Montclair State University has been awarded a five-year, $3.5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education to address critical shortages in school psychology and mental health services in public schools. This funding, part of the Biden-Harris administration’s initiative to expand student access to school-based mental health services, will allow Montclair to collaborate with school districts in West Orange, East Orange, and Clifton.
The project, titled EPIC-MHP (Enhancing Preservice Instruction for Comprehensive Mental Health Provision), aims to recruit, prepare, and retain a diverse group of school psychologists equipped to meet the challenges of today’s educational and mental health landscape. Talida State, an Associate Professor in Montclair’s Department of Teaching and Learning, and Julia Coyne, Director of the School Psychology Certificate Program, are leading this effort.
The EPIC-MHP program will enroll and train 60 graduate students in the Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology with State Certification in School Psychology. Students will also work toward a Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) Certificate, gaining the specialized skills needed to provide mental health services in schools. As part of their training, students will participate in structured fieldwork experiences designed to build competencies in both school psychology and MTSS-driven mental health services.
The goal of the project is to prepare a new generation of school psychologists who can lead system-wide mental health initiatives, effectively bridge the gap between theory and practice, and help promote the well-being of students. The program emphasizes collaboration and is expected to have a significant impact on addressing the growing mental health challenges in New Jersey’s schools.
In addition to improving training and retention, the EPIC-MHP project will provide paid practica and internships, helping to reduce financial barriers for students, especially for those from underrepresented backgrounds. This initiative aligns with Montclair State University’s Strategic Plan 2025 and reflects its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
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