Regis College has been awarded a $330,100 State of Massachusetts’ Behavioral Health Trust Fund grant to support students pursuing careers in the behavioral health field. The funds will support paid internships and stipends for students in high-demand behavioral health settings, allowing them to complement classroom learning with practical experience and better prepare for entry into the workforce.
This is the second year that Regis received this grant to increase the behavioral health talent pipeline in Massachusetts.
“This investment directly supports the Commonwealth’s urgent need for a stronger behavioral health workforce and Regis is proud to take a leadership role in addressing that need,” said Regis President Antoinette Hays, PhD, RN. “Regis is proud to prepare students who are ready to meet that demand with the skill, empathy, and professionalism our communities deserve. By easing the financial burden of clinical training, this funding allows more students to enter the field and ensures Massachusetts continues to grow a workforce dedicated to improving mental health and well-being.”
Many behavioral health degree and certificate programs — including the one at Regis — require internships, apprenticeships, or practicum hours to ensure students gain the hands-on experience needed to become effective practitioners. Because these placements are often unpaid, students are frequently forced to reduce or pause paid work. This funding will help remove cost as a barrier, allowing more graduate and undergraduate students to pursue careers serving individuals with mental health or substance use disorders.
“We need to strengthen our behavioral health workforce in Massachusetts so our residents can get the care they need, and these investments support students dedicating their time and talent into entering this field,” said Governor Maura Healey. “These scholarships and internship stipends benefit students and the members of our communities that they’ll serve.”
The grant awarded to Regis is part of $25 million disbursed to colleges and universities across the Commonwealth. The grant funds are for both graduate and undergraduate students who are pursuing careers in behavioral health-related fields, including treating mental health or substance abuse disorders.