Psychology Externship at TPA
About TPA
Organization and Externship Overview
Talbot Psychology Alliance, Inc. (TPA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Talbot County, Maryland, dedicated to expanding access to psychological services for children and families. Through its partnership with Talbot County Public Schools, TPA provides school-based mental health services while training future psychologists. The externship emphasizes supervised clinical practice, collaboration with families and school personnel, and the development of skills in child and adolescent mental health. Optional specialized training in pediatric feeding difficulties complements the school-based experience.
Psychology Externship Training Opportunities
Core and Optional Rotations
Externs gain experience in diagnostic interviewing, individual therapy, family intervention, group therapy, and consultation with school personnel. Opportunities include participation in Individualized Education Program (IEP) and Section 504 meetings. The required commitment is 16 hours per week, including two hours of individual face-to-face supervision with a doctoral-level licensed psychologist. Training incorporates direct observation, case discussion, and feedback. An optional summer rotation offers supervised intensive virtual feeding therapy for children with Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID). Additional virtual therapy opportunities may supplement, but do not replace, the school-based commitment.
The Application Process
Counseling Practicum & Internship Training
Two externship positions are available for the 2027–2028 training year. The placement lasts 10–12 months, with required school-based attendance on Tuesdays and Thursdays, eight hours per day, in Talbot County, Maryland. Applicants must remain actively enrolled in a qualified accredited educational program. Offers are contingent on successful completion of TPA and Talbot County Public Schools onboarding. The optional summer feeding rotation provides eight hours of virtual training per week; the client treatment program consists of one-hour family therapy sessions, five days per week, for four weeks.