The primary goal of the APA-accredited Doctoral Internship Program in Clinical Psychology is to train interns who will become licensed psychologists, prepared to practice independently in clinical and research positions or community-based human service programs.

These programs may include center-based ABA programs for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), school programs serving children and adolescents with ASD and other developmental disabilities, and community day and residential programs for individuals with disabilities.

Our Doctoral Internship Program is accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA)* and is a member program of the Association of Psychology Postdoctoral and Internship Centers (APPIC).
 

 

Internship Admissions, Support, and Initial Placement Data (PDF) 

May Policy and Procedures 2022 (PDF)

Core Competency Model (PDF)

Brochure (PDF)

 

Program Philosophy

The Internship Program is based on the scientist-practitioner model of training with a focus on the contemporary practice of applied behavior analysis. Our interpretation of this model holds that the scientist-practitioner is a psychologist who: 

• bases clinical strategies on evidence-based research
• can reference research literature while developing an intervention plan
• collects treatment data using a valid methodology
• conducts research in the context of clinical work
• shares findings at professional conferences or through publication
• understands the scientific limitations of the field at this time
   

Training Model

The Internship Program prepares students for integrated science and practice through three principal training components: 1) structured field training, 2) a sequence of didactic training, and 3) mentored research projects. These components are described below. 
 

Structured Field Training

The Internship Program offers a range of rotations in settings that provide psychological services. For 2022-2023 placements will be organized into three sites:

Applied Behavioral Educational Services

1. May Center School for Autism and Developmental Disabilities in Randolph, Mass. Interns in this rotation participate in applied behavior analysis assessment and intervention with students (ages 5-22) who have autism and related developmental disabilities. Each intern maintains a clinical caseload, consults to classrooms, and contributes to research and peer review teams. Interns also work with senior clinical and educational staff to assist in the development of instructional programming and staff training. Depending on their interests, interns are able to participate in projects related to applied verbal behavior, skill acquisition, and treatment of problem behavior
    
2. May Center School for Brain Injury and Neurodevelopmental Disorders located in Norwood, Mass. Interns in this placement participate in assessment and intervention with students (ages 5-21) with brain injury and other genetic and neurodevelopmental conditions. Each intern will maintain a case load and consult to classroom teachers to assist in the development of instructional programming and behavioral support. Interns will also support staff training with clinical and educational staff. Depending on their interests, they may participate in research projects related to clinical/educational intervention and/or program evaluation. *A video overview of each school is available at the end of this page.

The field training component of our program is designed to capitalize on the diverse training opportunities available at May Institute focusing primarily on the implementation of evidence-based practices. Interns divide their time between their rotation site four days per week, and the fifth day per week is devoted to didactic seminars, peer and group supervision, and scholarly activities.

Training Faculty

Cynthia Anderson, Ph.D., BCBA-D	Robert F. Putnam, Ph.D., LABA, BCBA-D
Jessica Cohenour, Ph.D., BCBA	Lauren Solotar, Ph.D., ABPP
	‌Sarah Weddle, Ph.D., LABA, BCBA-D
	Joseph N. Ricciardi, Psy.D., BCBA-D, CBIST
	‌Jennifer Zarcone, Ph.D., BCBA-D, Training Director

 

Seminars

Seminars are an opportunity for interns to increase depth of knowledge in areas directly related to their clinical work. There is a year-long seminar series that addresses the application of evidence-based methods to clinical and systems problems, issues of professional and career development, and critical topics related to assessment, treatment, and research.  In addition to didactic training, seminars enable interns to receive guidance and advice from practicing psychologists, peers, and recognized experts within and outside May Institute.
 

 

Mentored Research Projects

Further training occurs during the mentored completion of a research project: either 1) a demonstration of the application of the principles of scientific psychology to a clinical case or 2) a program evaluation project that uses established scientific methodologies to analyze a program outcome, process, or best practices issue. The goal of the research is either a poster presentation at a national conference and/or a submission to a peer reviewed journal.

 

Program Goals and Objectives

The Internship Training Program is focused on training interns in seven specific domains: clinical assessment, intervention, clinical research and its practical application, diversity, professional skills, ethics, and supervision, and consultation. Brief statements describing the competency domains are provided below.

Admission and Application Requirements

Program Requirements

The program is designed for advanced-level doctoral students in accordance with the specific standards set by the American Psychological Association (APA). Applicants must be from an APA-accredited doctoral program within the U.S. Those candidates specializing in clinical or school psychology who have training in contemporary practices of Applied Behavior Analysis and related approaches are most competitive.

This internship site agrees to abide by the APPIC policy that no person at this training facility will solicit, accept, or use any ranking-related information from an intern applicant.

Below is a summary of the program admission requirements and intern selection process.

Admissions Requirements

Applicants must be in the process of completing a doctoral degree in professional psychology from an APA-accredited, degree-granting institution in the United States.

Applicants must have completed appropriate practicum training (at least 500 hours) that included delivery of professional psychological services appropriate for their targeted placement sites. Applicants must demonstrate ethical conduct and interpersonal skills appropriate to the professional practice of psychology. Applicants' interests and aptitudes must be in concert with our program's goals and objectives. Applicants should have an understanding of our program's philosophy and model of training.

Applicants are evaluated on the basis of academic preparation, practicum experience, letters of recommendation, and degree of fit between the applicant's goals and the goals of the program. May Institute considers applicants for all positions without regard to race, sex, religious creed, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, genetic information, disability, veteran status, age, or any other protected group status.
 

Interview Process

Both remote and on-site interviews may be offered depending on current travel allowances due to COVID-19. Potential candidates will be invited to interview on one of three days in January. This format allows applicants the opportunity to meet several faculty members and current interns and clarify their understanding of the program model and requirements. This will be done in both group and individual interview formats.

Application Process

Applicants must submit the following through the APPIC online application process:

• APPIC online application, available at www.appic.org
• A letter of application indicating your preference for each site 
• Appropriate APPIC Program Code: 171111
• Three letters of recommendation
• A copy of their most recent Curriculum Vitae
• All official graduate transcripts

Please submit all requested materials as instructed through the APPIC website (www.appic.org).

Note: Once an individual has matched to this program, May Institute will conduct a criminal record check (CORI), as required by Massachusetts Law. In addition, we require driving record checks of all employees. A final match is contingent upon the successful completion of the CORI and driving record check with the Department of Motor Vehicles.
 

Stipend and Benefits

Interns receive a competitive stipend while participating in the program and the agency offers health and dental insurance, basic life insurance, a 403(b) plan and short-term disability. Interns also receive 15 days paid leave and 10 paid holidays. All benefits are available on a pro-rated basis for interns who attend less than full-time.

 

 

*Please only use this email address if you are interested in the APA-accredited Internship in Clinical Psychology. All other inquiries may be sent to careers@mayinstitute.org.

*This program is fully accredited by the American Psychological Association, Commission on Accreditation (CoA); 750 First Street, NE; Washington, DC 20002-4242; (202) 336-5979

 

If you are interested, please watch the following videos, which are overviews of two of our schools:

May Center School for Autism and Developmental Disabilities, Randolph, MA. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QeZFHCtPVFc&feature=emb_logo

May Center School for Brain Injury and Neurobehavioral Disorders, Brockton, MA. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FcCb0iIIh5E&t=4s