Expanding Horizons

May 15, 2025

The psychology and counseling undergraduate internship program has seen significant growth since 2021, when staff made considerable changes to it. Learn about these changes from program coordinator Lauren Deaton.

The Growth of Our Undergraduate Internship Program

By Lauren Deaton, UT Tyler Lecturer

Since taking the reins of our undergraduate internship program in 2021, the psychology and counseling department has witnessed a remarkable transformation. What began as a small program with just one or two psychology undergraduate students interning each fall and spring has grown into a vibrant and essential part of the department, with about 25 students participating each semester.

This growth was driven by a clear need—local employers consistently expressed a desire to see students graduate with more hands-on experience. In response, UT Tyler began actively building partnerships with community mental health agencies and nonprofit organizations, opening new doors for our students and creating valuable support for these agencies.

One of the proudest collaborations is with the Andrews Center. Each semester, the program places a minimum of nine students across eight departments, including crisis management, case management, veterans services, ABA therapy and more. This has not only given students in-depth, real-world experience—it’s also led to more than 30 full-time hires at the center following graduation. It's become a true pipeline from classroom to career.

In the words of Meagan Chavira: “The three semesters I spent in the internship program with the Andrews Center provided me with invaluable experiences. Within their supportive and enriching learning environment, I was able to experience opportunities that guided me to develop a stronger sense of self, a more insightful perspective of mental health at a local level and a deeper understanding of the individuals in my community. As a current graduate student, I highly recommend this program to any UT Tyler student interested in the mental health field. It was a privilege to gain a foundation of skills, hands-on and mind-opening experiences that are essential for growth at both an academic and professional level.”

Beyond the Andrews Center, students have interned at an impressive range of organizations including Community HealthCore, East Texas Crisis Center, Choice Hospice, The Evie Effect, East Texas Lighthouse for the Blind, Alzheimer’s Alliance, Monarch Prep and many more. The department is always seeking to expand the network and welcome new partnerships to better serve both students and the community.

The internship program now includes a structured academic component: Students must complete 150 hours of service, attend class meetings, submit regular reflections and assignments, and participate in a one-on-one end-of-semester review. Students also are now able to intern for up to three semesters, which provides continued growth and exploration.

Another key change has been establishing a more intentional and professional process. Rather than leaving students to find their own internships, the department screens candidates and maintains relationships with sites, ensuring the UT Tyler student interns are prepared and capable. This shift has built trust with the community partners and ensured a higher-quality experience on both sides.

With around 60 students applying each semester, the demand is there—and growing. To connect or for more information, send an email to: ldeaton@uttyler.edu.