach County

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Member Site Information
APPIC Member Number: 1428
Program Type: Internship
Membership Type: Full Membership
Site: Youth Services Department, Palm Beach County
Department: n/a
Address: 100 Australian Avenue
Suite 210
West Palm Beach, Florida 33406
Country: United States
Metro Area: Not Applicable
Miami-Fort Lauderdale-Pompano Beach, FL
Distance from Major City: 70 miles north of Miami
Phone: 561-233-4460
Fax: 561-233-4475
Training Director Email: sginsbur@pbcgov.org
Co-Training Director Email:
Web Address: http://www.pbcgov.com/youthservices/EducationCenter
Brochure Website's Address: https://discover.pbcgov.org/youthservices/Training_Docs/2025-2026_Doctoral_Internship_Brochure.pdf
Primary Agency Type: Community Mental Health Center
Additional Agency Types:
  • Community Mental Health Center
  • Other
Member of APPIC since:
Accreditation
APA Accreditation Accredited
CPA Accreditation Not Accredited
Internship Staff/Faculty Information
Training Director: Shayna Ginsburg PsyD.
Chief Psychologist: Twila Taylor
Number of Full-Time Licensed Doctoral Psychologists on Staff/Faculty 6
Number of Part-Time Licensed Doctoral Psychologists on Staff/Faculty 0
Position Information
Start Date: 08/03/2026
Funded
Number of Full Time Slots Expected Next Class: 4
Number of Part Time Slots Expected Next Class: 0
Stipend
Full Time Annual Stipend for Next Class: 32760
Part Time Annual Stipend for Next Class: 0
Fringe Benefits: Comp Time , Dissertation Release Time, Licensing Exam Release Time, Professional Development Time, Sick Leave, Vacation
Other Fringe Benefits (not indicated above): Professional development leave to attend trainings, conferences, or presentations may be granted. Dissertation defense and licensure examinations may take place during work hours. A one-time health insurance stipend of $1,000 will be awarded to the intern after 6 months of service.
Brief description of the typical work day for an intern at this training site Each intern participates in two 6-month rotations at the Education & Training Center (outpatient) and Highridge Family Center (residential). Two hours of weekly individual supervision and 2 hours of weekly group supervision are provided by licensed psychologists, in addition to two hours of weekly didactic training on a variety of clinical topics. Each intern is also involved in monthly journal club and supervision series meetings, and scheduled training director meetings and testing training series. The interns provide peer supervision to one another and may serve as mentors to practicum trainees. During the outpatient rotation, interns are responsible for providing short-term family therapy, individual therapy (only age 18-22), intake assessments, consultation, and case management. Interns may have opportunity to shadow PCIT services. Interns complete psychological evaluations, provide parent education/support/training, and conduct outreach activities, including presentations to staff, schools, and community agencies. Telemental health services may be provided. During the residential rotation, interns are responsible for providing family, group, individual, and milieu therapy to residents of Highridge Family Center. Inters participate in weekly multidisciplinary treatment team meetings, case conferences, multi-family groups, staff consultations, and presentations to parents. Telemental health services may be provided.
Does this site have practicum psychology students on site? Yes
Doctoral Psychology Practicum StudentsYes
Masters Psychology Practicum StudentsNo
Do Psychology Interns/Postdocs Have the Opportunity to Supervise Practicum Students?No
Is this program fully affiliated with one or more doctoral programs? No
Is this program partially affiliated with one or more doctoral programs? No
Internship Application Process
Accepting Applicants: Yes
Application Due Date: 11/10/2025 11:59 PM EST
A Virtual Interview are: Required
Interview notification date: 12/12/2025
Tentative interview date: 01/05/2026
Interview process description:

All applications are evaluated by the Youth Services Department Training Committee for potential goodness of fit with the internship program. We look for interns with training goals aligned with the training that we offer. The program looks not only at the total number of practicum hours, but the quality of training in terms of the type of setting and population, as well as experience with evidence-based practice. We prefer interns who have training and experience in working with youth and families and those who, based on their experience, demonstrate cultural sensitivity working with diverse populations. However, we will consider candidates with gaps in this training who demonstrate great potential and an eagerness to learn based on strong letters of recommendation, essays, and interviews.

All applications are screened by the Youth Services Department Training Committee using a standard Application Rating Scale and evaluated for potential goodness of fit with the internship program. The Training Committee holds a selection meeting to determine which applicants to invite for interviews based upon the results of this screening process. All applicants are notified by email of a decision regarding an invitation to interview on the date indicated in the APPIC directory. Interviews are scheduled during the month of January and occur remotely via video technology with members of the Training Committee.

Interviews entail a half-day experience involving various activities. Specifically, on the day of the interview, a small group of intern applicants (typically 3-5) meets with the internship’s Training Director and other supervising psychologists for introductions, a pre-recorded overview of the site and various training opportunities, and a virtual tour of both internship rotations. As a group, prospective interns also are given a clinical scenario and asked to discuss the scenario in a group format in front of the supervising psychologists. Subsequently, prospective interns meet individually with outpatient and residential supervising psychologists as well as postdoctoral fellows during which interviews are conducted using a standard set of interview questions; although members of the Training Committee may ask additional interview questions of applicants as appropriate. Applicants are afforded an opportunity to ask questions during their group meeting and individual interview times, time permitting. As a group, applicants also meet with current interns as another opportunity to ask questions and learn about the training experience.

The Youth Services Department agrees to abide by the APPIC policy that no person at this training facility will solicit, accept, or use any rank information from any internship applicant.

 

 

 
How to obtain application info: Visit Website
Preferred method of contacting the program: Email the Program
We have matched with interns from these programs: Nova Southeastern University, Carlos Albizu University, American School of Professional Psychology at Argosy University-Washington, DC, American School of Professional Psychology at Argosy University-Phoenix, American School of Professional Psychology at Argosy University-Tampa, American School of Professional Psychology at Argosy University- Chicago, Chicago School of Professional Psychology, Pacific University, Chestnut Hill College, Michigan State University, John F. Kennedy University, Adler University, University of South Alabama, Florida Institute of Technology, Florida School of Professional Psychology, Alliant International University-San Diego, Regent University, Xavier University, Pace University, William James College, University of West Virginia, Long Island University, Pacific University, Eastern Kentucky University
Internship Applicant Requirements
US Citizenship Required: No
If NOT a U.S. Citizen, Authorization to Work or to Engage in Practical Training (CPT or OPT) in the US is Required: Yes
Canadian Citizenship Required: No
If NOT a Canadian Citizen, Authorization to Work in Canada or to Engage in Practical Training (CPT or OPT) in Canada is Required: No
Masters Degree Required: Yes, by start of internship
Comprehensive Exams Passed: Yes, by application deadline
Dissertation Proposal Approved: Yes, by start of internship
Dissertation Defended: No
Minimum Number of AAPI Intervention Hours (if applicable): 400
Minimum Number of AAPI Assessment Hours (if applicable): 100
Minimum Number of Combined Intervention and Assessment Hours (if applicable): 1000
Does your program require applicants to submit supplemental materials (i.e., an assessment report and/or a case/treatment summary): Yes
Minimum Number of Years of Grad Training Required (if applicable): 3
Accepted / Not-Accepted Program Types
Clinical Psychology Accepted
Counseling Psychology Accepted
School Psychology Not Accepted
APA-Accredited Accepted
CPA-Accredited Not Accepted
PCSAS-Accredited Not Accepted
Non-Accredited Not Accepted
Ph.D Degree Accepted
Psy.D. Degree Accepted
Ed.D. Degree Not Accepted
This institution, department, internship, or postdoctoral program requires trainees to sign a statement about personal behavior and/or religious beliefs as a condition of admission and/or retention in the program: No
How to obtain text of statement:
Other Requirements: As a supplement to the AAPI, a sample, de-identified, child/adolescent psychological evaluation report (preferably non-neuro) should be submitted at the time of application. The sample report must contain a measure of intellectual assessment. The intern will be considered an independent contractor. Proof of professional liability insurance is required at the time the contract is signed. Prior to the start of the internship, a Level 2 criminal background check is also required.
Program Description

Internship Program Description:

The Doctoral Internship at the Youth Services Department is offered through the Residential Treatment and Family Counseling Division, whose mission is to provide free, accessible, professional trauma-informed mental health services and educational programs to youth and families in Palm Beach County to support healthy development and promote overall wellbeing. The Division is committed to fostering healthy individual and family functioning in families where youth have been exposed to various forms of danger, harm, or loss. Without adequate resilience and other protective factors, these youth are often at higher risk of trauma and toxic stress, that if left unaddressed, may lead to increased use of unhealthy behaviors, which in turn increases their risk of entering the juvenile justice system, dropping out of school, getting involved with gangs, running away from home, substance use, and entering the child protective system. This goal is accomplished through family, group, and individual therapy, psychoeducation, parent training, psychological evaluation, consultative services, and community outreach offered across community-based, office, and residential settings. Services are provided free to Palm Beach County residents with youth up to age 22.

Internship clinical activities will emphasize family therapy using a brief therapy model, and also include group and individual therapy, psychoeducation, parent training, risk assessment and crisis intervention, psychological evaluation, multidisciplinary consultation, case management, and community outreach offered across community-based, office, and residential settings. Each intern completes a six-month residential rotation at Highridge Family Center and a six-month outpatient rotation at the Education & Training Center, which together provide a range of clinical and didactic experiences that will support interns in the development of competencies necessary for psychologists. By the end of the internship year, interns are well-prepared with the knowledge, awareness, and skills of a practitioner specializing in youth and families.

Highridge Family Center – Residential Rotation

During the residential rotation at Highridge Family Center, interns, under the supervision of licensed psychologists, are responsible for providing family, group, individual, and milieu therapy to residents of Highridge, working in the same capacity as staff therapists. Additionally, interns participate in weekly multidisciplinary treatment team meetings, case conferences, staff consultations, and presentations to parents.

Education & Training - Outpatient Rotation

During the outpatient rotation at the Education & Training Center, interns are responsible for providing short-term (3-4 months) family therapy, individual therapy (only ages 18-22), intake assessments, provisional diagnosis, treatment planning and implementation, consultation, and case management. Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT; ages 2-7) may also be provided under the direction of a Certified PCIT Therapist. Interns also complete psychological evaluations, provide parent education/support/training, and conduct outreach activities, including presentations to staff, schools, and community agencies.   

Throughout the internship, two hours of weekly didactic training on a variety of clinical topics are provided. Interns also develop and present a presentation to a professional audience. In addition, interns participate in monthly Journal Club and Supervision Series meetings, where discussions of research articles/empirical literature related to clinical challenges and supervisory skill development take place. Interns participate in a Testing Training Series and Training Director Meetings as well.

The internship integrates a practitioner-scholar model with psychological training and service delivery that is sequential, cumulative, and graded in complexity. The practitioner-scholar training model emphasizes the integration and application of critical thinking and skillful reflection across a broad range of experiential activities. The internship program is committed to evidenced-based practice by integrating the best available research with clinical expertise in the context of patient characteristics, culture, and preferences. By the end of the internship year, interns are prepared with the knowledge, awareness, and skills of a practitioner specializing in youth and families. Our interns are well prepared for professional careers working with children and their families in a residential or outpatient setting who present with a wide range of concerns.

 *Please see the Internship Handbook on our website for a complete description of the program.

Internship Training Opportunities

Populations
Infants:
Toddlers: Yes
Children:
Adolescents: Yes
Adults: Yes
Family: Yes
Older Adults:
Inpatients:
Outpatients: Yes
LGBTQ+: Yes
Ethnic minorities: Yes
Spanish-speaking: Yes
French-speaking:
Deaf/Hearing-impaired:
Students: Yes
International Students:
Rural:
Urban: Yes
Low income: Yes
People without housing:
Other: Residential, Creole-speaking, gender nonconforming (GNC)

(training opportunities continued)

Treatment Modalities
Assessment: Experience (21% to 30%)
Individual Therapy: Emphasis (31% to 49%)
Couples Therapy: Exposure (1% to 20%)
Family Therapy: Major Area of Study (50% or Greater)
Group Therapy: Experience (21% to 30%)
Community Intervention: Experience (21% to 30%)
Consultation/Liaison: Experience (21% to 30%)
Crisis Intervention: Experience (21% to 30%)
Brief Psychotherapy: Major Area of Study (50% or Greater)
Long-term Psychotherapy:
Cognitive Rehabilitation:
Primary Care:
Evidenced Based Practice: Emphasis (31% to 49%)
Evidence Based Research: Experience (21% to 30%)
Supervision of Practicum students : Exposure (1% to 20%)
Other: Parent Training, Parent Education, Parent-Child Interaction Therapy

(training opportunities continued)

Experience
Health Psychology:
Women's Health:
HIV/AIDS:
Eating Disorders: Exposure (1% to 20%)
Sexual Disorders:
Sports Psychology:
Rehabilitation Psychology:
Physical Disabilities: Exposure (1% to 20%)
Learning Disabilities: Experience (21% to 30%)
Developmental Disabilities: Experience (21% to 30%)
Assessment: Experience (21% to 30%)
Neuropsychology-Adult:
Neuropsychology-Child:
Serious Mental Illness: Experience (21% to 30%)
Anxiety Disorders: Experience (21% to 30%)
Trauma/PTSD: Major Area of Study (50% or Greater)
Sexual Abuse: Experience (21% to 30%)
Substance Use Disorders: Experience (21% to 30%)
Forensics/Corrections: Exposure (1% to 20%)
Sexual Offenders:
Geropsychology:
Pediatrics:
School: Exposure (1% to 20%)
Counseling: Exposure (1% to 20%)
Vocational/Career Development: Exposure (1% to 20%)
Multicultural Therapy: Major Area of Study (50% or Greater)
Feminist Therapy:
Religion/Spirituality: Exposure (1% to 20%)
Empirically-Supported Treatments: Emphasis (31% to 49%)
Public Policy/Advocacy: Exposure (1% to 20%)
Program Development/Evaluation: Exposure (1% to 20%)
Supervision: Experience (21% to 30%)
Research: Experience (21% to 30%)
Administration: Exposure (1% to 20%)
Integrated health care - primary:
Integrated health care - specialty:
Other:

Opportunities to present trainings on a variety of mental health topics arise and involve developing and providing such presentations at county-sponsored events as well as various community agencies. Developing and recording social media posts, creating mental health-related activity books, and writing articles on mental health topics is also considered an outreach activity. Outreach may also include discussing the services offered at the Youth Services Department at resource events/fairs in the community.

Additional information about training opportunities: Not all rotations or training experiences may be available as described in the APPIC Directory. Please consult the program's application materials or their website at: www.pbcgov.com/youthservices/EducationCenter  for a complete description of the training opportunities available at this training site. IF the site has not updated their information by August 1, feel free to contact the Training Director for additional information.

Summary of the Characteristics of the Specified Internship Class
2017-2018 2018-2019 2019-2020 2020-2021 2021-2022 2022-2023 2023-2024 2024-2025 2025-2026
Number of Completed Applications: 30 32 50 60 58 98 46 84 66
Number of applicants invited for interviews: 20 27 32 28 36 57 31 48 36
Total number of interns: 2 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4
Total number of interns from APA/CPA accredited programs: 2 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4
Total number of interns from Ph.D. programs: 1 0 1 0 0 1 1 1 0
Total number of interns from Psy.D. programs: 1 4 3 4 4 3 3 3 4
Total number of interns from Ed.D. programs: 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Number of interns that come from a Clinical Psychology program 1 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4
Number of interns that come from a Counseling Psychology program 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Number of interns that come from a School Psychology program 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Range of integrated assessment reports: lowest number of reports written 2 6 4 12 2 4 2 3 3
Range of integrated assessment reports: highest number of reports written 8 12 36 19 19 38 44 86 86
Summary of Post Internship Employment Settings of Each Internship Class (1st Placement)
2022-2023 2023-2024 2024-2025
Academic teaching:
Community mental health center: 0 3 1
Consortium: 0 0 0
University Counseling Center: 0 0 0
Hospital/Medical Center: 2 0 0
Veterans Affairs Health Care System: 0 0 0
Psychiatric facility: 0 0 0
Correctional facility: 0 0 0
Health Maintenance Organization: 0 0 0
School district/system: 0 0 0
Independent practice setting: 1 1 1
Other (Academic Psychology Department): 1 0 1
Link to Program's Trainee Admissions, Support, and Outcome Data: https://discover.pbcgov.org/youthservices/Training_Docs/Internship_Admissions_SupportandInitial_Placement_Data.pdf
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