Psychology Internship Program at Gilmour Psychological Services
Join Canada's Largest Group of PhD-Level Psychologists
Welcome to the Pre-Doctoral Psychology Internship Program at Gilmour Psychological Services, where exceptional training meets unparalleled opportunity. As Canada's largest group of PhD-level psychologists, we offer a unique internship experience that combines the intimacy of individualized training with the expertise of a long-established practice.
Why Choose GPS?
Individualized Excellence
With only two interns per year, you will receive intensive, personalized mentoring
tailored to your specific professional goals and interests.
Private Practice Mastery
Gain realistic exposure to business operations, practice management, and entrepreneurial thinking that characterizes successful private practice.
Cutting-Edge Innovation
Experience the future of psychology through our AI-assisted notetaking and assessment tools and evidence-based VR therapy applications.
Comprehensive Training
Develop experience across a full spectrum of psychological services with opportunities to work with individuals across the lifespan, couples and families, comprehensive assessment, short- and long-term intervention, crisis management and consultation. Assessments opportunities could include psychodiagnostics, neuropsychological and psychoeducational cases for a wide range of presenting issues, including ASD, ADHD, and LDs.
Cultural Diversity
Located in Canada's capital, Ottawa provides rich opportunities for multicultural practice with diverse clientele from across the National Capital Region.
Hybrid-Model Option
Although in-person training is encouraged and the main service delivery model for the internship, virtual services are sometimes best practice or preferred. If interested, interns have the option to work virtually part of the time.
Protected Dissertation Writing Time
Many interns find balancing their internship with the pressures of completing their dissertation stressful. At GPS, we would offer 2 hours per week of protected time for dissertation writing should this be of interest to our interns.
High-Quality Training Standards
Our internship site is not currently accredited by the Canadian Psychological Association (CPA). However, we are in the process of developing our program in alignment with CPA standards, with the intention of applying for accreditation soon. We understand that the term “non-accredited” can sound concerning at first, but it is important to know that many excellent training sites begin this way. GPS is a well-established practice, having been supervising, for example psychologists in supervised practice, for over 40 years! We have been hosting practicum students from both local universities as a response to the decrease in training opportunities in our city for students due to the COVID-19 pandemic. CPA accreditation is a rigorous and lengthy process that often occurs after an official internship program has been successfully running for several years. In the meantime, students who train at non-accredited sites are still able to complete all necessary requirements for registration in most provinces, particularly when the program follows CPA-aligned standards and is supervised by registered psychologists. We are committed to offering a high-quality internship experience that reflects best practices in supervision, training, and ethical care. We are also happy to support students in understanding how this internship fits with their professional goals and future registration plans.
Program Highlights
APPIC Member Program
(application pending) with commitment to excellence
12-month, full-time training
(1,600+ hours)
$40,000 CAD annual stipend
plus $1,500 professional development budget
500+ hours direct client contact
across diverse populations
Specialized training
in individual therapy across the life span, couples and family therapy, sexual health, and comprehensive assessment
Assessment expertise
across the lifespan with latest tools and technologies
FAQs
→ Program Structure
How many interns does GPS accept annually?
We accept two full-time interns per year, allowing for intensive, individualized training while ensuring peer collaboration and support.
What is the program duration and schedule?
The internship runs for 12 months from September 2 to August 31, requiring 40 hours per week and minimum 1,600 total training hours.
Is this a paid internship?
Yes, interns receive a $40,000 CAD annual stipend paid bi-weekly, plus $1,500 for professional development activities.
→ Training Experiences
What makes GPS training unique?
As Canada's largest group of PhD-level psychologists, we offer unparalleled exposure to private practice operations, cutting-edge technology integration, and specialized training in areas like family therapy, sexual health, couples therapy, neuropsychology, and comprehensive assessment across the life span.
What clinical populations will I work with?
You will have opportunities to gain experience across the entire lifespan with diverse populations presenting various concerns including ADHD, learning difficulties, autism spectrum conditions, anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, and life transitions.
What therapeutic approaches are emphasized?
We provide training in multiple evidence-based approaches including CBT, DBT, ACT, EFT, trauma therapies, mindfulness interventions, and family systems approaches, with emphasis on integration based on client needs.
→ Assessment Training
What assessment tools will I learn to use?
You will receive comprehensive training in state-of-the-art tools including intellectual and academic batteries, personality and neuropsychological measures, computerized scoring systems and a custom AI report-writing tool.
How many assessments will I complete?
Typically 12-20 comprehensive assessments including opportunities with psychoeducational and/or neuropsychological evaluations, autism assessments, ADHD evaluations, and psychodiagnostics evaluations.
→ Application Process
Do you participate in the APPIC Match?
Yes, we are (applying to be) an APPIC member program and participate in the APPIC Match process.
What are you looking for in applicants?
We seek candidates with strong clinical potential, professional maturity, cultural sensitivity, and genuine interest in our specialized training opportunities within a private practice setting.
Can I visit the site before applying?
While we do not offer site visits, we provide virtual tours/photos during interviews and are happy to answer questions via email or phone.
→ Support and Resources
What support is available for intern wellbeing?
We provide comprehensive support including formal and regular mentor and peer support, work-life balance guidance, reasonable accommodations, and crisis support when needed.
Are there opportunities for professional development?
Yes, each intern receives $1,500 annually for conferences, workshops, professional materials, and organization memberships, plus access to numerous local and national professional development opportunities.
Contact Information
Program Contacts
Dr. Deanna Drahovzal, C.Psych.
Training Director
Phone: (613) 230-4709 ext. 146
Email: ddrahovzal@ottawa-psychologists.com
Administrative Contact
Training Program Coordinator
Phone: (613) 230-4709
Email: gps@ottawa-psychologists.com
Dr. Emma Dargie, C.Psych.
Supervisor
Phone: (613) 230-4709 ext. xxx
Email: xxx@ottawa-psychologists.com
Dr. Delyana Miller, C.Psych.
Supervisor
Phone: (613) 230-4709 ext. xxx
Email: xxx@ottawa-psychologists.com
Dr. Emma Murray, C.Psych.
Supervisor
Phone: (613) 230-4709 ext. xxx
Email: xxx@ottawa-psychologists.com
Dr. Vanessa Scarapicchia, C.Psych.
Supervisor
Phone: (613) 230-4709 ext. 191
Email: vscarapicchia@ottawa-psychologists.com
Dr. Deanna Drahovzal, C.Psych.
Supervisor
Phone: (613) 230-4709 ext. 146
Email: ddrahovzal@ottawa-psychologists.com
Dr. Victoria Edwards, C.Psych.
External Supervisor
Phone: (613) 854-8008
Email: doctorvictoriaedwards@gmail.com
Location
Gilmour Psychological Services
421 Gilmour Street
Ottawa, ON K2P 0R5
Canada
Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM EST
Website:
www.ottawa-psychologists.com