How many direct client contact hours are required out of the total hours during the internship year?

The requirement for the number of direct client contact hours during the internship year is established to ensure that trainee psychologists gain substantial hands-on experience in providing psychological services. The figure of 500 hours pertains to the amount of time that must be spent directly interacting with clients, which is crucial for the development of clinical skills and the application of psychological principles in practice. This number reflects the importance of practical experience in a supervised setting, allowing interns to engage with clients, conduct assessments, and implement interventions under the guidance of licensed professionals. Therefore, achieving 500 direct client contact hours is a key milestone in the internship process, representing a commitment to developing proficiency and adhering to the standards set forth by regulatory bodies in the field of psychology.