The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is offering the Behavioral Health Internship Stipend Program, a key initiative aimed at increasing Michigan’s behavioral health workforce. Now in its second year, the program provides up to $15,000 per student to cover costs such as tuition, fees, books and living expenses, helping address the growing need for mental health services across the state.

Eligible students must be enrolled in accredited bachelor’s or master’s degree programs that prepare them for behavioral health professions, such as:

• Marriage or family therapy
• Behavioral analysis
• Social Work
• Professional counseling
• Psychology

MDHHS allocated $1 million for the program, which is expected to benefit approximately 100 interns, depending on individual funding needs.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the stipend, applicants must:

• Be enrolled in an accredited behavioral health degree program within the United States.
• Have an approved unpaid internship in Michigan that meets the programs requirements.
• Participate in program surveys and evaluation activities.
• Commit to seeking employment in Michigan’s behavioral health sector after graduation (encouraged but not required).

Stipend Distribution

The stipend is a one-time award distributed in two payments, based on the total hours required by the internship site. Only hours accrued on or after Oct. 1, 2024 are eligible for stipend calculation. The tiered scale is as follows:

• 80-200 Hours: $5,000
• 201-400 Hours: $10,000
• 401-600 Hours: $15,000

Applications must be completed by 11:59 p.m. Jan. 22, 2025. Students should fill out the online application form and submit all required documentation to MDHHS. Applicants will be notified of their acceptance status within three weeks of the application deadline.

Members with questions may contact Lauren LaPine at the MHA.

Phone: (517) 323-3443
Fax: (517) 323-0946

Phone: (517) 703-8601
Fax: (517) 703-0628