Rural Community Toolbox: Funding & Resources for Rural Communities to Address Substance Misuse

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Psychiatry Minority Fellowship Program (MFP)

Link

https://www.psychiatry.org/psychiatrists/diversity/samhsa-minority-fellowship-programs

Deadline

Application Deadline: Mar 1, 2025

Sponsor

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)

Purpose

Offers fellowships and experiential learning programs designed to recruit and prepare individuals at all academic levels for careers in behavioral health focused on serving minority communities. Aims to develop a diverse workforce by increasing the number of culturally competent mental and substance use disorder (SUD) psychiatrists who teach, administer services, conduct research, and provide direct mental or SUD services to marginalized and minoritized populations. Programs are administered by the American Psychiatric Association (APA) through a Minority Fellowship Program (MFP) grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).

The APA MFP offers 5 opportunities:

  • Minority Resident Fellowship Program (RFP) is a 1-year fellowship for psychiatry residents who are at the PG1 level or higher and are committed to addressing inequities in mental health. Fellows must commit to a minimum of 2 years' service after graduation addressing the behavioral health needs of marginalized and minoritized communities.
  • Summer Medical Student Program (SMSP) is a 3-month virtual learning experience that allows medical students to explore subspecialties within the field of psychiatry. Offers mentoring and academic and professional advice for those interested in pursuing a career in psychiatry and addressing the behavioral health needs of diverse communities.
  • Future Leaders in Psychiatry (FLIPP) is a 1-year virtual program that exposes undergraduate students to psychiatry and offers mentorship from current medical students. Provides education and resources to help students underrepresented in medical schools and psychiatry to navigate the medical school preparation process.
  • Rising Psychiatry Scholars Program (RPSP) is a 1-year virtual program to introduce students at community colleges and 2-year Tribal colleges to the field of psychiatry. Includes mentorship, education, and other resources to support students through the university application process.
  • Aspiring Psychiatrist Program (APP) is a 1-year virtual program that introduces high school students to the discipline of psychiatry and familiarizes them with the academic and professional process for becoming a physician. Provides learning and development opportunities to encourage students from diverse backgrounds to pursue medical careers in behavioral health.

Amount of Funding

Benefits of participation, including financial awards, are described on the program webpage for each APA MFP opportunity.

Number of awards and program dates:

  • Minority Resident Fellowship Program (RFP)
    • 45 awards
    • October 1, 2025 - September 30, 2026
  • Summer Medical Student Program (SMSP)
    • 50 awards
    • May 1, 2025 - July 31, 2025
  • Future Leaders in Psychiatry (FLIPP)
    • 25 awards
    • October 1, 2024 – September 15, 2025
  • Rising Psychiatry Scholars Program (RPSP)
    • 25 awards
    • October 1, 2024 – September 15, 2025
  • Aspiring Psychiatrist Program (APP)
    • 25 awards
    • October 1, 2024 – September 15, 2025

Who Can Apply

All applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents and must commit to the duration of the program.

RFP applicants must:

  • Be a PGY-1 level or higher at the time of matriculation
  • Be in training for the entire duration of the fellowship
  • Have a strong commitment to provide culturally sensitive mental healthcare and address mental inequities among marginalized and minoritized communities

SMSP applicants must be currently enrolled in an accredited U.S. university and must maintain active enrollment status for the duration of the program.

FLIPP applicants must be currently enrolled in an accredited U.S. medical school and must maintain active enrollment status for the duration of the program.

RPSP applicants must be currently enrolled in an accredited U.S. community college or 2-year Tribal college and must maintain active enrollment status for the duration of the program.

APP applicants must be currently enrolled in an accredited U.S. high school and must maintain active enrollment status for the duration of the program.

Eligibility is not limited to individuals from minority populations. However, priority is given to African American, Alaska Native, American Indian, Asian American, Hispanic/Latino, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander applicants.

Geographic Coverage

Nationwide

What This Program Funds

Training Providers

Application Process

Application instructions, requirements, and other information about the online application process can be found on the RFP, SMSP, FLIPP, RPSP, and APP program websites.

Application deadlines are as follows:

  • FLIPP - September 1, 2024
  • RPSP - September 15, 2024
  • APP - September 15, 2024
  • SMSP - March 1, 2025
  • RFP - March 17, 2025

Contact

For RFP program questions:
Razan Jaber, MPH
rjaber@psych.org

For SMSP, FLIPP, RPSP, and APP program questions:
jbrown@psych.org

For general program questions:
samhsamfp@psych.org

Topics This Program Addresses

Healthcare Workforce • Mental Health • Substance Use Disorder • Treatment