a grant for the non-traditional

The Collective Access Grant supports nontraditional students pursuing degrees in mental health-related fields (e.g., Social Work, Psychology, Counseling, or related graduate programs).

In addition, we believe confident care comes from continued growth. That’s why we support providers pursuing advanced certifications and specialized trainings through our Game Changer Grant—whether it’s deepening trauma-informed work, exploring culturally responsive care, or expanding into new modalities.

Our mission is to remove financial and systemic barriers to access for those who bring diverse life experiences, work histories, and perspectives to the mental health profession. We believe that the future of mental health care must reflect the communities it serves—this means supporting those who have taken less traditional paths toward licensure.

For providers looking to widen their scope of service and sharpen their clinical focus, we help remove financial barriers and offer access to trusted, relevant education.

Whether it's:

EMDR or A.R.T. (Accelerated Resolution Therapy) for trauma-informed care

Perinatal Mental Health Certification (PMH-C) to support parents and birthing people

Certified Sex Therapy training to compassionately address identity, intimacy, and healing

Gottman Method or EFT training to strengthen couples counseling

Cultural Competency and Antiracism education to ensure equity and inclusive care

OCD and ERP training for evidence-based anxiety and obsessive-compulsive treatment

Christian counseling or spiritual integration programs for faith-based clinicians

We remove financial barriers and create access to the learning that matters. For providers looking to widen their scope of service and sharpen their clinical focus, we walk alongside them

-Over the age of 25 when starting their degree

-Returning to school after a break in education

-Working full-time while enrolled

-Parent or caregiver while pursuing a degree

-First-generation college student

-Holds previous work experience in a different field before entering mental health

-From historically underrepresented or marginalized communities

-Enrolled part-time due to life circumstances

——————————————————

At The Mental Wellness Collective, we believe the path to becoming a mental health professional shouldn’t be limited by age, background, or life stage. That’s why we intentionally support nontraditional students—those who may be returning to school later in life, balancing family responsibilities, working full-time jobs, or entering the field after a career change.

These students bring diverse life experiences, resilience, and cultural insight—the very traits that enrich client care and strengthen the mental health ecosystem. But they also face unique barriers that can derail their dreams before they begin.

Nearly 70% of nontraditional students work while enrolled in school, and over half have dependents, making tuition and time a major burden (NCES, 2022).

Financial barriers remain one of the top reasons students delay or drop out of higher education programs (Education Data Initiative, 2023).

Nontraditional students are twice as likely to face food and housing insecurity compared to traditional students (Hope Center for College, Community, and Justice, 2020).

Without support, many of these future therapists, social workers, and counselors never make it to the finish line—not because of lack of passion or skill, but because of cost, burnout, or inflexible systems.

Through our Game Changer Grants + Collective Access Grants and ongoing provider development programs, we create access to education, supervision, and professional resources—ensuring that the field is shaped by those with lived experience, not just textbook knowledge.

Because healing spaces should be built by people who truly understand struggle—and those people deserve a real chance to lead.

The average cost of a graduate degree in counseling or psychology ranges from $30,000 to $120,000, depending on institution type and location.
— U.S. News & World Report, 2022

Students pursuing mental health-related graduate degrees accumulate an average debt of:

$66,000 for Clinical Psychology

$75,000 for Social Work (MSW)

$80,000+ for PsyD programs
— American Psychological Association, Graduate Study in Psychology 2022

Only 23% of psychologists and 21% of licensed counselors identify as BIPOC, despite growing diversity in the general population. Financial barriers are cited as a top reason for underrepresentation.
— SAMHSA, Behavioral Health Workforce Report, 2021

First-gen graduate students are 2x more likely to work full time during school and 50% more likely to delay graduation due to financial concerns.
— Council of Graduate Schools, 2020

Since 2000, graduate tuition has increased by more than 135%, far outpacing inflation or wage growth.
— National Center for Education Statistics, 2023