Chairman Bill Young (R-FL) of the House Defense Appropriations Subcommittee allocated $4 million for FY 2006 in the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee bill yesterday to establish a Defense Graduate Psychology Education Program (D-GPE) to train increasing numbers of military and civilian psychologists to meet the mental and behavioral health needs of returning military personnel and their families. Although the bill (and this provision) has to be approved by the Full Committee and passed on the Floor and then accepted by the Senate at Conference, we are optimistic that the funding will be awarded.

Eligibility for the first year of funding is limited to APA accredited internship and postdoctoral programs in the Army, Navy and Air Force. Unfortunately due to different committees of jurisdiction, funding for the VHA facilities is not included for FY 2006. We are hopeful that funding for D-GPE will include VHA facilities the following year.

Once the FY 2006 Appropriations cycle is completed and the funding is confirmed, the funds must flow through Fort Detrick to the Henry Jackson Foundation, a not-for-profit organization, dedicated to improving military medicine and public and then to the eligible APA accredited programs.

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