Page 33 - BusinessWest January 6, 2025

Strengthening the Pipeline
Behavioral Health Trust Fund Issues $12.4 Million for Internships
The Healey-Driscoll administration recently issued $12.4 mil- lion through the Behavioral Health Trust Fund to 37 colleges and universities to financially support behavioral-health stu- dents completing unpaid internships and field placements.
These grants are for undergraduate and graduate-level students pursuing careers treating mental-health or substance-use disorders, and are part of the state’s efforts to grow a culturally and linguisti- cally diverse behavioral-health workforce in Massachusetts.
“Massachusetts needs more qualified behavioral-health profes- sionals, and our administration is committed to supporting students eager to do this work,” Gov. Maura Healey said. “By investing in students looking to treat those experiencing mental-health and sub- stance-use challenges, we’re investing in the long-term health and wellness of communities across Massachusetts.”
Many behavioral-health degree and certificate programs require workplace-based internships, apprenticeships, or practicum credit hours as a condition for program completion. Required field place- ments play a central role in helping students prepare to serve as behavioral-health practitioners, but these experiences are often unpaid and often require students to sacrifice paid work. To support students pursing these careers, the funding is going to colleges with behavioral-health degrees that require field placements, with a focus on institutions in geographic areas that are priorities for advancing health equity.
“By lifting financial barriers for students pursuing behavioral- health degrees, we are encouraging a more diverse student body to enter this field, which helps us create a more diverse workforce to meet the needs of residents from various backgrounds,” Education Secretary Patrick Tutwiler said. “We’re proud to launch a program that helps those looking to help others.”
Health and Human Services Secretary Kate Walsh added that
“a good internship or field placement can teach a person much- needed skills and help them gain experiences that last long into that individual’s career. I am grateful this funding gives us the chance to support people financially, which not only helps build a more diverse workforce, but also ensures people reach the right behavioral- health services when and where they need it. Building a stronger workforce that does not have to worry about financial limitations means we can help every person and community throughout Mas- sachusetts get the care they need and in a way that truly makes a difference.”
The behavioral-health internship funds are being issued to cam- puses as grants to be distributed to qualifying students over a two- year period and can be applied to internships being completed in the 2024-25 and 2025-26 academic years. Students at the awarded institutions who may be eligible for the funding should speak with their program advisor and financial-aid office.
“Internships help behavioral-health graduates prepare to serve community members on day one, and these funds will lessen the financial burden of completing these essential learning experienc- es,” Commissioner of Higher Education Noe Ortega said. “The more we make entering the behavioral-health workforce possible, the more we can create a pipeline of talented professionals prepared to serve residents across the Commonwealth.”
Statewide Impact
The Behavioral Health Trust Fund was established by the state with American Rescue Plan Act funds and is
Internships
Continued on page 34
“By lifting financial barriers for students pursuing behavioral-health degrees, we are encouraging a more diverse student body to enter this field, which helps us create a more diverse workforce to meet the needs of residents
from various backgrounds.”
>>
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