Mental Health Scholarships

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What Mental Health Scholarships Could You Receive for College?

College may be difficult for students who have a mental disability. Mental health scholarships could relieve some of the stress of paying for college. These awards are usually available based on financial need, GPA, and your diagnosis. 

You may also find mental health scholarships for diverse educational goals too. You may apply for the RJ Mitte Breaking Barriers Scholarship. It is funded by the Breaking Bad actor. It intends to help high school and college students who have a mental or physical disability. There will be one winner for the $1,000 award this year.

There are also scholarships for graduate students with mental health conditions as well. The Disability Care Center offers an annual award of $500. To apply, you must write a 500 to 1,500 word essay on how your hardship affects your daily life.

Some providers offer mental health scholarships for certain disabilities. The LEAD Foundation Dottie R. Walker Scholarship offers a $1,000 scholarship to those with ADD/ADHD. To be eligible, you must be a Colorado high school senior who is willing to serve as a role model for others. 

10 Scholarships for Mental Health You Should Apply for in 2021

These 10 mental health scholarships that are available for many college students. If you qualify, apply soon before the due date!

  1. Pride Foundation Associates in Behavioral Health Scholarship
  2. RJ Mitte Breaking Barriers Scholarship
  3. Pine Cone Foundation Scholarship 
  4. Behavioral Health Academic Scholarship Program
  5. Buckfire & Buckfire Disability Scholarship
  6. Richard Louis Caplan Memorial Scholarship for Mental Health
  7. Brea Little Moore Memorial Scholarship
  8. Dennis Elroy Barry Memorial Scholarship 
  9. IBPF Essay Contest 
  10. KFM Making a Difference for Autism Scholarship

Which Mental Health Conditions Could Get You Awards?

There are a range of mental and emotional issues that may qualify you for mental health scholarships. You also have to check the provider’s eligibility criteria and application info. 

Not everyone has the same experience with mental illness. But, in 2019 almost one in five adults in the U.S. suffered with it according to the National Institute of Mental Health

For some, the diagnosis is “mild”. These conditions include:

  • Depression
  • Eating disorder (E.g. anorexia, bulimia)
  • Anxiety disorders 
  • Learning disability (E.g. ADHD, autism)

Others may also suffer from a severe form of psychiatric disorder that limits how they function. These include:

  • Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
  • Bipolar disorder
  • Schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder

Are There Scholarships for Students Studying Mental Illnesses?

Yes, there are also mental health scholarship for those who plan to major in behavioral health or substance abuse in college.

The Behavioral Health Academic Scholarship Program is one. It is for U.S. high school seniors who major in behavioral health sciences. You may study counseling, psychology, social work, nursing, or a related field.

There’s also the Future Counselors of America Scholarship. It is for students who major in psychology and plan to go into the counseling field. If you’re in an undergraduate program or pursuing a graduate degree, you may qualify.

Do you hope to impact policy about a mental health condition?  If so check the Mental Health System Reform Scholarship. Eligibility includes a 3.0 GPA. This mental health scholarship is open to both undergrads and graduate students.

What Organizations Help Students with Mental Illness and Provide Financial Aid?

Both businesses and nonprofits set aside scholarship funds for students with a mental disability. When searching for these mental health scholarships, check local sources. The John Lepping Memorial Scholarship is for students in New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. If you have a physical disability, autism or PTSD you may qualify.

Also look for scholarships for mental health related to your major. Microsoft aims to empower and enable people with disabilities. The Microsoft Disability Scholarship is for 12th graders who are passionate about tech. It is for high school seniors who plan to attend a trade school or accredited college. This $5,000 mental health awards are renewable for up to four years. 

Many nonprofits also offer financial aid to reward volunteer efforts as well. The JED Foundation supports students who struggle with mental health. Undergraduate students who raise awareness for mental health issues on campus may qualify for their $3,000 scholarship award.

6 Helpful Tips to Take Care of Your Mental Health in College

It’s important to take care of your well being so that college plus any other issues you face don’t derail you or boost your anxiety level. Check out these helpful suggestions.

1. You are not alone so remember to find support. 

Many community colleges and four year schools offer counseling services. There might also be online resources, a student hotline and workshops that teach you how to manage stress and not panic.

2. Communicate with friends and family.

Build a network of people you trust. Family, friends, a professor, advisor, fraternity brother or sorority sister are good contacts to reach out to.

If you’re also away at school, remember to stay in touch with your friends and family. Have that visit over FaceTime or Skype to maintain these tried and true relationships.

3. Schedule your time.

Sticking to a schedule and routine can be a great comfort. That means going to sleep and waking up at around the same hour every day. Also, try to put your school work and classes into your calendar Don’t forget to set a reminder to apply for mental health scholarships. 

4. Explore new things.

College is also a time to try a new activity or hobby. It could be a club or team to join that you find interesting.

5. Stay fit and eat healthy.  

Exercise releases endorphins which are chemicals in the body that combat stress. Find some kind of movement (including yoga and possibly, meditation). Also remember to put healthy food into your diet and get enough rest. 

6. Check in with yourself.

A diary is a useful way to manage your moods and inner health. If you notice a dip in energy, performance or feelings, make sure to seek help.

List of Mental Health Scholarships

Check out our list of mental health scholarships worth .

Clean And Recovery Scholarship Essay Contest

At CleanAndRecovery.com, we are dedicated to championing higher education and are thrilled to announce our esteemed college scholarship essay contest. With a prize of $1,000, this competition offers a unique opportunity for students to showcase their writing skills while addressing the pressing issue of binge drinking on college campuses. By participating in this contest, you not only stand a chance to win a generous scholarship but also contribute to raising awareness and preventing the dangers associated with excessive alcohol consumption.
Award Amount

Total:  $2500

Awards:  2

Deadline

Deadline:  November 15

AAMFT/SAMHSA Minority Fellowship Program

AAMFT/SAMHSA Minority Fellowship Program provides financial support to graduate students pursuing degrees in Marriage and Family therapy in return for a two year service commitment.
Award Amount

Total:  $1000

Awards:  1

Deadline

Deadline:  November 15

NBCC Minority Fellowship Program for Mental Health Counselors

The NBCC Foundation will administer up to 30 master’s level counseling fellowships of $10,000in exchange for a commitment to teach, serve or counsel minority populations post graduation.
Award Amount

Total:  $9000000

Awards:  30

Deadline

Deadline:  November 15