If you’re training to become a clinical psychologist in India, classroom learning alone won’t cut it. You need exposure. Real cases. Real patients. Real supervision. Internships aren’t a bonus anymore — they’re survival training for your future career.
But with so many students chasing limited clinical slots, how do you choose the right one?
This guide cuts through the clutter to spotlight India’s top internships for MA, MSc, and MPhil clinical psychology students. We’ve included what you’ll learn, who’s eligible, and whether they pay (spoiler: most don’t).
1. NIMHANS, Bangalore — India’s Clinical Powerhouse
If you get in here, you’re not just lucky — you’re set. NIMHANS is the gold standard for mental health training in India.
- What you’ll experience: Psychological assessments, therapy observations, interdisciplinary rounds, and exposure to rare psychiatric conditions
- Eligibility: MA/MSc/MPhil psychology students
- Location: Bangalore
- Compensation: Unpaid
- Apply: 2–3 months in advance
- Website: nimhans.ac.in
Pro tip: Expect intense competition. Your SOP needs to stand out.
2. AIIMS, Delhi — Medical Rigor Meets Mental Health
Want to see how psychology fits inside India’s best hospital system? AIIMS offers intense clinical exposure under the psychiatry department.
- What you’ll experience: Psychiatric consultations, psychometric tests, ward rounds, and interdisciplinary learning
- Eligibility: PG/MPhil psychology students
- Location: Delhi
- Compensation: Unpaid
Pro tip: Stress your academic achievements and research exposure in your application.
3. Fortis Healthcare Mental Health Program — Private Sector Polish
Fortis offers a polished, structured internship across multiple cities. Supervision is solid. Learning is hands-on.
- What you’ll experience: Therapy room shadowing, history taking, psychometric assessments, and specialty services (like child psychology)
- Eligibility: MA/MSc/MPhil psychology students
- Locations: Delhi, Mumbai, Gurgaon, Bangalore
- Compensation: Unpaid
- Website: fortishealthcare.com
Pro tip: Ask for rotation across different specializations.
4. PGIMER, Chandigarh — Northern India’s Academic Giant
PGIMER blends clinical practice with academic rigor. Expect sharp supervisors and a serious work environment.
- What you’ll experience: Therapy observations, case documentation, assessments, and case discussions
- Eligibility: PG/MPhil psychology students
- Location: Chandigarh
- Compensation: Unpaid
- Website: pgimer.edu.in
Pro tip: Sit in on their weekly case presentations if possible.
5. IHBAS, Delhi — Forensic + Clinical Exposure
If you’re interested in severe psychiatric disorders or forensic psychology, this is the place. It’s gritty, but incredibly rich in learning.
- What you’ll experience: Inpatient/outpatient psych, forensic evaluations, neuropsych work
- Eligibility: PG/MPhil psychology students
- Location: Delhi
- Compensation: Unpaid
- Website: ihbas.delhi.gov.in
Pro tip: Ask for access to neuropsychology and forensic departments.
6. VIMHANS, Delhi — Therapeutic Training Ground
This isn’t just diagnostics and theory — you get to observe how real therapy happens.
- What you’ll experience: CBT, REBT, family therapy, diagnostics, and interdisciplinary care
- Eligibility: MA/MSc psychology students
- Location: Delhi
- Compensation: Unpaid
- Website: vimhans.com
Pro tip: They often offer paid workshops — ask to attend those during your internship.
7. Manas Foundation, Delhi — Clinical Meets Community
Psychology doesn’t only live in hospitals. Manas works at the intersection of clinical and community mental health.
- What you’ll experience: Field visits, community-based therapy, work with underserved populations
- Eligibility: MA/MSc psychology students
- Location: Delhi
- Compensation: Unpaid (sometimes travel support)
- Website: manas.org.in
Pro tip: Great for those interested in NGO work, gender studies, or trauma.
8. LGBRIMH, Tezpur (Assam) — Rural Clinical Practice
If you’re open to leaving the metro bubble, LGBRIMH offers training in mental health in tribal, rural, and low-resource settings.
- What you’ll experience: Community mental health, cross-cultural diagnosis, rehabilitation
- Eligibility: PG/MPhil psychology students
- Location: Tezpur, Assam
- Compensation: Unpaid (affordable hostels available)
- Website: lgbrimh.gov.in
Pro tip: Adds strong weight to your SOP if you’re applying for future government or community roles.
9. Cadabams Group — Rehabilitation and Recovery
Cadabams is known for addiction, rehab, and long-term recovery work. If you’re curious about chronic care, this is ideal.
- What you’ll experience: Substance use assessments, rehabilitation planning, therapeutic communities
- Eligibility: MA/MSc/MPhil psychology students
- Locations: Bangalore, Hyderabad
- Compensation: Occasionally paid for longer durations
- Website: cadabams.org
Pro tip: Ask to rotate across de-addiction, geriatric, and family therapy units.
10. Medanta Medicity, Gurgaon — Where Psychology Meets Medicine
This internship will show you how psychologists fit into medical teams. Ideal if you’re exploring health psychology or psychosomatic medicine.
- What you’ll experience: Consultation-liaison psychology, chronic illness counseling, pain management
- Eligibility: MA/MPhil psychology students
- Location: Gurgaon
- Compensation: Unpaid
- Website: medanta.org
Pro tip: Express interest in a specialization (e.g., oncology, cardiology).
Application Checklist
To increase your chances of getting in:
- Start applying at least 3–4 months in advance
- Customize your Statement of Purpose (SOP) for each site
- Include:
- Updated CV
- SOP (1–2 pages)
- NOC (No Objection Certificate) from your university
- Proof of enrollment (especially for MPhil students)
- Academic references
Let’s Be Real: Most Internships Are Unpaid
And yes, it sucks. But there are ways to make it work:
- Ask your college about travel or academic grants
- Split rent with other interns or stay in hostel accommodations
- Take on remote part-time work to stay afloat
- Choose cities where cost of living is manageable
Final Thoughts: Don’t Chase Prestige, Chase Learning
Yes, NIMHANS is great. But what matters most is the quality of supervision and how much hands-on work you get.
Choose an internship that matches your learning goals, not just its brand name. Get your hands dirty, ask questions, and treat every day like you’re already a clinician in training.
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