The changing face of clinical psychology intern training: a 30-year analysis of a programme in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Abstract

Like other aspects of life in South Africa, clinical psychology internships have undergone changes within the country’s social and political history. Considering the formalised 12-month internship is in its fourth decade, the authors undertook an analysis of trends over a 30-year period of intern training in their programme at KwaZulu-Natal’s largest mental health complex. The trends in intern demographics, as well as various programmatic variables, including clinical rotations, and related training issues were examined for the period commencing January 1981. The findings showed notable shifts in the intern demographics, and programme content. These are discussed within the context of the country’s socio-political history, mental health care needs, and future training concerns and priorities.