Military internships require that individuals are able and willing to join the U.S. military and become a commissioned officer. Typically, they are required to serve three more years in the military after completing their internship. Military internships differ from VA internships or other veterans-affiliated internships, which do not require serving in the military. Students on a military internship usually treat individuals on active duty or in the Reserve or National Guard who have been activated, while rarely treating veterans or retirees.
Why are military psychologists needed?
It is of vital importance that U.S. military members are both physically and psychologically fit to perform their duties to protect our country both at home and around the globe. Although most service members transition well after engaging in military operations, a significant minority experience behavioral health problem, such as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, traumatic brain injury (TBI), sleep problems, chronic pain, or substance abuse. Military psychologists are needed to provide evidence-based behavioral health care in the Armed Forces and play a critical role in sustaining the readiness of military members.