Washington State Behavioral Health Workforce Development Initiative (WDI)

Learn more about funding your degree with WDI

  1. College of Education
  2. Washington State Behavioral Health Workforce Development Initiative

New initiative offers financial, career, and mentoring support

Two Seattle University graduate programs, rooted in social justice and care for the whole person, participating

The Washington State Behavioral Health Workforce Development Initiative supports master’s level mental health counselors, marriage and family therapists and clinical social workers committed to serving individuals and families with mental health and substance use challenges.

Thirteen universities are participating across the state. A network of more than 100 community behavioral health agencies and tribal health centers in Washington serve as student training sites and potential employers in the communities where students want to live and work.

Students participating in the initiative receive grants, up to $51,500, to offset master’s degree expenses by agreeing to serve three years in an approved Washington state community behavioral health agency or tribal health center following their graduation. The initiative also provides expert career placement and mentoring support.

Participating Programs

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Clinical Mental Health Counseling

We prepare mental health counselors to be ethical, reflective, and multiculturally competent leaders and change agents to work in clinical mental health, hospital, agencies, and college settings. Our program holds the distinction of being the first school counseling program in Seattle to be accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).

 

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MSW Alum Jamie Vo

Clinical Social Work

Develop values, skills and knowledge in advanced clinical social work practice, including assessment of vulnerabilities, strengths and resilience in individuals, families and groups in social, cultural and historical contexts; evidence-based and culturally responsive interventions to restore and enhance functioning; advocacy for economic and social justice and human rights; and social justice focused, critical and professional use of self for service and social change. Our program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). 

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Frequently asked questions

The application is due the same date as the program deadline. For MSW, January 20. For Clinical Mental Health Counseling, February 1

Yes. The WDI application deadline is the same as the program application deadline. You can submit your SU application and WDI application before the deadline.

Create an account via the WDI application portal. Be sure to select Seattle University when you are completing the application.

Unfortunately, international students do not qualify for the grant. 

Yes, however, you must commit to becoming a resident and working in Washington State for at least three years in a WDI approved agency upon graduation. 

Yes, DACA recipients are encouraged to apply. Please submit a WASFA application.

No, you do not need to wait for your admission decision from SU to complete an application for the WDI grant. 

Additional Resources

Here are additional resources provided by WDI

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