Postdoctoral Fellowship in Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (MHSAS) is sponsored by Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) / American Psychological Association (APA). This fellowship supports the specialized training of early career doctoral recipients who have primary interests in services or policy related to the behavioral health or psychological well-being of communities of color.

Fellowship in Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services | APA Leadership Development Institute Minority Fellowship Programs Fellowships in MENTAL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE SERVICES (MHSAS) Minority Fellowship Program Overview / 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 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 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. 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 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. MHSAS-Doc: Doctoral students in clinical, counseling and school psychology, and other psychology doctoral students whose training prepares them for careers in behavioral health services.

MHSAS-Postdoc : Early career psychologists who have primary interests in services or policy related to the behavioral health or psychological well-being of underrepresented communities. eligibility requirements for full details. Applications for the 2026/2027 cohort are currently closed.

My training experience has improved immensely in the past semester being an MHSAS fellow. Specifically, I have greater time and resources to devote towards becoming an expert in behavioral health services, as well as explore areas of research and clinical interests that I would like to specialize in. Thank you for this amazing opportunity!

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 community of experienced clinical, research, and academic professionals dedicated to serving underrepresented communities. Join a lifelong network of behavioral health experts committed to making an impact. 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. 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 behavioral health services or policy focused on underserved communities.

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 underrepresented communities. Program Specific Requirements Be enrolled full-time in an APA-accredited doctoral program during the fall term immediately following the application deadline. Doctoral programs must receive APA accreditation by the application deadline to be eligible.

Not be interns; no fellowship support is available during a student's internship year. Be enrolled in doctoral academic program full-time (as defined by your university) during the entirety of the MFP appointment period. Have received a conferred doctoral degree from an APA-accredited program within the last five years.

Be engaged in, beginning, or applying to a specialized postdoctoral training program (not a permanent employment position) that starts by the fall immediately following the application deadline. Demonstrate support from an established sponsor at his/her/their postdoctoral institution.

Elizabeth Martinez-Charleston Stephanie Moliné Benoit Portrait of Elijah Murphy Portrait of Alexandra Park Alejandra Sanchez-Sarmiento Melissa Wheeler, PhD (Diné) American Psychological Association 750 First St. NE, Washington, DC 20002 Telephone: (800) 374-2721; (202) 336-5500