Frequently Asked Questions

Q:  Who can apply to participate in BHIP?
A:  MSW students in their advanced practice year and in the Advanced Clinical Concentration are eligible to apply for placement in the upcoming BHIP cohort. Funding is available for 29 students each year.

Q:  What is the application process?
A:  Students interested in being considered for BHIP can submit an application online here. At the end of the online application form, applicants will select a group interview slot.  The group interview, led by Project Co-Directors Ericka Kimball and Sarah Porter, may cover student interest in working with rural and/or medically underserved communities, learning and career goals, lived experience, and academic readiness. 

Q:  When do I apply to participate in BHIP?
A:  There are different applications based on your program type:

1. MSW students who are currently enrolled apply the year before their advanced/final placement. Example: 2-year full-time students apply in their 1st year.  The application information is shared each Fall term. 

2. MSW students who have been accepted into the Advanced Standing program apply upon acceptance.  The application information will be shared in your acceptance materials. 

Q:  I've applied to participate in BHIP. When will I get a response?
A:  Applications for the following year are available online between November and December annually. All students are notified of the selection decision by mid-January. 

Q:  When is the BHIP application open?
A:  Applications for the following year are available online between November and December annually. 

Q:  What do BHIP participants receive?
A:  Each cohort member receives a $10,000 stipend, distributed over the course of the academic year, as well as supplemental training and support. 

Q:  What is required of BHIP participants?
A:  BHIP cohort members must successfully complete SW 556 Clinical Practice in Integrated Health, and SW 570 Brief Intervention and Treatment, attend a bi-monthly no-cost seminar focused on case consultation, ethics, and profession development, obtain a National Provider Identification Number, and complete pre- and post-participation surveys for grant reporting purposes.

Q:  Can I still take SW 556 Clinical Practice in Integrated Health, and/or SW 570 Brief Intervention and Treatment, even if I am not a BHIP cohort member?
A: Yes. Students not accepted in the BHIP are still eligible to take the elective classes, and for a field placement in an integrated setting.

Q:  When do BHIP participants complete SW 556 Clinical Practice in Integrated Health, and SW 570 Brief Intervention and Treatment ?
A:  BHIP cohort members may complete the required electives in any order during their cohort year, or before.  

Q:  What are my commitments as a BHIP cohort member?
A:  Cohort members must successfully complete SW 556 Clinical Practice in Integrated Health, and SW 570 Brief Intervention and Treatment, attend a bi-monthly no-cost seminar focused on case consultation, ethics, and profession development, obtain a National Provider Identification Number, and complete pre- and post-participation surveys for grant reporting purposes.

Q:  When and how are BHIP stipends distributed?
A:  BHIP stipends ($10,000 in total) are distributed over the course of the academic year, and are deposited directly to cohort members' bank accounts

Q:  Where and when should I attend BHIP seminars?
A:  Cohort members must attend the bi-monthly BHIP seminar sessions. Online and in-person seminar options are available. Contact BHIP Program Assistant Katie Cagle (cagle@pdx.edu) for seminar details.

Q: How does receiving the BHIP stipend impact my Financial Aid package?
A:  Please contact the Financial Aid office with any questions regarding your financial aid package. 

Q: How should I report BHIP funds on my taxes?
A:  BHIP funds are considered stipends, not earned income. We are not tax experts, and can not advise you on any matters relating to your taxes. If you are working with a professional to prepare your taxes, you are encouraged to share information about the BHIP stipend funds with them.

Q: Am I required to work in integrated behavioral health after graduation?
A:  No. Although the primary goal of the BHIP grant is workforce development, BHIP cohort members are only encouraged (not required) to work in integrated behavioral health or medical settings after graduation.