California launches $16 million Behavioral Health Scholarship Program to boost mental health workforce

The Behavioral Health Scholarship Program (BHSP) informational webinar, hosted by the Department of Health Care Access and Information (HCAI) in California, took place on January 29, 2025. The meeting aimed to provide potential applicants with essential information regarding the scholarship program designed to enhance the behavioral health workforce in underserved communities.

The session began with housekeeping announcements and an overview of the agenda, which included program elements, the application process, evaluation criteria, and a question-and-answer segment. Wahida Nawab, the section chief for health workforce development, delivered opening remarks emphasizing the importance of the BHSP in increasing the number of trained behavioral health professionals. She highlighted the program's goal to improve access to behavioral health treatment, which is crucial for enhancing the quality of life for individuals facing mental health challenges.

Nawab outlined the mission of HCAI, which is to ensure equitable access to quality healthcare for all Californians. She noted that the Office of Health Workforce Development is committed to expanding the health workforce to serve medically underserved areas and to support diversity within the workforce. The BHSP is part of this initiative, with a budget of $16 million allocated for scholarships. Individual scholarships can provide up to $35,000 for undergraduate applicants and $25,000 for graduate and certificate applicants for the 2025-2026 academic year.

The program is funded by the Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative, which focuses on supporting behavioral health professionals who serve children and youth aged 0 to 25. Nawab pointed out the pressing need for skilled behavioral health professionals, citing that one in six adults and one in fourteen children in California experience mental health issues. The BHSP aims to address this gap by increasing the supply of trained professionals to meet the diverse needs of these communities.

Following Nawab's remarks, Diana Garcia, the program officer for BHSP, took over to discuss the program elements and key dates related to the scholarship application process. The webinar concluded with a Q&A session, allowing participants to clarify any uncertainties regarding the program.

In summary, the BHSP webinar underscored the critical need for expanding California's behavioral health workforce and provided potential applicants with vital information on how to apply for scholarships aimed at addressing this urgent issue. The meeting highlighted the state's commitment to improving mental health services for underserved populations, particularly children and youth.