Psychology Careers
As a psychologist, you will support children and families
facing medical and mental health
challenges through assessment and
therapy. You will contribute to impactful
multidisciplinary care across B.C.
BC Children’s Hospital offers a comprehensive mental health program for children and youth experiencing severe emotional distress or serious psychiatric symptoms. Our services cover a range of needs, from emergency care to inpatient programs and specialized services. This includes the off-campus eating disorder treatment provided through the Looking Glass Residence.
What we do
Our psychologists work with a diverse patient base, from infants and children to adolescents and their families. We help them navigate complex medical and mental health journeys.
Outpatient treatment
For children and youth not admitted to the hospital, our outpatient specialty clinics address a wide array of mental health conditions. We provide treatment during weekday daytime hours.
Subspecialty areas include the following and more:
- Mood and anxiety
- Neuropsychiatry
- Gender
- Obsessive compulsive disorder
- Eating disorders
We also have psychologists involved in assessment across a variety of teams, including the Child Protection Service Unit, Sunny Hill Health Centre, Generation Health Clinic and the Neonatal Follow-up Clinic at BC Women's Hospital.
Inpatient treatment
Our inpatient mental health services provide specialized care for children and adolescents within the following units:
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Emergency Unit
- Child Psychiatry Unit (see Mental Health and Substance Use Services)
- Adolescent Psychiatry Unit
- Eating Disorders Unit
We also have psychologists available across multiple inpatient medical settings, including in:
- Medical, surgical and intensive care units
- Acute Rehabilitation Unit
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at BC Women's Hospital
Working here
Most psychology roles operate Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. There is some evening work for group programs. Inpatient services run 24/7 for crisis and emergency care.
Psychologist roles require:
- A master’s or doctoral degree in psychology
- Registration with the College of Psychologists of British Columbia
We also prefer candidates with experience in pediatric or health-care settings, particularly for positions involving mental health.
Career and growth opportunities
The Psychology Department at BC Children’s Hospital offers diverse training programs in clinical psychology, including:
- Practicum placements
- Internships/residencies
- Post-doctoral fellowships
Training occurs on-site at BC Children’s Hospital or Sunny Hill Health Centre, providing rich learning opportunities in an academic medical setting.
Our practicum program was named "Best Practicum Site" by the University of British Columbia in 2017 and 2021.
Practicum positions begin in September of each year. They last 10-12 months, with flexibility to extend for additional summer clinical experience.
Candidates should have:
- Completed a master's degree in a program accredited by the Canadian Psychological Association (CPA)
- Supervised experience with children and youth
- Completed a child assessment course
General practicum positions are roles tailored to trainee interests, offering experience in both mental health and pediatric psychology.
Practicum students gain exposure to clinical assessment, intervention and a variety of teaching rounds, seminars and workshops within the hospital.
See the Clinical Psychology Training page for more information.
Our residency program provides extensive training in:
- Psychological assessment
- Treatment
- Rehabilitation
This includes supporting children and families with challenges such as pain management, disability and the stresses of illness.
We offer clinical and research-focused post-doctoral fellowships through the Psychology Department and the Healthy Minds program, depending on funding availability.