Title of position: The Nia Project – Advanced Practicum
Number of available placements per semester: 8
Primary Duties: Conducting culturally-informed individual therapy; co-leading support, skills-based and process groups; providing crisis management and psychological testing (testing is optional); recruiting participants and performing research-based screenings, assessments, and interventions, testing; preparing manuscripts and grants and giving presentations; attending weekly team meeting; and participating in a range of team-related activities (e.g., fund raising, holiday events) and other duties
Description of Site: The Nia Project is part of the Emory University Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and is located on the 13th floor of Grady Memorial Hospital. This is a large, urban hospital located in downtown Atlanta catering primarily to underserved and uninsured indigent populations. The Nia Project was initially developed in the early 1990’s as a research intervention program for survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV) who had attempted suicide. Since that time it has grown considerably and now not only conducts research on culturally-tailored evidence-based interventions developed for use with the target population, but also provides a variety of clinical psychological services, free of charge, to almost anyone who may benefit from these services. The members of the Nia Project are primarily low-income, abused (IPV) and suicidal, African American women and suicidal African American men between the ages of 18-64. However, the Nia Project offers a number of (non-study related) services to women and men of all races. Most members have significant trauma histories, comorbid psychiatric diagnoses (including severe and persistent mental illness) and are currently experiencing, or have previously experienced, suicidal ideation or have made a suicide attempt(s). Many members are also currently, or have at one time been, homeless, unemployed, uninsured and receiving government assistance.
Prerequisites: At the anticipated start of the practicum, all applicants MUST be at least second year PhD/PsyD student, or already have a Masters Degree in Clinical or Counseling Psychology (in addition to meeting all other requirements). Courses must have been completed in therapy/intervention and psychopathology. Prior individual therapy experience with multiple and/or long-term patient(s) is required, and prior work experience with high risk populations is preferred but not required. In addition, references may be requested.
Approved Institutions: Applicants are accepted for practicum from certain programs at the following approved institutions only: Emory University, Georgia State University, University of Georgia, Mercer University, Fielding University and Brenau University.
Length of Commitment & Application Deadlines (semesters): This site offers year round practicum opportunities (Fall, Spring and Summer semesters). A minimum commitment of TWO CONSECUTIVE semesters is required.
Primary Faculty Member: Sarah E. Dunn, PhD, ABPP (Nia Clinical Director): 404-771-6306, Email
Secondary Faculty Member (contact only if cannot reach Dr. Dunn): Nadine J. Kaslow, PhD, ABPP (Nia PI): 404-616-4757, Email
Please contact Erica D. Marshall-Lee first to check for placement availability.
Application Process: All practicum applicants will be required to complete a Nia Project application form and submit the completed application along with an updated CV to Sarah E. Dunn, PhD, ABPP. If the application is accepted, applicants will then be required to interview either in person or virtually.