California launches Medi‑Cal Behavioral Health Scholarship Program; applications due March 16

The Department of Health Care Access and Information (HCAI) on Feb. 2 launched the Medi‑Cal Behavioral Health Scholarship Program (MBHSP), a state scholarship intended to help students complete behavioral‑health credentials and commit to serving Medi‑Cal members in safety‑net settings.

"The Medi‑Cal Behavioral Health Scholarship Program is designed to support students pursuing careers in behavioral health," said Dr. Sharmell Shaw, branch chief for behavioral health and policy at HCAI, during the webinar launch. The program is part of HCAI’s BH Connect workforce initiative, which HCAI said will invest up to $1.9 billion between 2025 and 2029 across five workforce programs.

According to HCAI, the MBHSP cycle that opened Feb. 2 has approximately $6.9 million available for individual awards. Samantha Sadler, behavioral health policy analyst, said individual award maximums vary by profession: nurse practitioners and physician assistants may be eligible for awards up to $240,000 (with a four‑year service obligation); a second tier of licensed behavioral‑health professionals may receive up to $180,000 (four years); a third tier that includes alcohol and other drug counselors, certified peer support specialists, certified wellness coaches and community health workers has a…