Psychology Internship Experience at Amrita Foundation Nepal: A Step Into Real-Life Mental Health Practice

19 Aug, 2025

As a student of Bachelor of Psychology (BPsych) at Samriddhi College, I recently had an opportunity to complete an eight-day internship at the Amrita Foundation Nepal. This experience provided me with my first real-world exposure to the field of mental health and helped me connect theoretical classroom learning with real clinical practice. It not only enhanced my academic understanding but also gave me a meaningful glimpse into the professional world of counselling psychology.

During the internship, I was able to interact directly with clients experiencing psychological disorders, which at first felt intimidating, but soon became an insightful and transformative experience. We followed the complete counselling process, beginning with history intake, where we gathered the client’s personal, psychological, and family background. On the second day, we conducted the Mental Status Examination (MSE), which gave us a much clearer and structured picture of the client’s current psychological condition. Following that, we carried out a detailed clinical assessment, during which various diagnostic tools were applied, such as the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS), PANSS and others. Once the scores were calculated and analyzed, they gave us deeper insight into the client’s mental health status, which helped guide the next step: intervention.

After the disorder was diagnosed, we applied several CBTP (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Psychosis) techniques, including the ABC model, breathing exercises, and grounding techniques. These methods were introduced in carefully structured sessions and adjusted according to the client’s progress. Toward the final stages, we practiced termination and relapse prevention strategies to ensure that the client would be able to sustain their improvements independently.

In addition to working directly with the client, we were also given access to study the files and records of other clients, which broadened our understanding of diverse psychological cases. This exposure helped us see how different diagnoses are approached and treated, giving us a more realistic and case-based view of mental health practice.

Towards the end of the internship, we also explored the field of Industrial/Organizational (I/O) Psychology by distributing and collecting questionnaires filled out by the staff members. This provided valuable insights into workplace dynamics, employee well-being, and organizational behaviour, an area often overlooked in clinical settings, yet essential for holistic psychological understanding.

I am deeply thankful to Mr. Sunil Lama, my lecturer, and to the Department of Psychology at one of the best college in Bhaktapur, Samriddhi College, for offering me this incredible opportunity. We have the best teaching faculties, best college infrastructure, enough skillful trainings in our college. Their guidance and encouragement helped me step confidently into a practical setting where I could apply my knowledge and grow as a future mental health professional. This internship not only strengthened my counselling skills and academic foundation but also deepened my passion to contribute meaningfully to the field of mental health, where knowledge, empathy, and care truly make a difference.

Sanam Thapa

B. Psych. (2078 Batch)