2 Purdue Calumet Marriage & Family Therapy Students Receive Fellowships in 2015

Paik-Song-2015Two graduate students of Purdue University Calumet’s marriage and family therapy program received federally funded fellowships to engage this summer in a national initiative of providing mental health services to racially and ethnically diverse populations.

Song “Audrey” Paik of Athens, Ga. and Bridget Sanchez of Streamwood, Ill. are participating in “Now Is The Time: Minority Fellowship Program-Youth (NITT-MFP-Y).” The program is sponsored by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), a U.S. Department of Health and Human Services agency that advances national behavioral health.

Providing mental health services
The NITT-MFP-Y enables stipends, specialized training and mentoring in support of national efforts by master’s level individuals to provide mental health services for 16-25-year-old Americans in underserved communities.

“This is a national program committed to reducing health disparities and improving behavioral health care outcomes for racially and ethnically diverse populations,” Director of Purdue Calumet’s Marriage and Family Therapy Program and Associate Professor Megan Murphy said. “Our two fellowship recipients received a scholarship and professional training appointment into a community of other students and professionals who hold similar professional interests.”

Fellowship perks
More specifically, each Purdue Calumet marriage and family therapy scholar receives between $5,000 and $8,000 in financial support, travel cost reimbursement to the annual AAMFT Conference, mentorship and professional development, advanced clinical training and support. They also enjoy access to a lifetime professional association network with marriage and family therapists interested in racial and/or ethnic minority and underserved mental health research and services.

Purdue Calumet’s master’s degree program in marriage and family therapy study attracts students nationwide and internationally. The program emphasizes rigorous integration of theory and research and interaction with clients as preparation for clinical practice and doctoral study. Placement of graduates is virtually 100 percent.