FAQ - Initiative for Behavioral Health Integration

The U. S. Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) created the Behavioral Health Workforce Education and Training Program in order to increase behavioral health access to underserved populations. Lipscomb’s Clinical Mental Health Counseling program received one of the largest grants in Lipscomb's history from HRSA in order to address the national shortage of behavioral health professionals trained to serve in integrated settings. We subsequently created the Lipscomb Initiative for Behavioral Health Integration or LIBHI. In addition to the joy of serving vulnerable populations, students receive a $10,000 stipend and additional specialized training that will enhance their employment opportunities.

In September of 2018, the Department of Clinical Mental Health Counseling was awarded an additional grant from HRSA to focus on the Opioid Crisis. This program is called the LIBHI@FQHC (Lipscomb Initiative for Behavioral Health Integration at Federally Qualified Health Centers ). These additional funds were awarded to place students with either Matthew Walker Comprehensive Health Center or Neighborhood Health where they serve Internship I and II. These internships will include training in working with patients seeking Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) in addition to behavioral health integration in a primary care setting. In addition to the $10,000 living stipend, students accepted into the LIBHI@FQHC program will also have the opportunity to attend a national trainings on integrated care with all expenses paid, receive an iPad/Apple Pencil, receive licensure test preparation materials, and greatly enhance their marketability as a mental health professional with specialized training.