Insights into workforce development: An exploratory study of primary care psychology internship graduate careers.

Abstract

Introduction: As demand for integrated behavioral health services grows, understanding specialized training programs' contribution to workforce development becomes crucial. This study examines the career trajectories of graduates from a primary care psychology internship program in Puerto Rico to inform integrated care workforce strategies.

Method: We analyzed data from an annual program survey conducted between March and June 2024 with 62 graduates (71% response rate) from a primary care psychology internship program (2007-2023 cohorts). The survey captured professional credentials, employment characteristics, and service patterns. Hispanic women comprised 85.5% (n = 53) of participants, who represented consecutive cohorts over 15 years. We analyzed descriptive statistics for licensure status, employment settings, leadership roles, and the population served.

Results: Most graduates (72.6%, n = 45) obtained psychology licensure. While 32.3% (n = 20) completed postdoctoral training, most entered practice directly. Currently, 41.9% (n = 26) work in primary care settings, and 51.6% (n = 32) in integrated care environments. Half of the sample (50.0%, n = 31) hold leadership positions. Most (61.3%, n = 38) work with underserved populations, with 46.8% (n = 29) working with people who experience substance use disorders.

Discussion: The findings suggest that program graduates are engaged in roles within integrated care and underserved areas. However, structural barriers, including limited postdoctoral opportunities and regional economic factors, influence career development paths. This study highlights the need to systematically examine the career trajectories of integrated care internship graduates while considering the contextual factors that shape workforce development. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved).