Today, the Healey-Driscoll Administration has laid down a $25 million investment towards fortifying the behavioral health workforce in Massachusetts, a move reflecting the state's focus on mental health care and its providers. A breakdown of the funds shows an allocation of $12.5 million in scholarships for behavioral health graduate degree and certificate students. Matching this figure, another $12.5 million is set aside as grants to colleges and universities to distribute as stipends for undergraduate and graduate students engaged in unpaid internships and field placements in the domain of behavioral health, reported the Massachusetts government.
According to the Massachusetts government, the urgency driving this investment is evident in Governor Maura Healey's words: "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." Acknowledging the scholarships and stipends' impact, Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll added, "Our communities are stronger when residents can access behavioral health care, and that means we need to build a strong talent pipeline." Details on the scholarships can be gathered by behavioral health graduate program students, advising them to apply by January 20, 2026.
Secretary of Health and Human Services Kiame Mahaniah, MD, MBA, told Mass.gov that Massachusetts is facing challenges similar to other states, including a declining healthcare workforce. The administration plans to use the funds to support education for future providers through scholarships and stipends, aiming to strengthen staffing and patient care.
UMass President Marty Meehan expressed appreciation for the availability of scholarships and stipends for a second consecutive year, noting that the funding helps students complete unpaid internships and field experiences required for degrees in behavioral health. Dr. Linda Thompson, president of Westfield State University, also highlighted the importance of addressing service gaps, improving outcomes, and collaborating with higher education and health institutions to strengthen the state’s mental health support network.
This financial commitment follows last year’s $20 million in support for the behavioral health sector. Funded through the Behavioral Health Trust Fund using American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, the initiative aims to address barriers to equitable, culturally competent, and affordable behavioral health care in Massachusetts. Rob McCarron, president of the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities in Massachusetts (AICUM), noted that the investment comes at a timely moment in response to changes in federal graduate education financing, according to a state news release.
