4P: Primary Care Psychology Pipeline Program

Program sponsored by the Health Resources and Human Services Administration Scholarships for Disadvantaged Students (HRSA SDS).

General Information

Overview

4P is a pipeline program created to provide scholarships to doctoral students in primary care psychology from disadvantaged backgrounds who have financial need, including students who are members of racial and ethnic minority groups.

Primary Care Psychology

Training in primary care psychology involves the application of psychological theory, principles, and knowledge to the physical and mental health concerns of patients and families across the life span, within the context of primary care settings (Family Medicine, Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine, Internal & Geriatric Medicine, Obstetrics & Gynecology). Integrated primary care settings provide a combination of medical and behavioral health services for a wide range of problems such as stress-associated physical symptoms, maladaptive health behaviors, mental health concerns, and substance misuse. Hence, primary care psychologists work on interdisciplinary teams with various health professionals (physicians, pharmacists, dietitians, social workers, community healthcare workers, etc.) to provide comprehensive physical and mental health care for patients and families.

Scholarship Amount

• Up to $30,000.
• May be renewable for 3 years (up to $90,000).

Scholarship Application Process

• Gain admission into one of the Loma Linda University clinical psychology doctoral programs (PhD or PsyD).
• Respond to the annual, spring Call for Applications (electronic), and provide income tax and other documents to the Office of Financial Aid.
• Scholarship Committee reviews and ranks applications.
• Awards disseminated quarterly (fall, winter, spring).

Eligibility Requirements

Scholarship applicants must:

• Be admitted and enrolled full-time in one of the Loma Linda University clinical psychology doctoral programs (PhD or PsyD).
• Be a US citizen or lawful permanent resident.
• Be in good academic standing (e.g., not on probation/B- in courses).
• Have a primary care commitment (ongoing commitment required for continued funding):
  • Interest in primary care/health psychology (incoming students).
  • Declared primary care/health psychology concentration (current students).
  • Taking courses in primary care/health psychology.
  • Pursuing practicums in primary care/health psychology (e.g., school-based wellness centers, Indian Health, SACHS, VA).
• Have a background that is disadvantaged:
  • Educational/environmental (e.g., graduated or attended high school located in zip code with low SAT scores, graduation rates, high free/reduced lunch; first in family to attend college).
  • Economic (i.e., applicant or parents [if dependent] income falls below federal poverty level).
• Have a financial need of at least ~$18,000.
• Underrepresented racial/ethnic minorities in health professions are encouraged to apply and will be prioritized. This includes Black/African American, Hispanic/Latinx, American Indian/Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander, eligible Asian Americans (e.g., Brunei, Burma (Myanmar), Cambodia, Timor-Leste, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam).

Scholarship Recipient (4P Scholar) Requirements

Applicants selected for a scholarship (or renewal) must:

• Demonstrate an ongoing commitment to primary care psychology (e.g., concentration, coursework, practicum experiences).
• Participate in programmatic meetings and trainings.
• Engage with mentoring PODS (Professional Orientation Development & Support).
• Share academic status and engage with support services if needed.
• Provide program evaluation/data.

Benefits to Scholars

• Funds to support education and training.
• Up to 43% reduction in debt at graduation.
• Enriched training experiences.
• Enhanced CV.

Primary Care Psychology Practicum Placement Opportunities

• SACHS Family Medicine Residency Clinic.
• San Bernardino City Unified School District (Wellness Center).
• Riverside San Bernardino County Indian Health: Morongo Springs, Soboba, Palm Springs, Pechanga, Barstow, Torres Martinez, Anza.
• Loma Linda Veteran Affairs & CBOCs: Murrieta CBOC, Corona CBOC, Victorville CBOC.
• UCLA Harbor: Family Medicine, Pediatrics.
• Fontana Unified School District (school-based health center).
• Los Angeles Veterans Affairs.
• Miller Children's Hospital (outpatient).
• Children's Hospital Los Angeles (outpatient).
• Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health Services - Downtown: LA County DMH Hollywood (see note above), and LA County DMH Augustus F. Hawkins.