Building the Field of Social Work

We’re building the field of social work by providing interns with the experience they need to become compassionate, trauma-informed advocates.

Each year, JPA offers advanced-level clinical internships to a select group of graduate students in the mental health field. Our highly competitive program includes hands-on experience providing individual and small group therapy for school-aged children.

JPA’s Internship Program includes:

  • Weekly individual and group supervision by JPA’s clinicians
  • Support creating mental health treatment plans
  • Experience reporting clinical documentation
  • Hands-on experience in Chicago’s schools

JPA's 2026-2027 Interns

Olivia DiCola

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Timothy Duke

University of Illinois at Chicago

Katie Franklin

University of Chicago

Julia Piper

Loyola University

Nancy Silva

Northwestern Illinois University

Joshona Wimbish

Chicago State University

Quamie

Northwestern University

Quamie

Northwestern University

Ro

School of the Art Institute of Chicago

We begin reviewing applications for the academic year in January and schedule interviews on a rolling basis.

Interested candidates should send a cover letter and resume to Jillian Howard, Senior Clinical Supervisor at

jhoward@jpachicago.org

Here’s what our interns are saying...

What I found most valuable about the internship program is the emphasis on reflective supervision and the amount of it that we got. It was extremely helpful to get different perspectives on some of our cases, such as through group supervision, weekly case presentations, and individual supervision. It forced me to really reflect on the work that I was doing inside the therapy room, but also reflect on the balance between schoolwork and internship.

– Eric V., JPA Clinical Intern

I have really enjoyed having the ability to practice in a (elementary) school where I can network with faculty and parents in the school community. This has given me a very unique perspective to what I am learning in (Social Work) school.

– Saleha M., JPA Clinical Intern

I really value the JPA internship program and feel very grateful for the supportive environment I was able to grow in. This internship program has set me up well for my future clinical career.

– Nel M., JPA Clinical Intern