Orange County Behavioral Health Stipend Program (OCBH)

The Orange County Behavioral Health MSW Stipend Program  provides financial support and enhanced training to MSW students committed to working in  behavioral health within   Orange County . Funded by  CalOptima Health , the program aims to address the growing need for social workers in the public health care system.

The provides financial support and enhanced training to MSW students committed to working in behavioral health within Orange County. Funded by CalOptima Health, the program aims to address the growing need for social workers in the public health care system.

Purpose

• Increase the number of social workers in  behavioral health settings  within    Orange County.
• Address critical public health challenges, such as  unmet   mental health needs and the opioid crisis.

Key Points

• Financial Support:
  • Students receive a $20,000 stipend per academic year  for up to two years. (funded by CalOptima Health).
• Behavioral Health Focus:
  • The program emphasizes increasing the behavioral health workforce to address public health needs in Orange County.
• Field Training:
  • Students participate in  MSW field practicum training  at  community-based agencies, gaining hands-on experience in behavioral health.
  • Students complete  additional training activities focused on implementing evidence-based practices  to  serve diverse populations
• Service Commitment:
  • After graduation, students commit to u p to two years of full-time paid service  in a behavioral health agency in Orange County (depending on the number of years of stipend support).

Application

• Starting with admission for the 2026-2027 academic year,  students can apply by completing the supplemental application when applying for the MSW program. Students will not be admitted into the program until accepted into the MSW program and attendance has been confirmed.
• Flex students   cannot  participate in the program until their  second year  when they are completing their first practicum placement.

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If you have further questions about the program, please contact  Dr. Brittany Eghaneyan link opens in a new window