About MHSAS

Funded by a grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, the Minority Fellowship Program offers Doctoral (MHSAS-Doc) and Postdoctoral (MHSAS-Postdoc) Fellowships in Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services. These fellowships aim to increase the number of culturally competent psychologists who can provide effective mental health services to underserved communities and empower aspiring practitioners to make a lasting impact in behavioral health services and prevention.

Both MHSAS-Doc and MHSAS-Postdoc offer comprehensive programs designed to help fellows achieve their full potential as mental health professionals, including:

• Specialized professional training and enrichment experiences to complement their academic program
• A mentor who provides guidance and support meeting virtually and in-person, no less than four times during the fellowship year
• Access to the latest research, tools, and resources in the field
• A collaborative, lifelong community of like-minded professionals dedicated to making a positive impact
• Opportunities to connect with the Training Advisory Committee, MFP alumni, LDI constituents, and the wider APA membership through various networking events

MHSAS-Doc fellows also receive:

• Potential dissertation support (limited availability)
• Personalized assistance with the internship application process

MHSAS Policy Fellowship

Doctoral applicants who have experience or an interest in behavioral health public policy may request to be considered for the Policy Fellowship on the online application. Fellows on this track will have an opportunity for a paid summer internship at SAMHSA.

AT A Glance

Format/Location: A combination of in-person and virtual training, mentoring, and networking

Duration: 1 year; MHSAS-Doc fellows can be reappointed for up to 3 consecutive years, Postdocs for up to 2 consecutive years

Term: October 1-September 29

Stipend/Funding: MHSAS-Docs receive $27,144 (except during internship year) paid in four quarterly installments. Postdoc stipends are dependent on training level. Limited travel support may also be available.

Who Can Apply

How to Apply

Program Benefits

Accelerate Your Professional Growth

Receive over 60 hours of annual professional development training, skills building, and specialized enrichment experiences. Gain access to cutting-edge research, tools, and resources that will propel your career in behavioral health services.

Expand your Network and Impact

Connect with a diverse community of experienced clinical, research, and academic professionals dedicated to serving communities of color. Join a lifelong network of behavioral health experts committed to improving the field through diversity and inclusion.

Receive Comprehensive Support

Benefit from financial assistance for academic and personal expenses, personalized mentoring, and potential dissertation support. Engage with a dedicated mentor and the Training Advisory Committee to guide your professional journey and enhance your clinical and research skills.

ELigibility Requirements

To participate in MHSAS-Doc or MHSAS-Postdoc, applicants must:

• Be U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or noncitizen nationals.
• Have a strong commitment to a career in ethnic minority behavioral health services or policy.
• Sign a letter of commitment attesting that they will work for a period of two years in a capacity that addresses the behavioral health needs of communities of color.

It is not required for applicants to identify as ethnic minorities; however, African Americans, Alaska Natives, American Indians, Asian-Americans, Hispanics/Latinos, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders are especially encouraged to apply.

Program Specific Requirements

Current MHSAS Fellows