Therapy Trainee

2026 - 2027 Clinical Sport Psychology Postdoctoral Fellowship Position

The University of Southern California Counseling & Mental Health and USC Athletics is pleased to announce a Postdoctoral Fellowship in Clinical Sport Psychology for the 2026-2027 academic year. The position is full-time 12-month appointment (fixed-term) specifically providing clinical services to the university's student-athlete population.

Our post-doctoral training program offers learning opportunities through a variety of formats, such as observation, consultation, in-vivo exposure and experience. The duties include providing individual psychotherapy, crisis intervention, psychoeducation groups and seminars, and performance enhancement for USC student-athletes. Other responsibilities include clinical ADHD evaluations (no testing), outreach, assisting with programming, assisting with research, supervised team performance enhancement facilitation and training. In addition to clinical responsibilities, we gather for weekly group supervision and consultation, monthly diversity dialogues, in-depth individual supervision, creation and support of professional development plans, and weekly didactic training meetings with focus on clinical presentation, sport performance, and team culture topics.

The postdoctoral fellow will work under the supervision of a California licensed psychologist with specialization in sport psychology. USC is an NCAA Division I University with 23 teams and approximately 600 student athletes.

Applicants must have a Doctorate in Counseling or Clinical psychology from an APA-accredited program and have completed an APA-accredited pre-doctoral internship.

The position is designed for individuals who are self-motivated, have a growth mindset, and are self-reflective in their development and clinical practice. Strong clinical skills and experience from a wide range of training experiences are required. Experience working with individuals from diverse backgrounds and training in multicultural populations is essential. Organizational skills, follow through, strong understanding of boundaries and countertransference, ability to work independently in a responsible manner in a fast-paced environment, growth minded and openness to feedback are all essential to this position. Applicants must also demonstrate strong ethical and professional skills within all aspects of their clinical, consultation, and administrative duties. Experience as a high school or college athlete would be helpful, but not necessary.

The University of Southern California (USC) is a private research university located near downtown Los Angeles. USC has a population of 37,000 students, which includes undergraduate, graduate and professional degree students. USC is one of the top academic institutions in the United States with one of the most accomplished Athletic Departments in the country. The university has one of the largest international student populations in the United States.

The position is 12 months, full-time beginning August 1, 2026. Benefits include health, dental, vision, retirement, paid vacation and sick time, professional days, and more.

For more information please see: USC Counseling & Mental Health Training Website https://sites.usc.edu/cmhtraining/sportspsychology-postdoc/

USC will consider for employment all qualified applicants with criminal records in a manner consistent with applicable laws and regulations, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for employers and the Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and with due consideration for patient and student safety. Please refer to the Background Screening Policy Appendix D for specific employment screen implications for the position for which you are applying.

The hourly rate range for this position is $24.07 - $39.94. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, federal, state, and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.