A Critical Analysis of Systemic Problems With Psychology Pre-Doctoral Internship Training: Contributing Factors and Collaborative Solutions

The concern in professional psychology about the growing disparity between the numbers of available internship positions and applicants prompts reevaluation of the contributing factors and potential solutions. The problem is more than the "supply and demand" metaphor implies and involves issues of funding, a disconnect between internship and doctoral programs, and need for innovation in training. Solutions include creation of internship positions, advocacy, and a national conference for changing the infrastructures of training, reimbursement and credentialing in psychology and in other systemic forces. Changes requiring a paradigm shift in psychology training are envisioned in order to address systemic problems.