Mental Health Frequently Asked Questions

I'm a first year MSW student and will start the program in the fall. When can I apply?

Interested students should plan to attend an informational meeting about the MHSP which will be scheduled during the winter quarter. Thereafter, applications will be accepted until the noted deadline.

Who decides which applicants are awarded the stipend?

Applicants will be reviewed by the MHSP Faculty Advisory Committee. Decisions shall be made based on the application content, interview, and whether applicants meet criteria for participation in the program.

I have been awarded another stipend, i.e., Title IV-E. Can I apply for the Mental Health Stipend instead?

Recipients of other stipends or monetary grants may not apply for the MHSP, as per regulations set forth by the MHSP contract.

Upon graduation, I have decided not to work in the mental health field and plan to work in another Social Work field. What should I do?

You should notify the MHSP Coordinator immediately if you change your mind about working in the Mental Health field. If you have already received the stipend, you will need to make payback arrangements.

I found a field placement that I'm interested in using for my second year field experience. Can I go ahead and accept it?

If you have identified a field placement of interest, you must present this information to the MHSP Coordinator who will confirm that the agency is an eligible field placement site under the MHSP contract. Under no circumstance will you be allowed to make arrangements with the agency to accept it as a field placement. Doing so may affect your standing as a MHSP recipient.

I have a history of a felony conviction. Will this count against me?

Not necessarily. However, each concern is handled on a case by case basis. It is requested that this information is disclosed during the application process so as to not jeopardize your eligibility for participation in the program due to nondisclosure. Ultimately, your field placement agency shall do the final screening. If you do not pass the background check, and therefore are ineligible for a field placement in a mental health agency, you will not meet eligibility requirements to receive the stipend.

Where can I do my one-year post graduation employment payback?

As per the contract stipulations, you may complete your one-year post graduation employment payback at a qualified program within a county public mental health agency or a community-based organization under contract to a county public mental health agency.

A potential employer is listed as a "contracted" site. Is this sufficient information to accept employment under the MHSP contract?

No. You must ask the potential employer if the agency is contracted with Department of Mental Health. There are various agencies that have contracts with other agencies such as Department of Children and Family Services, Department of Aging, or Department of Justice. If so, the agency is not an eligible site to do your field placement or employment payback.

What is the process of obtaining a Live Scan?

Your field placement may refer you to complete a Live Scan and will direct you to locations that will process the Live Scan.

Do I have to pay for the Live Scan? If so, who requests it?

Typically, your field agency or potential employer shall request and pay for the Live Scan. You may not request one on your own.

Do I have to enroll in extra courses if I am awarded the stipend?

In the 2011-2012 academic year, stipend recipients shall be required to attend the Mental Health Seminar, which will be held monthly. More information shall be provided as to the process of enrolling in this course once a student is awarded the stipend.

Do I have to complete extra field hours if awarded the stipend?

No, you will be required to complete 20 hours per week of field as an Advanced Year MSW student. However, some agencies offer a head start to their placement, including informative and useful trainings that will prepare you for placement. It is suggested that you take advantage of these opportunities. These hours can be added to your experience. While the hours cannot be “banked” or “rolled over” you may be able to make arrangements with your Field Instructor to take additional days off during the year, IF it is not going to impact client care. This needs to be worked out with your Field Instructor and usually includes something in writing.

Can I request a paid field placement if I am awarded the stipend?

No, you may not request a paid field placement as specified in the MHSP contract.

Should I purchase the DSM-IV-TR and supplementary guides?

If you haven't already, you are required to purchase the DSM-IV-TR as this manual shall be used extensively for diagnostic work in your field placement as well as in your courses. Supplementary guides are not required, however, are recommended, if plan to work in the mental health field and desire to be licensed.

Who is the administrative support staff dedicated to the MHSP?

Deanna Rinebolt is the Administrative Support Staff to the MHSP. She may be reached at (909)537-7226 or drinebol@csusb.edu.

What if I don't find a job within the 120 day requirement following graduation?

You are highly encouraged to keep a log of your employment search efforts and discuss barriers to obtaining employment with the MHSP Coordinator. Every effort is made to provide support and assistance to MHSP graduates given the employment deadline.

What if I don't graduate on time?

You will need to nofiy the MHSP Coordinator immediately as you will be in violation of your contract. The process of appeal, if available, shall be discussed on a case by case basis.

I receive financial aid. Do I have to notify the financial aid office if I am awarded the stipend?

Absolutely. It is your responsibility to notify the financial aid office as soon as you are awarded the stipend as the stipend is considered income and will affect your eligibility for other forms of financial aid. The MHSP Administrative Support Staff shall forward a list of all stipend recipients, however, ultimately it is your responsibility to provide this information.