Q. What is a first-tier agency?
A. These are county treatment authorities. Generally, these are the Medicaid-approved providers for the county. Here’s a link to the treatment authorities in each county.
Q. What is a second-tier agency?
A: Any public agency offering mental health or substance use services is considered a second-tier agency. This even includes schools, domestic violence shelters, and the VA Hospital. Private practices are not qualifying agencies.
Q: How do I apply?
A: Submit an interest survey, and be sure to communicate your interest in the program to your faculty coordinator during the field placement process. You will need to complete your practicum at a PMHSU agency to be eligible for funding.
Q: If I fill out the survey and get placed in a PMHSU setting, does that mean I’m guaranteed to receive
funding?
A: Awards will be prioritized by first-tier practicum placements, and community need (rural, low-funded counties). After students placed in a first-tier agency are selected, if there are remaining awards, those placed in second-tier agencies will again be prioritized by community need.
Q: I want to move out of Utah after graduation. Can I work at a PMHSU agency in another state?
A: Funding for this program comes from the Utah legislature to increase PMHSU treatment capacity within the state. Therefore, awardees will need to work in the state of Utah in order to fulfill the employment requirement.
Q: As a BSW student, how much money am I eligible to receive?
A: BSW students selected for the program will receive $5000.
Q: As an MSW student, how much money am I eligible to receive?
A: MSW students who are selected for the program and complete one practicum in a PMHSU setting will receive a total of $10,000. MSW students who are selected for the program and complete two practicums in a PMHSU setting will receive a total of $20,000. Students are required to apply each year, and an initial award does not guarantee that you will be awarded a second time.
Q: How long do I have to work in a PMHSU setting after graduation?
A: Every $5000 awarded comes with a 1-year post-graduation work requirement.
Q: How will I accept an award if offered?
A: Awardees will sign a promissory note. The promissory note is a written agreement indicating that you will fulfill the education and work requirements of the program, or pay back the money you were awarded
Q: Does the money come in installments, or a lump sum?
A: The money will be posted to your student account as a lump sum before Fall semester.
Q: How do I prove I’m working in a qualifying agency after graduation?
A: 5 months after graduation, a staff member of USU’s Social Work Department will send you the Employment Verification Authorization Release (EVAR) form, which you will need to have your employer fill out and return on your behalf. You will be required to provide an updated EVAR yearly until the work requirement is complete. Be sure the department always has updated contact information for you!
Q: What happens if I can’t secure a job in public mental health or substance use?
A: We don’t anticipate this will be a problem! That said, you should be sure to document to which jobs you apply, and the reason(s) you were not able to secure employment. This information will be considered should you decide to appeal your repayment.
Q: If I choose not to work in a PMHSU setting after graduation and therefore have to pay back loan money, what will the interest be?
A: The loan has a 5% interest rate.
Q: If I choose not to work in a PMHSU setting after graduation and therefore have to pay back loan
money, what will my payments be?
A: Several factors are considered, including if your rate will be pro-rated (in the event that you completed part of the work requirement, but not all), any major life or health events impacting your ability to repay, your income, etc. You will receive an amortization schedule when payments are to begin.
Q: I’m interested in the program! How do I complete the interest survey?
A: Sure thing! Below is a QR code and a direct link that will take you to the interest survey. 
Morgan Walton | morgan.walton@usu.edu | 435-797-1754
Dr. Jess Lucero | jessica.lucero@usu.edu | 435-797-9122