American Psychological Association —
Postdoctoral Fellowship in Mental Health
and Substance Abuse Services

Note to PIs: The following program summary is intended to be used for informational purposes only. It does not replace the sponsor’s actual funding opportunity announcement. Always review the most recent version of the sponsor’s full announcement to verify that the deadline has not changed and to identify the most current program requirements.

About the fellowship

Funded by a grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the MFP has created the Postdoctoral Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (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 communities of color.

Eligibility

Applicants must:

  • Be U.S. citizens, permanent residents or noncitizen nationals.
  • Have received a conferred doctoral degree from APA accredited program within the last five years.
  • Be engaged in, beginning, or applying to a specialized postdoctoral training program (not a permanent employment position) that starts by the fall immediately following the application deadline.
  • Demonstrate support from an established sponsor at his/her postdoctoral institution. Have a strong commitment to a career in ethnic minority behavioral health services or policy. 
  • Sign a letter of commitment attesting that they will work for a period of two years in a capacity that addresses the behavioral health needs of racial and ethnic minority populations.
  • It is not required for applicants to identify as ethnic minorities; however, African-Americans, Alaska Natives, American Indians, Asian-Americans, Hispanics/Latinos, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders are especially encouraged to apply.

Award amount

All fellowship awards are subject to future funding from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Additionally, once applicants are accepted for the fellowship, it is expected that the applicant’s training institution will also provide additional support toward health insurance to ensure that the applicant can focus on training and career goals.

Award period

Up to two years. Must be renewed annually.

Application deadline

Applications accepted October - January 15.

Learn more

Visit https://www.apa.org/pi/mfp/psychology/postdoc/index.

Last updated: July 2021.