MGH Internship APPIC Malpractice Insurance Guide

Learn about MGH internship APPIC malpractice insurance, coverage options, and why psychology interns need liability protection.

As part of the Association of Psychology Postdoctoral and Internship Centers (APPIC) match, MGH offers clinical psychology training that is both intensive and rewarding. However, one aspect often overlooked by applicants and incoming interns is the requirement for malpractice insurance.

Understanding how malpractice coverage works within the MGH internship program, and in the APPIC system more broadly, is critical for peace of mind, professional protection, and compliance with training site requirements. This article explores everything future interns should know about malpractice insurance at MGH, how it relates to APPIC guidelines, and why it matters for your career in psychology.

What Is the APPIC Internship?

The APPIC internship match is the national system through which doctoral students in clinical, counseling, and school psychology secure accredited internship placements. These placements are a mandatory step toward earning licensure as a psychologist. MGH, as part of Harvard Medical School’s network, is a prestigious APPIC member institution that offers highly specialized tracks in clinical psychology.

Internships under APPIC guidelines emphasize:

• Clinical practice under supervision
• Ethical and legal standards of care
• Competency development in therapy and assessment
• Exposure to diverse populations and treatment settings

Because interns provide direct patient care, including psychotherapy, assessment, and consultation, malpractice insurance becomes a necessary safeguard.

Why Malpractice Insurance Matters for Psychology Interns

Malpractice insurance (also called professional liability insurance) protects psychology trainees from financial and legal consequences if a client files a claim of negligence, harm, or misconduct. While interns operate under supervision, they are still considered providers of care, which means they may be named in lawsuits alongside supervisors, hospitals, or training programs.

Key reasons malpractice coverage is essential:

1. Legal Protection – Even if an intern follows protocol, lawsuits can be costly. Insurance covers attorney fees, settlements, and damages.
2. Peace of Mind – Knowing you are protected allows you to focus on learning rather than fearing legal risk.
3. Ethical Responsibility – Protecting oneself from liability demonstrates professionalism and responsibility toward clients.
4. Institutional Requirement – Many hospitals, including MGH, require evidence of insurance as a condition of training.

Malpractice Insurance at MGH Internships

MGH, like other APPIC internship sites, follows clear policies regarding malpractice insurance for psychology trainees. While each track within MGH (e.g., adult, child, neuropsychology) may have slight administrative differences, the underlying requirement is the same: interns must be covered by malpractice insurance during their clinical training.

Here’s how it typically works at MGH:

1. Primary Coverage Provided by the Hospital
   
   • Massachusetts General Hospital often provides a baseline malpractice policy covering its employees, including psychology interns.
   • This institutional coverage protects interns for activities conducted within the scope of their internship duties at MGH.
     
2. Supplemental Coverage May Be Recommended
   
   • Some psychology programs strongly encourage (or require) interns to purchase their own individual malpractice insurance through providers such as the American Psychological Association (APA) Insurance Trust.
   • Supplemental coverage ensures that interns are protected even in situations where hospital policies might have exclusions.
     
3. Policy Limits and Terms
   
   • Institutional malpractice policies may have limits on coverage amounts or may only apply to work conducted within the hospital.
   • Personal policies allow interns to extend protection to outside professional activities, such as volunteer work, research studies, or off-site rotations.

APPIC Guidelines and Insurance Requirements

APPIC does not mandate that all interns must purchase personal malpractice insurance. Instead, APPIC requires internship sites to disclose clearly whether interns will need their own coverage. This is usually addressed in the APPIC program description, the site’s handbook, or during onboarding at MGH.

Interns should pay attention to:

• Who provides coverage – Is it the site (MGH), the university, or the intern individually?
• Scope of coverage – Does it include off-site rotations, telehealth, or research-related activities?
• Exclusions – Some policies exclude certain high-risk practices.
• Proof of insurance – Interns may need to provide documentation before beginning their clinical work.

Obtaining Individual Malpractice Insurance

For psychology trainees, purchasing malpractice insurance is both affordable and straightforward. The APA Insurance Trust (APAIT) is one of the most widely used providers.

Typical features of a student/intern policy:

• Annual premiums between $35–$100 (depending on coverage level).
• Coverage limits often at $1 million per claim / $3 million aggregate per year.
• Coverage that follows interns beyond one site (helpful if training occurs across multiple hospitals or clinics).
• Protection in both in-person and telehealth services.

Other providers, such as The Trust, CPH & Associates, and HPSO, also offer competitive malpractice insurance for psychology trainees.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Does MGH provide malpractice insurance for psychology interns?

Yes, MGH provides malpractice coverage for clinical duties performed within the scope of the internship. However, many interns also choose to carry their own supplemental policy.

2. Is personal malpractice insurance mandatory for APPIC internships?

Not always. APPIC requires each site to disclose whether personal coverage is necessary. At MGH, hospital-provided coverage is primary, but personal insurance is highly recommended.

3. What happens if an intern doesn’t have malpractice insurance?

If the site requires it and proof is not provided, the intern may not be allowed to begin clinical duties. Lack of coverage also leaves interns personally vulnerable in legal disputes.

4. How much does malpractice insurance cost for interns?

Most psychology student policies range from $35 to $100 annually—an affordable investment for peace of mind.

5. Can malpractice insurance cover work outside of MGH?

Yes, individual policies can extend coverage to outside rotations, part-time practice, or telehealth services not directly covered by MGH’s institutional policy.

Comparison of Malpractice Coverage Options

Coverage Type	Provided By	Scope of Protection	Typical Cost to Intern
Institutional Coverage	MGH (Hospital)	Activities within internship duties	$0 (included)
University Coverage	Doctoral Program	Sometimes provided, varies by school	$0–$50 (if billed)
Individual Policy	APAIT, CPH, HPSO	Follows intern across sites, broader coverage	$35–$100 annually

Best Practices for Interns Entering MGH

If you are preparing to begin your internship at MGH, consider these practical steps:

1. Confirm Coverage in Writing – Ask MGH whether their malpractice insurance fully covers interns. Get details about limits and exclusions.
2. Check With Your University – Some doctoral programs provide blanket coverage for enrolled students, which may extend into internship.
3. Purchase Supplemental Insurance – Even if MGH provides coverage, an individual policy ensures extra protection.
4. Keep Documentation – Always keep copies of your policy and proof of insurance for onboarding and credentialing purposes.
5. Review Policy Annually – If your internship extends or you take on postdoctoral training, make sure your insurance is updated.

Conclusion

The MGH internship APPIC malpractice insurance requirement reflects the seriousness of clinical training and the professional responsibilities psychology interns carry. While MGH provides institutional malpractice coverage, most interns find it wise to purchase an individual policy for added protection and flexibility.

For a small annual cost, malpractice insurance provides critical legal, financial, and ethical security—allowing psychology interns to focus on their patients, training, and career development. Whether mandated by APPIC sites or voluntarily obtained, malpractice insurance is a cornerstone of responsible professional practice for any future psychologist.