UVM psychology program to bring more mental health care to Vermont
The University of Vermont has received a $1.2 million federal grant to expand its clinical psychology doctoral training program, according to a community announcement.
The grant, awarded by the Health Resources and Services Administration, aims to address Vermont’s mental health crisis and the shortage of trained professionals, especially in rural areas. The funding will support UVM’s clinical psychology Ph.D. program over the next three years, enhancing training in integrated care, substance use treatment and trauma-informed approaches.
Matthew Price, director of clinical training in the Department of Psychological Science, emphasized the urgency of the situation.
“Our state and local communities are facing an urgent mental health and substance use crisis, particularly in rural and underserved areas,” Price said in the announcement. “While our leaders continue to call for expanded services, a major barrier remains: We simply don’t have enough trained providers. This grant allows us to grow our impact by preparing the next generation of clinicians to serve the communities that need them most.”
The initiative, titled VT HEALS, will involve 12 Ph.D. students over the next three years. These students will participate in placement training with local partners, including the Community Health Centers of Burlington, St. Albans Primary Care and Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital in Plattsburgh, New York.
Additionally, the grant will fund a seminar series featuring experts in substance use treatment, rural community work and integrated care. This series will be open to all members of the Clinical Psychology Ph.D. Program and other mental health training programs.
Pablo Bose, associate dean of research and graduate education in UVM’s College of Arts and Sciences, highlighted the broader impact of the grant.
“This program will not only train clinicians in cutting-edge practices but also deliver critical care to Vermonters,” Bose said in the announcement. “VT HEALS exemplifies UVM’s mission as a land grant university – serving our neighbors, our students, and our state.”
This initiative follows a $3.8 million grant awarded to an interdisciplinary team at UVM by the U.S. Department of Education to support the Catamount Counseling Collaborative for Rural Schools.
UVM’s clinical psychology doctoral program has been accredited by the American Psychological Association since 1973. As Vermont’s land grant university, UVM is committed to addressing the state’s most pressing challenges through education, research and community engagement.
This story was created by reporter Beth McDermott, [email protected], with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at
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