Public Behavioral Health (PBH)
Fundamentally, PBH is serving children, adults, and/or families who are facing various behavioral health challenges through an organization that is publicly funded. Clients often have diverse needs, which may include therapy, substance use support, or coordinated care across multiple services. Often, PBH clients are low-income and cannot afford to pay a private practitioner. The public funding component of PBH assures that socioeconomically disadvantaged populations have access to services they need.
The PBH Training Program
The PBH Training Program is designed to provide specialized training to Master of Social Work (MSW) students interested in behavioral health. The program provides specific training on effective, evidence-based behavioral health care in publicly funded settings. This program supports students through a collaboration between California State University at Bakersfield, community PBH agencies, PBH professionals in the community, and the centralized PBH Training Program at San Jose State University.
The training program is closely aligned with the student practicum experience, coursework, and required trainings. Individuals accepted into the training program must commit to attend all trainings and meetings scheduled by the MSW program and the PBH program and complete all pre- & post-surveys on time. Practicum placements will take place in nonprofit settings that provide or support publicly funded behavioral health services with a focus on directly serving underserved communities, populations, or geopraphic areas. This funding opportunity is limited to students who are authorized to work in the United States. If you have any questions or need more information, please contact us.
Acceptance into the training program one year does not guarantee acceptance for a second year. Students wishing to continue in the PBH training program must reapply.
Eligibility
The PBH Training Program is open to MSW students who are in good academic standing and preparing to begin their final two semesters of practicum experience.
Financial Assistance for MSW Students
Funded by the California Office of Health Care Access and Information (HCAI), the PBH Training Program provides financial support to students who commit to working in a public behavioral health setting in California after graduation. Each year of financial support requires one full calendar year of service in a qualifying PBH setting after graduation.
Full-Time Students
Full-Time and Advanced-Standing students accepted into the program are offered stipends twice a year.
Part-Time Students
Part-Time students accepted into the program are offered stipends twice a year.
Disbursements
- Half disbursed in mid-to-late fall semester
- Half disbursed in mid-to-late spring semester