As we progress towards a more open, accepting society, it may be more important than it ever has been to end the stigmas facing certain groups that have historically been accepted. One of the most widespread social stigmas belongs to those suffering from a mental health disorder, estimated in 2013 to be over 25% of American adults, nearly 62 million people. Mental health disorders are nothing at all to be ashamed of, in the exact same way one should not be ashamed to confess to having a cold or a headache. While the maladies affecting Americans range in extremity, one thing is certain: it is vital to have trained professionals there to help those of us who need them.
Clinical psychology, the study and treatment of mental illness, is one of the most challenging majors in existence for a multitude of reasons. Our individual brains are not always reflective of the same symptoms, and it can be hard to decode the treatment needed to overcome mental roadblocks. However, clinical psychology can be one of the most rewarding careers of all, both financially and personally. For those out there who plan to pursue this challenging career track, here are a few clinical psychology scholarships:
Psi Chi Undergraduate Award and Grants
Deadline: Varies
Amount: Varies
Don’t be fooled by the name; Psi Chi is not a local Greek life organization. Rather, it is one of the nation’s premier organizations promoting the study of mental health and psychology among college students. Keeping with their role as the International Honor Society in Psychology, Psi Chi (sometimes abbreviated ΨΧ) provides many scholarships to students who one day hope to help those suffering from maladies they cannot help. Psi Chi offers multiple clinical psychology scholarships, awards, and grants, so take a look at their website for more.
American Psychological Association Scholarships
Deadline: Varies
Amount: Varies
In existence since 1892, the American Psychological Association is one of the oldest, and most respected, continuously operating medical organizations in the United States. Their mission remains consistent, stated on their website: “to advance the creation, communication, and application of psychological knowledge to benefit society and improve people’s lives.” In order to accomplish this admirable goal, the APA attempts to incentivize the study of clinical psychology through various scholarship opportunities for students, undergrad and graduate alike.
Over 650 awards, presented in conjunction with various local chapters and organizations, are listed in the APA’s scholarship index. The rewards include financial stipends, field experience, and fellowships and internships, just to qualify a few. Forty-one scholarships deal with clinical psychology exclusively, and many of the deadlines land in either late October or early November. The APA takes academic achievement and personal commitment into account, priding themselves on their high standards.
NASP-ERT Minority Scholarship Program
Deadline: TBD for 2021
Amount: $5,000
The National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) sponsors this annual award alongside their Education and Research Trust (ERT), rewarding a student each year who is both a minority and committed to the study of clinical psychology, specifically applied to schools and classrooms.
The program, which is currently in its 21st year, asks students who are of American Indian, Asian, Black or Hispanic descent that have a minimum 3.0 GPA to apply. The scholarship can have more than one winner; the most recent 2016 competition doled out four awards. In addition to the financial reward of $5,000, the scholars can go to NASP’s annual convention to receive their rewards and recognition for their achievements.
Epilepsy Foundation Fellowships
Deadline: Varies
Amount: Varies
According to jarring statistics, over their lifetimes, one in twenty-six Americans will be diagnosed with epilepsy, an awful neurological disorder caused by a disconnect between nerve cells. This misfiring causes epileptics to suffer from seizures when confronted with certain triggering images. Epileptics have to go through their everyday lives never knowing when their synapses will disconnect, forced to forgo activities the rest of us take for granted. To combat this awful condition, the Epilepsy Foundation researches and funds many studies worldwide, hoping to one day put an end to the ailment for good. Epilepsy is a complex malady that is studied by both biologists and psychologists, and to this end, the Epilepsy Foundation funds grant and fellowship programs for both fields.
Clinical psychology majors find fellowships, undergo training and assist with research that may one day save lives. The Epilepsy Foundation offers everything from apprentice/mentor relationship-based programs to hands-on fieldwork for those interested in helping eradicate the disorder. The level of experience, academic and practical, varies by award, but the foundation provides some of the best and most rewarding field experience for clinical psychology majors looking to make a real difference.
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| Lender | Rates (APR) | Eligibility | |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
5.50%-16.12%* Variable
3.99%-15.61%* Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT CITIZENS |
|
|
5.54% - 15.70% Variable
3.99% - 15.49% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT SALLIE MAE |
 |
4.63% - 17.99% Variable
3.49% - 17.99% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT CREDIBLE |
 |
6.00% - 13.75% Variable
3.99% - 13.75% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT LENDKEY |
 |
5.66% - 14.72% Variable
3.69% - 14.56% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT ASCENT |
 |
3.70% - 8.75% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT ISL |
 |
5.62% - 16.85% Variable
3.69% - 16.49% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT EARNEST |
 |
5.00% - 14.22% Variable
3.69% - 14.22% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT ELFI |
