New Jersey ranks as one of the most ethnically and culturally diverse states, with large segments of its population being born outside of the United States or not speaking English as a primary language. This rich cultural diversity results in language access needs for individuals seeking or receiving mental health services. To address language access needs, the DMHAS is making up to $242,500 of State appropriations available, on a first-come-first-serve basis, to support Licensed Bilingual Practitioners who completed their terminal degree and are eligible to deliver direct services with the requisite supervision, in the following Qualifying Disciplines: psychiatry, nursing, social work, psychology, professional and/or marriage and family counseling. Qualifying Languages include, but are not limited to: Arabic, Chinese (Mandarin and/or Cantonese), French, Gujarati, Haitian Creole, Hindi, Italian, Korean, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Tagalog, Urdu, Vietnamese, and American Sign Language (ALS).

Licensed Bilingual Practitioners must be employed by (or an independent contractor of) and work in a DMHAS-contracted Qualifying Agency that provides direct mental health or co-occurring mental health and substance use disorder treatment services in the community (e.g., outpatient, residential, etc.). Inpatient settings are not eligible for the Stipend Program. Licensed Bilingual Practitioners must work full-time (a minimum of 28 hours per week) and use their language skills to directly serve individuals at the Qualifying Agency, in a DMHAS-funded program, for one (1) year. Licensed Bilingual Practitioners who have accepted full-time employment and are being onboarded at a Qualifying Agency also are eligible to apply. The one (1) year service period begins with the date of DMHAS Stipend Program approval or employment start date, whichever is later.

Applicants must complete the application and email it to [email protected] along with a completed Provider Agency Attestation. DMHAS will accept applications through close of business Wednesday, April 30, 2025. Funds will be awarded/obligated on a first-come, first-serve basis until all funds are exhausted.

Full details HERE

The application and required associated attestation can be accessed below:

• Bilingual Mental Health Clinician Stipend Program Application
• Bilingual Mental Health Clinician Stipend Program Provider Agency Attestation
• Bilingual Mental Health Clinician Stipend Program FAQ