ELEVATE Internship Program

San Diego County is facing critical behavioral health workforce shortages, particularly among licensed providers serving children, youth, families, and underserved communities. The ELEVATE internship program was developed to change that. This regional initiative brings together universities, agencies, and clinical providers to expand internship opportunities and remove the financial barriers that can keep talented students out of the field.

ELEVATE supports graduate-level behavioral health students with:
  • Paid internships and stipends
  • Trauma-informed, evidence-based training
  • Structured clinical supervision
  • A university-to-employer pipeline with licensure support
  • Strong placement and long-term retention outcomes
  • Culturally responsive care for children, youth, families, and underserved communities
  • Access to the San Diego Pay it Forward Loan Program

Learn more about ELEVATE Behavioral Health Workforce Fund

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You’re eligible if you are:
  • A current National University student
  • Living in San Diego or able to complete your internship in San Diego and work in San Diego after program completion
  • Enrolled in any of these programs:
    • Master of Social Work (MSW)
    • Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy (MAMFT)
    • Master of Arts in Counseling (MAC)
    • Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (MSCMHC)
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San Diego Pay it Forward Loan Program

For students who need additional support, the San Diego Pay It Forward loan program offers a zero-interest financing option to help cover the costs of behavioral health education and training.

Program Benefits:

  • 0% interest loans for tuition, fees, and living expenses
  • Borrow $10,000–$20,000 per academic year (up to $40,000 total)
  • Repayment deferment for borrowers earning under $50,000 annually
  • Loan forgiveness after five years of service in public behavioral health roles
  • Available to students in MSW, MAMFT, MAC, and related behavioral health graduate programs
  • Stipends available to ELEVATE Grant participants in addition to the San Diego Pay it Forward Loan Program

Jacquie Corvan, PhD

Director of Training Outreach for the ELEVATE grant

Dr. Corvan was born and raised in Los Angeles and relocated to San Diego to complete her PhD in Clinical Psychology, where she ultimately chose to establish her professional roots. She has an extensive history of clinical and academic work within San Diego County. Most recently, she served as a licensed psychologist at Rady Children’s Medical Behavioral Unit, providing clinical services, supervision, and training to students and licensed professionals. Additionally, she has served as a Director of Clinical Training and as an adjunct professor at multiple universities, teaching in undergraduate and graduate psychology programs. She is deeply committed to supporting behavioral health trainees in securing and succeeding at country-funded sites, with a clinical emphasis on culturally responsive, trauma-informed, and ethically grounded care.

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Contact [email protected] with questions or start your application.