MAC grant offers stipends in effort to grow mental health workforce

Heidelberg's Master of Arts in Counseling (MAC) program has been awarded a new $2.25 million grant from the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) that will help make counseling education more accessible and affordable to future clinicians who are passionate about serving the mental health needs of their communities.

The grant marks the fourth time the MAC program has received competitive HRSA funding. Over the next four years, this funding will help address the critical shortage of mental health professionals in Ohio — a shortage that is especially severe in rural communities.    

“There simply aren’t enough counselors, and not enough supervisors to train the next generation,” said Dr. Meagan McBride, Director of the MAC Program. “This grant is a direct investment in building that pipeline, while also removing some of the largest barriers that prevent individuals from entering the profession.”

Through this grant, eligible MAC students completing their clinical field placements between 2025 and 2029 will have the opportunity to receive stipends of up to $25,000, helping reduce the financial burden of graduate training. While funding levels will vary based on financial need and availability, each year up to 16 students are eligible to benefit from this program. Over time, students who receive the funding will clear a hurdle to transform lives through mental health programming in their communities.

The grant is a powerful testament to Heidelberg’s role as an Opportunity Maker, said Provost Dr. Courtney DeMayo Pugno. “By opening doors and expanding access to licensed professional counselor education and ultimately careers, the MAC program is helping students in two important ways: turning their passion into purpose and serving their communities where the need is great,” she said.

In addition to financial support, the grant will provide MAC students with advanced training at no additional cost, better equipping them to meet the unique needs of clients, particularly in rural and underserved areas. Students will:

• Earn a Trauma-Informed Integrated Care certification
• Receive Sand Tray Therapy training and personal sand tray kits
• Complete a Telehealth certification to prepare for modern service delivery models

Beyond directly supporting graduate students, this HRSA grant also allows Heidelberg’s MAC program to expand its impact across the campus and community. Meagan said the program will provide mental health first aid training to select undergrad students to enhance mental health awareness and peer support capacity. Local clinical supervisors also may be eligible for stipends, strengthening partnerships with vital community providers. Community-wide professional trainings will also support mental health needs across the region, she added.

“We are proud of Heidelberg’s continued leadership in developing highly skilled, compassionate counselors who are equipped to serve where they are most needed,” Meagan said. “This new HRSA grant allows us to continue growing a strong, trauma-informed, community-focused counseling workforce for Ohio.”

The MAC program is currently accepting applications for its upcoming cohort. Interested individuals are encouraged to learn more about the program and the opportunities available through this HRSA grant.

Apply for the MAC program.