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.

Recently, our program has expanded to include high school students. By providing them with information and resources necessary to begin exploring careers in the mental health fields, we hope to create a diverse, empowered, and impactful future of social workers in Chicago.

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

Our 2024-2025 Interns

Amya Leigh McMillan, School of the Art Institue of Chicago Ana Porta, Institute for Clinical Social Work
Ashonte Winston, University of Illinois - Chicago
Emma Lamke, Loyola University Erin McNamara, Erikson Institute
Hafsa Khan, Loyola University Maraya Henderson, School of the Art Institue of Chicago
Olivia Murphy, Northwestern
Ro Garrido, School of the Art Institute of Chicago

We begin reviewing applications for the academic year on January 2nd and schedule interviews on a rolling basis.

Interested candidates should send a cover letter and resume to Jillian Howard, Clinical Social Work Intern Program Manager.

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 2023-2024 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 2023-2024 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 2023-2024 Clinical Intern