FAQ About the Postdoctoral Fellowship in Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services
About the Postdoctoral Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (MHSAS) Program
Funded by a grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the MFP has created the Postdoctoral MHSAS fellowship to support 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 ethnic minorities.
Basic Eligibility
U.S. citizen or permanent resident or non-citizen nationals are eligible
A conferred doctoral degree in psychology in the last five years
Engaged in specialized postdoctoral training (not a permanent employment position) by the fall immediately following the application deadline
The ability to demonstrate support from an established sponsor at the applicant’s postdoctoral institution
Strong commitment to a career in ethnic minority behavioral health services or policy
African Americans, Alaska Natives, American Indians, Asian Americans, Hispanics/Latinos, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders are especially encouraged to apply.
MFP Benefits
- Financial Support (2 years maximum. Must be renewed annually)
A small budget for travel and related expenses
Invitation to MFP's annual workshop for mentors and fellows
Ancillary training opportunities and enrichment experiences
Access to information and resources
Lifetime network of professional association with psychologists focused on ethnic minority behavioral health issues
Frequently Asked Questions about the MHSAS Postdoctoral Fellowship
Q: Do I have to be an ethnic minority to apply for the fellowship?
A: No, you can apply as long as you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident or non-citizen nationals are eligible.
Q: What are the criteria used to select Fellows?
A: There are seven criteria:
Commitment to a career in ethnic minority behavioral health service delivery or policy
Qualifications of the sponsor
Fit between career goals and training environment selected
Merit of the training proposal
Potential demonstrated through accomplishments and goals
Appropriateness to program goal
Letters of recommendation
Q: Do I need to send my undergraduate transcripts?
A: No. We only need doctoral transcripts.
Q: What is an “established sponsor?”
A: The sponsor would be the individual directly supervising the applicant’s training at the postdoctoral institution. For more information, refer to the instructions under Sponsor Defined.
Q: I do not have a sponsor. Can I still apply without a sponsor?
A: In order to apply for the postdoctoral fellowship you must have a sponsor because the commitment of a sponsor to your training is critical to the postdoctoral fellowship.
Q: What qualifies as a postdoctoral institution? Can my workplace serve as a postdoctoral training site?
A: The postdoctoral training site must be a postdoctoral training program. A worksite may not be used as a postdoctoral position training site.
Q: When are selections announced?
A: The MFP Training Advisory Committee meets in March to review applications. Awards are announced in April. Students awarded fellowships may expect to begin receiving support no earlier than September.
Q: How much is the stipend?
A: The stipend coming directly from the MFP varies each year. We try to ensure the financial support of our fellows at a level that is based upon NRSA mandated guidelines. We also request various types of "in-kind" support such as, health insurance, office space, etc. from the institutions at which they are training.
Q: If I receive funding from another federally-funded training grant, may I also accept funding from the MFP?
A: No. Individuals supported by other federal training grants are not eligible for support from the MFP.
Q: If I receive funding from a private foundation, the state, or the university, am I still eligible for funding from MFP?
A: Please contact our office for guidance. Funding eligibility in these instances must be determined on a case-by-case basis.
Q: How long does the fellowship last?
A: Each postdoctoral fellow is provided a stipend for up to 2 years. However, stipend support for 2 years is provisional and must be renewed each year. Reappointment is contingent upon the satisfactory progress of the fellow and continued support from our federal funding agency. Beyond the 2 years of stipend support, fellows are encouraged to maintain a career-long relationship with the MFP for professional development, guidance, and association.
Q: How do Fellows renew their appointments?
A: Each Fellow currently receiving a stipend must complete a progress report and return it to the MFP in January. Progress reports are reviewed by the MFP Training Advisory Committee in March and reappointment decisions are announced in April.
