Great Lakes Wire

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has announced that applications for its Behavioral Health Internship Stipend Program will open on August 18. The program is aimed at supporting student interns who are enrolled in accredited bachelor’s or master’s degree programs related to behavioral health.

According to MDHHS, the stipend program offers up to $15,000 to eligible students who have secured a qualifying unpaid internship. The funds can be used for tuition, fees, books, and living expenses. Eligible fields include marriage or family therapy, behavior analysis, social work, professional counseling, and psychology.

“This program continues to demonstrate Michigan’s dedication to improving the availability of mental health services for all families while investing in the growing need for a workforce to support those services,” said Elizabeth Hertel, MDHHS director. “Already this year, we were able to assist 70 students with their educational and living costs as they gained hands-on behavioral health experience.”

The department has allocated $1.25 million for the initiative. Depending on individual funding needs, approximately 73 interns could benefit from the available resources.

Applicants must be enrolled in an accredited U.S. program and have an approved internship located in Michigan that meets specific requirements set by the stipend program. Participation also involves completing surveys and evaluation activities related to the program. While not mandatory, applicants are encouraged to seek employment within Michigan’s behavioral health sector after graduation.

The application window will remain open until August 31. Interested students must submit an online form along with required documentation by that date. MDHHS stated that applicants will be notified about their acceptance status within six weeks after the deadline.