Public Behavioral Health (PBH)

Fundamentally, PBH is serving children, adults, and/or families who are facing various behavioral health challenges through an organization that is publicly funded. Some clients may need therapy, others may need substance abuse services, some may require interdisciplinary care and coordination of services, and the list goes on. Often, PBH clients are low-income and cannot afford to pay a private practitioner. The public funding component of PBH assures that socioeconomically disadvantaged populations have access to services they need. 

The PBH Training Program 

The PBH Training Program is designed to provide specialized training to Master of Social Work (MSW) students interested in behavioral health. The program provides specific training on effective, evidence-based behavioral health care in publicly funded settings. This program supports students through a collaboration between California State University at Bakersfield, community PBH agencies, PBH professionals in the community, and the centralized PBH Training Program at San Jose State University.

The training program is closely aligned with the student practicum experience, coursework, and required trainings. Individuals accepted into the training program must commit to attend all trainings and meetings scheduled by the MSW program and the PBH program and complete all pre- & post-surveys on time.

Acceptance into the training program one year does not guarantee acceptance for a second year. Students wishing to continue in the PBH training program must reapply. 

Financial Assistance for MSW Students 

Funded by the California Office of Health Care Access and Information (HCAI), the program offers financial assistance to students in return for their commitment to pursue a clinical license in social work (LCSW) and work in a public behavioral health setting within the state of California post-graduation. Each year of financial support requires one full calendar year of service in a qualifying PBH setting.

• Participants will receive the stipends in two disbursements:
  • Half in the mid to late fall semester
  • Half in the mid to late spring semester

Full-Time Students

Full-Time and Advanced-Standing students accepted into the program will receive a stipend of $25,000 each year. 

Part-Time Students

Part-Time students accepted into the program will receive a stipend of $12,500 each year. Applicants to the part-time program are not eligible for the PBH Training Program their first year. They may apply their second year of the program.