The Psych Diaries

So, you chose psychology because you want to help people.

Maybe you’ve always been naturally empathetic. The friend that others rely on to mediate conflict or give relationship advice beyond “…just dump them.” You can’t wait to one day be a registered psychologist and apply your skills in the real world. Or maybe you’re not even sure how you plan to use your degree.

Either way, volunteering has something to offer you.

You don’t need to wait until you’re fully registered or have your career sorted to help people. Right now you can make a real difference in someone’s life. In return? You get the chance to take your psychology theory and apply it to the real world. Who knows? You might discover new interests that guide future research or specialisation interests.

Below are a list of organisations suitable for psychology students to volunteer. Note: this list was created with Australian students in mind however, similar organisations can be found globally. Keep a look out for your local welfare services and non-for profits!

1. Messages For Good, Content Volunteer

This one has a special place in my heart, as a current Messages For Good volunteer myself. This is a recent initiative founded by the Australian Friends For Good organisation. The aim of Messages For Good is to provide preventative treatment for loneliness by creating and sharing short uplifting videos and messages. These videos could be snippets of your day, a favourite poem or even a positive quote. The messages are uploaded to the official app TeaTime and distributed to connected Aged Care homes all around Australia.

Interested? Get more information here.

Pros

• Fully remote, flexible work
• Very simple training process
• Not time consuming
• Great for people with busy schedules or who want to try out a low-stakes position which still makes a positive difference

Cons

• No face- to face interaction
• You often don’t directly see the impact of your videos
• Requires comfort with filming and sharing videos of yourself

2. Lifeline

Help-line volunteering is arguable the closest you can get to therapy related ‘work experience’ at a student level. Lifeline is Australia’s national suicide prevention charity, offering services 24 hours. As such, they are always looking for volunteers for phone or chat crisis support. Be prepared, the role can get heavy. You will be dealing with real people in distress. However, Lifeline provides regular information sessions and thorough training with a supervisor before you begin. If you’re feeling intimated but interested, it’s worth getting more information before making the commitment.

Get more information here.

Pros

• Highly relevant experience for those interested in becoming psychologists
• Important service with constant need
• Proper training
• Deeply meaningful work

Cons

• Larger time commitment for training and regular shifts
• Can be confronting work
• Less flexible than some roles

3. Aged Care Volunteer

Anyone else just love elderly people? Their stories, wisdom, life experience…there’s always something to learn. Intergenerational connection has so many benefits from passed down wisdom to relieving loneliness. It’s not just the seniors that benefit!

Aged Care homes are always happy to take on new volunteers and have diverse programs you can get involved in. Some roles could include working at the cafe, providing companionship, running bingo nights and more. Just search up your local Aged Care homes and keep a lookout for volunteer opportunities!

Pros

• Wide variety of roles
• Short-term and long-term positions
• Flexible hours
• Face-to-face enjoyable work

Cons

• Work can be emotionally confronting at times
• Roles may focus more on companionship than psychology-specific skills
• Programs differ widely between facilities

4. International Volunteer HQ

Finally, if you’re interested in psychology beyond national borders (or you’re planning a gap year, exchange, or post-grad break) international volunteering programs can offer a very different kind of learning experience. For those that love adventure and traveling International Volunteer HQ might have a program for you.

International Volunteer HQ offers structured international volunteer placements in areas such as mental health support, disability services, community wellbeing, and youth programs. While these roles aren’t clinical in nature, they can provide valuable exposure to cross-cultural psychology and community mental health.

Keep in mind, these placements are typically self-funded and best suited to those looking for a broader life experience alongside their degree.

Pros

• Cross-cultural exposure
• Insight into global mental health contexts
• Flexible timing (short-term to long-term)

Cons

• Not suitable for those seeking formal clinical experience
• Program fees apply
• Less structured supervision than Australian roles

There you have it! Whether you are a current psychology student or simply interested in making a difference, be sure to check out some of these volunteer opportunities. You might be surprised by the difference you can make, even without the Master’s degree.

– T.