Eligibility Criteria

• Stipends are available to student interns and trainees placed in mental health, substance use, and integrated treatment programs of Behavioral Health Services (both civil service and contracted, partner agencies) for a minimum of 16 hours per week for at least 7 months. 
• Although priority is given to students completing graduate degrees in counseling, psychology and social work, others (including undergraduate and post-graduate interns) will be considered on a case-by-case basis. The program at which the student is interning must provide adequate supervision by a licensed and/or otherwise qualified clinician who meets the minimum supervisor requirements of the student's academic institution. 
• Current civil service employees are not eligible to apply. 

Selection Criteria

• Knowledge of and sensitivity to the special needs of racial and culturally diverse client populations for which there are health disparities
• Bi-cultural and/or bilingual skills in cultures and languages of clients served by BHS programs
• Experience with and/or a demonstrated commitment to working with behavioral health clients of diverse backgrounds, including language, age, gender-identity, culture and ability
• Acceptance and placement at a BHS funded site which can provide specialized training and supervision in the delivery of mental health and/or substance use services to diverse client populations
• Stated financial need
• Placement for at least 16 hours per week for at least 7 months

Awards

• Award amounts vary year to year depending on number of awardees and available budget
• Generally, stipends have ranged between $1K to $5K per awardee
• Awarded applicants will receive the award paid out in two payments: first payment in February and second payment at the end of the spring semester