BEHAVIORAL HEALTH AND PUBLIC POLICY PROGRAM
Building the Next Generation of Behavioral Health Policy Leaders
ABOUT BHPP
The Behavioral Health and Public Policy program (BHPP) is a first-of-its-kind initiative designed to build policy leadership within the behavioral health workforce. In partnership with Bowie State University (BSU), BHPP prepares students, trainees, and practitioners to take an active role in shaping behavioral health policy.

Through intensive study and hands-on learning with educators at BSU, BHPP participants gain the tools they need to advance behavioral health at the policy level. Fellows complete the program with a deeper understanding of the policy implications—and solutions—to the behavioral health challenges underserved communities are facing.
AT A Glance
Format/Location: The program began with a two-day symposium, in which participants met with faculty members and identified topics for their capstone projects. Participants will continue their studies throughout Summer 2025 and complete their capstone project by Summer 2026.
Who Can Participate: Current Minority Fellowship Program fellows, IMFP fellows, and fellows from MFP sister programs can participate.
Program Components
In-Person
Symposium
Participants meet their peers, collaborate with faculty, and begin shaping their capstone project at the two-day symposium.
Public Policy Coursework
All BHPP participants will complete intensive study in public policy topics, including policy analysis, planning, and evaluation.
Capstone Project
and Group Thesis
Participants are assigned to teams to identify and draft policy solutions to a behavioral health challenge.
2025-2026 Cohort
The first BHPP cohort consists of 28 MFP fellows, representing the fields of psychology, social work, mental health counseling, and behavioral health nursing. The fellows share a commitment to advancing behavioral health equity.
