The Loma Linda University School of Behavioral Health offers competitive, federally funded training grants that support doctoral psychology students while preparing them to serve communities with limited access to care. These programs combine a substantial annual stipend with hands-on clinical training, mentorship, and career-building opportunities in integrated behavioral health settings.
Below, explore two current funding opportunities: Psychology Integration in Primary Care (HRSA GPE Funded) and Team-Based Integrated Pediatrics (HRSA BHWET Funded).
Why Apply for a Federally Funded Training Grant?
Doctoral psychology students accepted into these programs gain more than financial support. Scholars receive placement in sought-after practicum sites, structured supervision, interprofessional training experiences, and priority points toward National Health Service Corps loan repayment, positioning them for meaningful careers in integrated primary care and pediatric behavioral health.
Psychology Integration in Primary Care
HRSA GPE Funded
Also known by its grant designation, PIPS, this program is funded through the Health Resources and Services Administration's (HRSA) Graduate Psychology Education Program. It is a competitive, federally funded training opportunity that places doctoral psychology students in integrated primary care practicum sites, preparing them to serve medically underserved communities.
Eligibility Requirements
- Doctoral-level psychology student enrolled at LLU's School of Behavioral Health
- U.S. citizen, non-citizen national, permanent resident, or qualified alien under section 431(b) of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act
- Enrolled in the Health and Integrated Care Psychology Specialization or the Child Clinical Specialization with a minor in Health Psychology
- Must apply through a competitive selection process; approximately 50% of applicants are accepted each cycle
Benefits to Scholars
- Placement in a highly sought-after integrated primary care practicum site
- Minimum 10 hours per week of hands-on training for one academic year at SACH FQHC, VA CBOC, or Sierra High Continuation School Wellness Center
- Mentored Quality Improvement project at the practicum site to improve patient care, with the opportunity to present at a professional conference
- Additional didactics, workshops, and an interprofessional education simulation throughout the training year, along with required group supervision sessions
- Priority points for the National Health Service Corps loan repayment program
Scholarship Amount
$32,500 per year for doctoral-level students, disbursed in quarterly installments through the School of Behavioral Health, plus an additional $1,500 travel award to present research at conferences. Stipend amounts are reported to financial aid and factored into a student’s overall financial need calculation.
Program Commitments
Scholars accepted into the program complete a formal commitment agreement with the PIPS Grant Committee. In addition to the training and career commitments listed above, trainees agree to provide required program reporting, including their NPI number and employment status one and two years post-training. Failure to complete the required practicum hours may result in loss of the stipend, and scholars are encouraged to also apply to the National Health Service Corps for loan repayment. In turn, the Committee maintains oversight of stipend distribution, facilitates enhanced coursework and interprofessional training, and works to ensure an experiential practicum placement in integrated primary care for every scholar.
Contact Information
With questions, contact Dr. Kelly Morton at [email protected].
Team-Based Integrated Pediatrics
HRSA BHWET Funded
Also known by its grant designation, TIP-TAP-E (Team-Based Integrated Pediatrics: Treatment, Assessment, and Prevention–Expansion), this program is funded through the Health Resources and Services Administration's (HRSA) Behavioral Health Workforce Education and Training Program. It prepares the next generation of pediatric behavioral health providers by placing doctoral psychology students at LLU's School of Behavioral Health in integrated practicum sites serving children and families in medically underserved communities.
Eligibility Requirements
- Doctoral-level psychology student enrolled at LLU's School of Behavioral Health in their final year of training prior to internship
- U.S. citizen, non-citizen national, permanent resident, or qualified alien under section 431(b) of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act
- Must apply through a competitive selection process
- Students enrolled in the Child Clinical Specialization or the Health and Integrated Care Psychology Specialization will be given priority.
- Commitment to voluntarily pursuing employment with children and adolescents, in integrated behavioral health, and/or in medically underserved communities after successful graduation
Benefits to Scholars
- Placement in a highly sought-after pediatric integrated behavioral health practicum site
- Minimum 10 hours per week of hands-on training for one year at SAC Health FQHC Pediatric Primary Care Clinic, Sierra High Continuation School Wellness Center, or LLU Children's Hospital Pediatric Neurology Clinic
- Required participation in interprofessional didactic and simulation education activities alongside enhanced coursework, group supervision, and professional development
- Opportunity to engage in mentored quality improvement projects to enhance pediatric integrated behavioral health
- Priority points for the NHSC loan repayment program
Stipend Amount
$32,500 per year for doctoral-level students, disbursed in quarterly installments through the School of Behavioral Health. Stipend amounts are reported to financial aid and factored into a student's overall financial need calculation.
Program Commitments
Scholars accepted into the program complete a formal commitment agreement with the TIP-TAP-E Grant Committee. In addition to the training and career commitments listed above, trainees agree to provide required program reporting, including their NPI number and employment status and practice location at one and two years post-training. Failure to complete the required practicum hours may result in loss of the stipend. In turn, the Committee maintains oversight of stipend distribution, facilitates enhanced interprofessional and supervision training, and works to ensure a practicum placement at a qualified site for every scholar.
Contact Information
With questions, contact Dr. Tori Van Dyk at [email protected].
How to Apply
Both programs are open to doctoral-level psychology students currently enrolled at LLU's School of Behavioral Health who meet the eligibility criteria listed above. Selection is competitive, so early inquiry is encouraged. Applications typically open in December with final decisions made by mid-January.
For questions about eligibility, application timelines, or program specifics, contact the Department of Psychology.