How to Get a VA Internship: Tips and Tricks for Success

Dr. Proctor-Weber is a board certified neuropsychologist at the Bay Pines VAHCS and current chair of the VAPTC. She is the director of the psychology training internship and residency/fellowship programs at Bay Pines, and serves as program manager of the neuropsychology section.

Jamylah Jackson, Ph.D., ABPP, is the Interim Associate Chief of Staff for the Education & Learning Resources Service at the VA North Texas Health Care System (VANTHCS).  In this role, she has oversight and responsibility for all medical, dental, and associated health training programs within the facility which includes over 2400 health profession trainees. Additionally, she oversees professional development programming for about 7000 staff employees. Prior to this role, Dr. Jackson served as Director of Psychology Training and Director of Staff Education and Training within the Dallas VA’s Mental Health Service. Clinically, her expertise is in the provision of evidence-based treatments for PTSD. Dr. Jackson is an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at UT Southwestern Medical Center. She has been a national VA consultant in this area and continues to teach coursework on PTSD treatment at UT Southwestern. Dr. Jackson was elected to serve as chair of the VA Psychology Training Council’s Executive Committee and currently serves as past-chair. This national committee supports all VA psychology training programs in collaboration with the VA’s Office of Mental Health and Office of Academic Affiliations.

Dr. Levi-Minzi is the Training Director and LGBTQ+ Veteran Care Coordinator at the Alaska VA Healthcare System. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Emory University, counseling master’s degree from Boston College, and clinical psychology master’s and doctoral degrees from Nova Southeastern University. Dr. Levi-Minzi completed her doctoral internship at Miami VA Medical Center. After completing her internship, she stayed at Miami VA Medical Center as a staff psychologist working in the Behavioral Health Clinic and assumed the role of Assistant Training Director. Dr. Levi-Minzi also worked as a Veteran’s Justice Outreach Psychologist while at Miami VA Medical Center. In 2018 she assumed the role of Training Director at VA Southern Nevada, which she held until transferring to the Alaska VA Healthcare System in 2022. Clinical interests include issues related to gender and sexuality, diversity, social justice, feminist psychology, and forensic work. Therapeutic approach is person-centered, with use of CBT and ACT interventions as appropriate.

Joanna Legerski McCormick is the Program Manager of Psychology Training and the Deputy Chief of Psychology at Montana VA Health Care System. Dr. McCormick’s has been the Training Director of the Montana VA Psychology Internship Program since 2014. Dr. McCormick’s professional interests include: rural mental health, individual and family trauma, geriatric mental health, and evidence-based therapies.