Psychology Internships in Canada: Complete Directory by Province 2025
Psychology internships in Canada are required predoctoral training experiences for clinical psychology licensure. This comprehensive directory lists CPA-accredited and provincial internship programs across 8 provinces, providing contact information, specializations, and application guidance for doctoral students seeking supervised clinical training in Canada.
Completing a predoctoral internship is a critical milestone on the path to becoming a licensed psychologist in Canada. These intensive, supervised training experiences bridge the gap between academic study and independent clinical practice, providing doctoral students with essential hands-on experience in real-world settings.
Whether you're on the clinical psychology career path pursuing CPA-accredited training or exploring provincial programs, finding the right internship match requires careful research and planning. The Canadian internship landscape differs significantly from the US system, with fewer positions available and unique provincial regulations that affect licensing requirements.
This guide provides a complete directory of psychology internship programs across Canada, organized by province. You'll find contact information, program specializations, and essential guidance on navigating the application process. We've also included answers to common questions about accreditation, competitiveness, and what to expect during your internship year.
Important Note: The contact information in this directory was compiled from publicly available sources and last verified in 2021. Training directors, email addresses, and program details change frequently. Always verify current contact information, program availability, and CPA accreditation status directly through the Canadian Psychological Association's official accreditation directory and individual program websites before applying.
Table of Contents
Understanding Psychology Internships in Canada
A predoctoral psychology internship represents the final stage of supervised clinical training before you can apply for licensure as a psychologist in Canada. These full-time, immersive experiences typically last 12 months and provide at least 1,500-2,000 hours of supervised practice in clinical settings.
Canadian internships are divided into two main categories: CPA-accredited programs and provincial programs. CPA (Canadian Psychological Association) accreditation is the gold standard, recognized across all provinces and territories. These programs meet rigorous national standards for training quality, supervision, and educational requirements. Provincial programs, while not nationally accredited, may still meet specific provincial licensing requirements and can offer excellent training opportunities.
The internship year focuses on developing advanced clinical competencies you'll use throughout your career. You'll work directly with diverse client populations, refine assessment and intervention skills, receive intensive supervision from licensed psychologists, and gain experience in professional consultation and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Unlike practicum experiences during your doctoral coursework, internships require full-time commitment and operate at a professional level. You're expected to function more independently while still receiving structured supervision. Most programs offer modest stipends ranging from $25,000 to $40,000 for the year, though this varies significantly by institution and province.
The Canadian Internship Application Process
Planning for your internship should begin at least 18 months before your desired start date. The timeline is compressed compared to coursework applications, and the competitive nature of Canadian positions means thorough preparation is essential.
Most students apply through the Association of Psychology Postdoctoral and Internship Centers (APPIC), which coordinates the standardized application process and match system used by many North American programs. The APPIC application opens each fall, with interviews typically conducted in December and January. Match Day, when applicants learn their placement results, usually occurs in late February.
Your application package will include several critical components. The APPIC Online (AAPI) standardized application compiles your academic history, clinical experience, research background, and training goals. You'll need to document all supervised clinical hours, broken down by client populations, assessment methods, and intervention approaches. Most programs require three letters of recommendation from supervisors who can speak directly to your clinical competencies.
The personal statement or cover letter is your opportunity to articulate why you're seeking internship training, what experiences have prepared you, and how specific programs align with your professional development goals. Each program typically requires a customized statement addressing its unique training philosophy and opportunities.
Be prepared for a competitive process. Canada has significantly fewer internship positions than the United States relative to the number of doctoral students seeking training. Some provinces have only one or two programs, creating intense competition for limited spots. Building a strong application with diverse clinical experiences, solid assessment skills, and clear professional direction will strengthen your candidacy.
CPA Accreditation Explained
CPA accreditation represents the highest standard for psychology training programs in Canada. The Canadian Psychological Association's Accreditation Panel evaluates programs based on comprehensive criteria, including curriculum quality, supervision standards, diversity of training experiences, and adherence to professional ethics.
For doctoral students, choosing a CPA-accredited internship offers several important advantages. These programs are recognized by all provincial and territorial regulatory bodies for licensure purposes. If you complete your training in Ontario but later want to practice in British Columbia or Alberta, your CPA-accredited internship will transfer seamlessly.
CPA-accredited programs also meet standards that align with international psychology training requirements. This can be valuable if you ever seek licensure in other countries or pursue postdoctoral opportunities abroad. The accreditation ensures your training includes sufficient supervised hours, appropriate client contact, comprehensive assessment experience, and varied intervention modalities.
You can verify a program's CPA accreditation status through the Canadian Psychological Association's official accreditation directory. Accreditation is time-limited, and programs must undergo regular review to maintain their status, ensuring consistent quality over time. When researching programs, confirm their current accreditation standing, as this directly affects your future licensure eligibility.
Not all excellent training sites carry CPA accreditation. Some provincial programs, particularly in smaller regions, provide quality training that meets specific provincial licensing requirements even without national accreditation. However, these programs may limit your geographic mobility for licensure purposes. Carefully research the regulatory requirements in provinces where you plan to eventually practice.
Psychology Internship Programs by Province
The following directory provides contact information and details for psychology internship programs across Canada. We've organized programs by province to help you identify opportunities in your preferred geographic regions. Information is current as of 2025, but we recommend verifying details directly with each program as contact information and specializations may change.
Verification Required: The following directory provides starting point information for psychology internship programs across Canada. Contact details, training directors, and program specifics change regularly. Before applying to any program, visit their official website and confirm current application procedures, contact information, and accreditation status through the CPA directory.
Alberta
Alberta offers several strong internship programs, particularly in Calgary and Edmonton. Programs here often emphasize health psychology, pediatric populations, and integrated care models.
| Program Name | Location | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Alberta Children's Hospital | Calgary, Alberta | (403) 955-7211 |
| Calgary Clinical Psychology Residency | Calgary, Alberta | Dr. Deborah Dobson [email protected] |
| Edmonton Consortium Clinical Psychology Residency | Edmonton, Alberta | Dr. Robin Atkins (780) 735-7999 Ext. 15216 [email protected] |
| Millard Health Centre | Edmonton, Alberta | Peter J. Lyons, Ph.D. [email protected] (780) 498-3273 |
British Columbia
British Columbia's internship programs benefit from the province's diverse population and strong research universities. Vancouver and the surrounding areas host most training opportunities, with specializations ranging from child and family services to forensic psychology.
| Program Name | Location | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| BC Children's Hospital | Vancouver, BC 4480 Oak Street V6H 3V4 |
Marilyn Ransby, Ph.D. [email protected] |
| British Columbia Mental Health & Addiction Services | Port Coquitlam, BC 70 Colony Farm Road V3C 5X9 |
Jenny Tang, Psy.D. [email protected] |
| Vancouver Coastal Health | Vancouver, BC | Theo De Gagne, Ph.D. (604) 875-4111 Ext. 21436 [email protected] |
Manitoba
Manitoba's programs center around Winnipeg and often emphasize community mental health, multicultural psychology, and rural service delivery models relevant to the prairie provinces.
| Program Name | Location | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| University of Manitoba | Winnipeg, MB 474 University Centre R3T 2N2 |
Timothy Osachuk, Ph.D. [email protected] |
| University of Manitoba Clinical Psychology Residency | Winnipeg, MB Health Sciences Centre R3E 3N4 |
Michael Teschuk, Ph.D. [email protected] |
New Brunswick
New Brunswick offers training opportunities that often include bilingual practice and rural healthcare delivery, reflecting the province's unique linguistic and geographic characteristics.
| Program Name | Location | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| River Valley Health Fredericton | Fredericton, NB 800 Priestman Street E3B 0C7 |
Rebecca Mills, Ph.D. [email protected] |
Newfoundland
Newfoundland's programs provide training in Canada's easternmost province, offering unique opportunities in rural mental health and close-knit community practice settings.
| Program Name | Location | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Memorial University of Newfoundland | St. John's, NF A1C 5S7 |
George Hurley, Ph.D. [email protected] |
Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia hosts several well-established programs in Halifax and surrounding areas, with strong connections to academic medical centers and diverse clinical populations.
| Program Name | Location | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| IWK Health Centre | Lower Sackville, NS 40 Freer Lane, Cobequid Health Centre B4C 0A2 |
Susan E. Jerrott, Ph.D. [email protected] |
| Nova Scotia Capital District Health Authority | Dartmouth, NS Suite 500, 33 Alderney Drive B2Y 2N4 |
Paul Freeman, Ph.D. [email protected] |
| Queen Elizabeth II Health Sciences Centre | Halifax, NS 5909 Veteran's Memorial Lane B3H 2E2 |
Steven Jefferson, Ph.D. [email protected] |
Ontario
Ontario offers the largest number of internship positions in Canada, with programs across Toronto, Hamilton, Ottawa, and other major cities. Training opportunities span the full range of clinical specializations.
| Program Name | Location | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| St. Joseph's Healthcare, Hamilton | Hamilton, ON Beckfield Building, 100 West 5th St, Box 585 L8N 3K7 |
Heather E. McNeely, Ph.D. [email protected] |
| The Hincks-Dellcrest Centre | Toronto, ON 440 Jarvis Street M4Y 2H4 |
Susan A. Yabsley, Ph.D. [email protected] |
| The Ottawa Hospital | Ottawa, ON 501 Smyth Rd., Suite 7300, Psychology Dept. K1H 8L6 |
Kerri Ritchie, Ph.D. [email protected] |
| Royal Ottawa Health Care Group | Ottawa, ON 1145 Carling Avenue K1Z 7K4 |
Susan Farrell, Ph.D. [email protected] |
Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan's programs provide training in prairie healthcare settings, often emphasizing indigenous populations, rural service delivery, and integrated healthcare models.
| Program Name | Location | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Saskatoon Health Region Clinical Psychology | Saskatoon, SK 103 Hospital Drive S7N 0W8 |
Rupal Bonli, Ph.D. [email protected] |
Preparing a Competitive Application
Building a strong internship application requires strategic planning throughout your doctoral program. Start by ensuring you have comprehensive clinical training that demonstrates breadth and depth. Most competitive applicants have accumulated 500-800 practicum hours before applying for an internship, with experience across multiple settings and client populations.
Your assessment experience is particularly important. Canadian programs value trainees who can competently administer, score, and interpret psychological assessments. Develop proficiency with cognitive assessments (WAIS, WISC), personality measures (MMPI, PAI), and diagnostic interviewing. Document every assessment you complete during practicum experiences.
Research experience strengthens your application, even for primarily clinical positions. It demonstrates critical thinking, familiarity with evidence-based practice, and commitment to the scientist-practitioner model that grounds Canadian psychology training. Many students balance clinical practica with active involvement in doctoral degree programs in clinical psychology research projects throughout their training. Active involvement in research projects, conference presentations, or publications sets you apart from other candidates.
Letters of recommendation can make or break your application. Choose supervisors who know your clinical work intimately and can provide specific examples of your competencies. Generic letters don't help you stand out. Give your letter writers plenty of advance notice (at least 2-3 months) and provide them with your CV, personal statement draft, and a summary of experiences they supervised.
Your personal statement should tell a cohesive story about your professional development. Explain what draws you to psychology, how your experiences have shaped your clinical approach, and what you hope to gain from internship training. Most importantly, customize your statement for each program. Generic statements that could apply to any internship site suggest you haven't done your homework about what makes each program unique.
Don't overlook practical considerations. Canadian internships rarely provide relocation assistance or housing support. Research the cost of living in different cities and consider how stipend levels align with expenses. If you're an international student, understand the visa requirements and timeline for work permits well before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
How competitive are Canadian psychology internships?
Canadian internships are highly competitive, with acceptance rates typically ranging from 40% to 60%, depending on the program and year. Compared to the United States, Canada has fewer internship positions relative to doctoral students. Some provinces have only one or two programs, creating intense competition. Building a strong CV with diverse clinical experiences and solid assessment skills improves your chances significantly.
Can international students apply to Canadian internships?
Yes, international students can apply to Canadian internship programs, but you'll need to secure a work permit for the internship year. The process differs from student visas and requires your internship site to provide supporting documentation. Start researching visa requirements at least 6-8 months before your intended start date, as processing times vary. Some programs may have limited capacity to support international applicants through this process. International students may also want to explore psychology internship opportunities in the United States, which have different visa processes and more available positions.
What's the difference between CPA-accredited and provincial programs?
CPA-accredited programs meet national standards set by the Canadian Psychological Association and are recognized for licensure across all provinces and territories. Provincial programs may meet specific provincial licensing requirements but lack national accreditation. CPA accreditation offers greater flexibility if you want to practice in different provinces later. However, some excellent provincial programs provide quality training that fully satisfies local licensing boards.
When should I start the application process?
Begin preparing 18-24 months before your desired start date. The formal application opens each fall through APPIC (typically in September-October), with interviews in December-January and Match Day in late February. However, you should start gathering materials, securing letter writers, and researching programs well before the application opens. Many students attend open houses or informational sessions at programs the year before applying.
What are typical stipend amounts for Canadian internships?
Stipends vary widely by province, institution, and funding sources, typically ranging from $25,000 to $40,000 for the 12-month internship year. Teaching hospitals and university-affiliated programs often provide higher stipends than community agencies. Some programs offer benefits packages including health insurance, while others provide stipends only. These amounts are modest given the full-time commitment and cost of living in major Canadian cities.
How long do psychology internships last in Canada?
Most Canadian predoctoral internships are full-time positions lasting 12 months, providing approximately 2,000 hours of supervised clinical experience. Some programs offer half-time positions spanning 24 months, though these are less common. The 12-month full-time model is standard because it meets CPA accreditation requirements and satisfies licensing board expectations across all provinces.
What happens if I don't match during APPIC?
If you don't match during the initial APPIC match, you can participate in the APPIC Post-Match Vacancy Service (also called Phase II), which lists unfilled positions. Some students also apply directly to non-APPIC programs or consider delaying their internship start by one year to strengthen their application. Don't be discouraged. Many students who don't match initially go on to excellent placements through alternative pathways or reapplication.
Do I need to be fluent in French for Quebec programs?
Quebec's programs typically require French language proficiency because you'll be providing clinical services to francophone clients and working within French-language healthcare systems. Some programs in Montreal may offer bilingual training opportunities. If you're considering Quebec internships, start developing French language skills early in your doctoral program. Other provinces with significant francophone populations (like New Brunswick and Ontario) may value bilingualism but typically don't require it.
Key Takeaways
- Psychology internships in Canada require predoctoral experiences providing 12 months of full-time supervised clinical training before licensure eligibility.
- CPA-accredited programs meet national standards and are recognized across all provinces, while provincial programs may satisfy specific regional licensing requirements.
- The Canadian internship landscape is competitive, with fewer positions available relative to doctoral students compared to the United States. Strong applications require 500-800 practicum hours, comprehensive assessment experience, and research involvement.
- Applications typically open each fall through APPIC, with Match Day occurring in late February. International students need work permits and should begin visa processes 6-8 months early.
- Ontario offers the most internship positions in Canada, while smaller provinces may have only one or two programs. Stipends range from $25,000 to $40,000 for the year.
- Contact information and program details should always be verified directly with sites, as training directors, specializations, and requirements change over time.
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Note: Internship program contact information, training directors, and specializations change periodically. Always verify details directly with programs before applying. This directory was compiled from publicly available information and should be used as a starting point for your research rather than a definitive source for application requirements.
2024 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary figures and job growth projections for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists, Industrial-Organizational Psychologists, School Psychologists, Psychologists-All Other; Psychiatric Techs; Psychiatrists; Substance Abuse, Behavioral Health and Mental Health Counselors; Marriage & Family Therapists; and Social Workers are based on state and national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed October 2025.
