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Governor Kathy Hochul today announced $4 million in federal funding to support underrepresented students enrolled in or enrolled in mental health degree programs at the State University of New York or New York University campuses. In partnership with the New York State Office of Mental Health, SUNY and CUNY will each provide $2 million in tuition assistance, paid internships and support for minority and multilingual students.
“As we continue to strengthen our health care system in New York, we must ensure that we build a diverse and inclusive workforce.” Governor Hochul said. “This partnership will provide incentives for underrepresented students to enroll in or remain in mental health programs — helping to diversify our future workforce and ensure that all communities are better served by our public health care system.”
The partnership promotes minority and multilingual students enrolled at 18 CUNY campuses – five community colleges, eight senior colleges, three comprehensive colleges and the CUNY Graduate Center and CUNY School of Professional Studies – and 16 SUNY campuses – including eight community colleges, four comprehensive colleges and four University centers – to enter or continue the study paths that prepare them for the field of mental health. This is the latest step New York State has taken to address the lack of diversity in the field, which in turn has led to disparities in the delivery of mental health care to marginalized populations.
Minority health care providers are more likely to meet the needs of underserved populations and have a diverse workforce, resulting in increased patient and client satisfaction, engagement, and retention in care. Additionally, the mental health workforce faces a shortage of multilingual clinics, further disparities in access, quality, and treatment outcomes for individuals with limited English language skills.
New York State Mental Health Commissioner Dr. Anne Sullivan; “OMH is making great strides in increasing the diversity of the community’s mental health workforce. Our Office of Diversity and Inclusion coordinates regional efforts to advance health equity and eliminate health care disparities. Recruit and retain a more diverse and inclusive workforce that provides insights and experiences.
SUNY Interim Chancellor Deborah F. Stanley, “At SUNY, the field of mental health is about not only educating and training future professionals, but also recognizing the importance of representing the broader population that those professionals serve. Too often, it is a barrier to caring for our students and others. Seeking mental health care means finding a professional who can relate to their struggles or help them closely. It’s not. In New York, we know that our unique backgrounds, cultures and languages ​​make our workforce stronger, and that’s why we thank Governor Hochul. She continues her investment in providing more opportunities for underrepresented minorities and making education more accessible to all.
According to CUNY Chancellor Felix V. Matos Rodriguez, “The funding announced today by Governor Hochul will expand the pipeline of opportunities for underrepresented students to begin careers in mental health and reduce health disparities in the communities CUNY serves. CUNY is one of the most diverse universities in the country. Support for traditionally underserved communities to join the field and improve the quality and delivery of mental health services.
Students eligible for this grant are multilingual; Enrolled in a language-based degree program; or are of Cuban, Mexican, Puerto Rican, Hispanic, Latinx, Spanish descent, or Native American, Alaska Native, Black, African American, Native Hawaiian, or other Pacific Islander.
Eligible programs at CUNY include certificate, associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs in social work and human services. psychology; Psychiatric Nursing; and grief counseling and mental health counseling.
At SUNY Community Colleges, eligible programs include associate degree programs in the liberal arts and sciences: humanities and social sciences, tracks or concentrations including mental health assistants, human services, sociology, and psychology. At four-year SUNY campuses, eligible degree programs include health and community. Public health focus; Sociology and Psychology.
Most of these four-year institutions offer a master’s degree program in mental health counseling and social work, as well as a master’s of science degree program in mental health counseling or public health. Eligible studies at SUNY University Centers include Bachelor of Science degrees in Mental Health Counseling, Human Development. and doctoral degrees in sociology, psychology; and doctor of psychology degrees.
Federal legislation allows New York State to provide additional funding for mental health services by expanding a percentage of time-limited federal medical aid, the federal law used to reimburse most Medicaid programs.
Representative Paul Tonko said “Lack of diversity continues to be a chronic problem in the mental health field, and this deficit only leads to further lack of access and disproportionate care for communities of color. Investing in and strengthening educational programs is a critical step in building a diverse mental health workforce. To empower and better serve our bright students and their communities.” I am grateful for the leadership and commitment of all who work to make it possible for them to give.
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