OVERCOME

University Placements

Tailored to University Requirements

Designed for students seeking practical, real-world experience in mental health, with placements structured to meet individual university requirements for hours and duration.

Designed for students seeking practical, real-world experience in mental health, with placements structured to meet individual university requirements for hours and duration.


We work with universities to tailor placements wherever possible. Minimum commitment is 3 months at 30 hours per week.

About Overcome

Overcome is a UK-registered charity (Charity Number: 1191308) providing online mental health coaching worldwide, particularly to underserved communities in developing countries. We are a trusted placement provider for leading universities such as UCL, Bath, and Loughborough.

Placement Overview

Approximately 80% of our alumni progress into paid mental health roles (e.g., Assistant Psychologists, Trainee Psychological Wellbeing Practitioners, Support Workers) or pursue further relevant postgraduate study.

Commitment

Remote placement, minimum 30 hours per week, minimum duration of 3 months (longer placements available depending on university requirements).

You can ask us questions via recruitment@overcome.org.uk - note that this role is fully remote and our recruitment team responds to inquiries from Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm UK time.

Responsibilities

First Month of Placement

Intensive Training

Intensive training in evidence-based techniques drawn from coaching, motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioural therapy, and acceptance and commitment therapy.

Diverse Learning Activities

Learning activities include live workshops, self-study, quizzes, one-to-one/group role-plays, and assessments.

Later Months of Placement

Client Work

Provide one-to-one online coaching, initially addressing behaviour change and progressing to mild to moderate depression and anxiety. Maintain accurate session records and attend weekly supervision with a counselling psychologist based in Kenya and monthly supervision with a UK-accredited counsellor.

Opportunities

Opportunities to train future cohorts, assist with recruitment roleplays, and develop coaching resources.

Post-Placement Opportunities

  • 70% of our alumni continue volunteering with us to see clients at flexible hours.
  • 2% chance of full-time employment at a competitive salary.
  • Some clients may pay for extended coaching sessions, mutually agreed between you and the client. You keep all the money and get paid by them directly.

What We're Looking For

Required

Passion

Strong interest in psychotherapy, counselling, and/or clinical psychology.

Strong Language Skills

Fluent in English. Good at explaining things simply.

Commitment

Ability to commit full-time (~30 hours per week) for the full duration of the three month placement.

Financial Independence

Can fund your own living expenses. We provide no salary or stipend.

Soft Skills

Good under pressure. Fast learner. Organised.

Likability

Great at building relationships, in one to one settings, very quickly.

Desirable

Relevant degrees or past training
Relevant certifications in Psychotherapy or Counselling
Experience in supporting others' mental health
One-to-one teaching in any context
Having dealt with mental illness yourself

Recruitment Process

Three rounds of selection to accept the Top 5% of applicants:

CV Screening

90% pass rate

To check that you'll be available for the placement and are aware of what you're applying for.

Theory Quiz

30% pass rate

We'll share materials for you to study, then you'll complete a short quiz before the deadline.

Roleplay

30% pass rate

You'll put the theory into action by completing a mock client session.

Please note that:

  • • Successful applicants will be onboarded around one week before the start date.
  • • If you reached the roleplay stage but are unsuccessful, we aim to provide tailored feedback within 14 days of the assessment.
  • • On average, applicants complete the roleplay assessment twice before getting accepted.

What Our Coaches Say

Alice Carli

Alice Carli

Trainee Child Counsellor at Place2Be

In a few months, Overcome provided me with more useful clinical experience than 3 years studying Psychology at university.

David Boudville

David Boudville

Provisional Psychologist at IPAR

Four months at Overcome taught me more about CBT than an entire university course did, and way more about professional work than my last, formally 'clinical' internship.

Isabelle Harden

Isabelle Harden

Trainee PWP at NHS London

I am almost certain that I wouldn't have been offered my PWP position without my experience at Overcome. I would 100% recommend this internship to anyone wanting a real-world bridge into clinical work.

Aanya Lalchandani

Aanya Lalchandani

Assistant Psychologist at Healios

Overcome transformed my confidence and gave me the hands-on experience I'd been searching for to truly see myself as a developing clinician.

Laura Koivula

Laura Koivula

Recovery Navigator at Access Community Trust

Overcome has not only changed our clients' lives positively, but my life completely. I have gained confidence, made close friends, helped so many people and felt supported every step of the way.

Magalie Eid

Magalie Eid

Assistant Psychologist at NHS London

At Overcome, it's like a safe space. The team was very supportive, always willing to help. I will always carry the skills I learnt here with me.

Iwona Zak

Iwona Zak

Occupational Therapy Assistant at NHS

Overcome was exactly the push I needed. I gained invaluable clinical experience, confidence and motivation to pursue my career in mental health.

Mohammed Usman

Mohammed Usman

Trainee Clinical Psychologist at NHS London

My time at Overcome was incredibly rewarding. Seeing clients make positive changes and knowing that my support played a role in their progress was the most fulfilling part.

Anastasiia Lialichkina

Anastasiia Lialichkina

MSc Clinical Psychology at Erasmus

In just a few months, Overcome gave me the confidence, training, and support I needed to step into real client work — and feel like I belong in this field.

Ria Shoker

Ria Shoker

Wellness Practitioner at Changes Health

My confidence and self-esteem as a coach has grown massively. I have developed so many new skills and now feel this field is absolutely right for me.

Nandinee Rajkhowa

Nandinee Rajkhowa

Eating Disorders Associate at Orri

In these 3 months, Overcome helped me gain confidence in myself and shown me my unique strengths as a future practitioner.

Milly Mak

Milly Mak

Honorary Assistant Psychologist at NHS London

Overcome gave me the practical experience and boosted my confidence in therapeutic skills. I would recommend this internship to anyone interested in experiencing client work firsthand.

Alice Carli

Alice Carli

Trainee Child Counsellor at Place2Be

In a few months, Overcome provided me with more useful clinical experience than 3 years studying Psychology at university.

David Boudville

David Boudville

Provisional Psychologist at IPAR

Four months at Overcome taught me more about CBT than an entire university course did, and way more about professional work than my last, formally 'clinical' internship.

Isabelle Harden

Isabelle Harden

Trainee PWP at NHS London

I am almost certain that I wouldn't have been offered my PWP position without my experience at Overcome. I would 100% recommend this internship to anyone wanting a real-world bridge into clinical work.

Aanya Lalchandani

Aanya Lalchandani

Assistant Psychologist at Healios

Overcome transformed my confidence and gave me the hands-on experience I'd been searching for to truly see myself as a developing clinician.

Laura Koivula

Laura Koivula

Recovery Navigator at Access Community Trust

Overcome has not only changed our clients' lives positively, but my life completely. I have gained confidence, made close friends, helped so many people and felt supported every step of the way.

Magalie Eid

Magalie Eid

Assistant Psychologist at NHS London

At Overcome, it's like a safe space. The team was very supportive, always willing to help. I will always carry the skills I learnt here with me.

Iwona Zak

Iwona Zak

Occupational Therapy Assistant at NHS

Overcome was exactly the push I needed. I gained invaluable clinical experience, confidence and motivation to pursue my career in mental health.

Mohammed Usman

Mohammed Usman

Trainee Clinical Psychologist at NHS London

My time at Overcome was incredibly rewarding. Seeing clients make positive changes and knowing that my support played a role in their progress was the most fulfilling part.

Anastasiia Lialichkina

Anastasiia Lialichkina

MSc Clinical Psychology at Erasmus

In just a few months, Overcome gave me the confidence, training, and support I needed to step into real client work — and feel like I belong in this field.

Ria Shoker

Ria Shoker

Wellness Practitioner at Changes Health

My confidence and self-esteem as a coach has grown massively. I have developed so many new skills and now feel this field is absolutely right for me.

Nandinee Rajkhowa

Nandinee Rajkhowa

Eating Disorders Associate at Orri

In these 3 months, Overcome helped me gain confidence in myself and shown me my unique strengths as a future practitioner.

Milly Mak

Milly Mak

Honorary Assistant Psychologist at NHS London

Overcome gave me the practical experience and boosted my confidence in therapeutic skills. I would recommend this internship to anyone interested in experiencing client work firsthand.

Ready to Apply?

Get in touch to discuss your university placement requirements. We'll work with you and your university to tailor the placement to your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions