Eligibility, Stipend and Benefits

Applications are accepted from students enrolled in APA accredited doctoral programs in clinical, counseling, or combined areas of psychology. A minimum of 1,000 practicum hours are expected to have been completed prior to the ranking deadline. All formal doctoral coursework, comprehensive exams, practicum training requirements, and dissertation proposal should be completed prior to beginning the internship.

A criminal background check is required (completed by NCDAC at no expense to the intern candidate) prior to the ranking deadline. All state employees, including interns, are subject to testing for any controlled substance listed in Schedules I through V of the Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. 812) and any drug listed in Schedules I through VI of the North Carolina Controlled Substances Act. Note: NC considers cannabis (marijuana) an illicit substance.

Required minimum criteria used to screen applicants:

  • Three years or more of pre-internship training in an APA accredited doctoral program in psychology.
  • Completion of at least 1,000 practicum hours.
  • Advancement to candidacy for doctoral degree (i.e., completion of comprehensive exams, completion of all doctoral program course requirements).
  • Master’s degree in psychology or equivalent experience.

Stipend and Benefits

  • $64,211 annual salary, paid monthly
  • State health insurance
  • State retirement plan
  • 14 days personal leave per year and 12 days sick leave per year
  • 12 state holidays (per official state schedule)
  • 1-day personal observance leave and paid parental Leave

Full State Employment

Our interns are full-time employees with the state of North Carolina in time-limited positions. Each intern is in a fully salaried state position with full state benefits. This means that each intern receives the full benefits package afforded to state employees including earning creditable service time within the State Retirement pension plan. 

Health Insurance

Interns are eligible for the same benefits as full-time state employees. As part of the New Hire process, interns will have the opportunity to select the Health Plan they prefer. 
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For complete details, click the link below to view/download the NCDAC Behavioral Health Services Doctoral Psychology Internship Program - 2026-2027 Brochure.

 NCDAC Behavioral Health Services Doctoral Psychology Internship Program - 2026-2027 Brochure

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