About

Cunningham is proud to offer bachelor’s- and master’s level internships that foster the growth of care professionals coming into our field. Internships must be a part of an accredited school course requirement for which Cunningham has a partnership affiliation agreement. These agreements are required to ensure Cunningham can meet the needs set by the university and is an appropriate placement opportunity.

Cunningham internships are client-focused and accept students seeking degrees like those needed to obtain mental health, educational, child welfare and other social services credentials found in human services organizations like Cunningham. These degrees include counseling and guidance, rehabilitation counseling, social work, education, vocational counseling, psychology, pastoral counseling, family therapy or a related human services field.

special therapies intern leading a drum circle with a group of youth

Possible Internships

The number of internships we offer may vary each semester.

  • Direct practice with a client 
  • Special Therapies (recreation, music) 
  • Case management

Eligibility

Candidates must:

  • Be enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program at an accredited college or university.
  • Provide professional liability and health insurance
  • Complete up to two and a half weeks of required orientation training prior to beginning the internship
  • Possess a valid Illinois drivers’ license if required
  • Submit to a physical with a TB test and background check (requires social security number).
  • Possess the physical and emotional strength to manage youth effectively and safely during aggressive or self-harming episodes and successfully complete training and certification in Therapeutic Crisis Intervention.
  • Complete a screening and interview process to determine if there is an appropriate internship available at the time of application

Application Deadlines

Once you have met the above criteria and your university’s requirements, follow the application guidelines provided by your university. Cunningham’s application deadlines are typically:

  • Spring Session – October 15
  • Summer Session – March 1 (therapeutic recreation and master’s level internships only)
  • Fall Session – March 1

Learn more

Contact

Pat Ege, Vice President of Program Services
pege@cunnighamhome.org

View/Print Internship Flyer

View/Print Internship Handbook