California MFT Scholarships 

If you’re getting into a graduate program in Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) or a related counseling field, scholarships can make a real difference. Whether you’re just starting or finishing your hours, there are national programs out there specifically designed to support future therapists like you—especially those committed to serving underserved communities, rural areas, or diverse populations. From fellowships that offer mentorship and training, to scholarships that support military-connected students or future supervisors, there are solid funding options that go beyond just helping with tuition.

Most of these programs are more than just checks—they’re investments in your professional journey. Many offer access to professional networks, special leadership training, and service-learning opportunities that align with your long-term goals in mental health. Several of them are recurring each year, so even if a deadline has passed, it’s worth tracking them for the next cycle. Think of this as your starting point for applying and getting the support you deserve as you move forward in the field.

California‑Based Graduate Counseling Scholarships

Emeriti Fellowships / Scholarships

• Amount / Awards: Varies
• Deadline: Annual (check CalStateLA site)
• Requirements: CA‐based School Counseling grad (min 12 units), CASC member, transcripts, 3 recommendation letters, 3 essays (≤500 words)
• Visit Scholarship: Emeriti Association

CAMFT Educational Foundation

• Amount / Awards: Scholarships ($4K) + Grant ($2.5K)
• Deadline: Nov 7, 2025; recipients notified Apr 1, 2026
• Requirements: Enrolled in MFT program, financial need, commitment to profession (CAMFT membership preferred); pick ONE award only
• Visit scholarship: CAMFT Scholarships & Grants

California Behavioral Health Scholarship Program

• Amount / Awards: Up to $35,000 for undergraduate and $25,000 for graduate
• Deadline: February
• Requirements: CA grad/certificate student (min 6 units), GPA ≥ 0, proof of enrollment, cost-of-attendance doc; service obligation postgrad in underserved CA community
• Visit scholarship: BHSP Info & Apply

Kaiser Permanente Mental Health Scholars Academy 

• Amount / Awards: $3,000
• Deadline: Mar 3, 2026 (3 PM CST)
• Requirements: Enrolled in mental health graduate program in CA; provides tuition support, mentoring, networking
• Visit scholarship: Kaiser Permanente MH Scholars

Vet Center Scholarship Program

• Amount / Awards: Varies
• Deadline: Rolling
• Requirements: Enrolled in MFT or mental health counseling graduate studies; veteran preference; two-year funding
• Visit scholarship: Vet Center Scholarship

Psi Chi Graduate Scholarship

• Amount / Awards: Eight scholarships of $3,000 each
• Deadline: Jul 7, 2025 (also Jul 6, 2026 cycle)
• Requirements: Psi Chi grad member in psychology‑related master’s program; GPA & enrollment criteria per Psi Chi
• Visit scholarship: Psi Chi Grad Scholarships

NBCC Rural & Military Graduate Scholarships

• Amount / Awards: $8,000
• Deadline: Opens October 2025
• Requirements: CACREP‑accredited MFT or counseling master’s; commit to 2 years’ service in rural or military mental‑health settings; NCC certification
• Visit scholarship: NBCC Foundation Scholarships

HealthForce Partners (Northern SJ Valley) 

• Amount / Awards: Up to $5,000
• Deadline: Extended Apr 2, 2025
• Requirements: U.S. citizen/resident/DACA; enrolled in MSW/MFT/PCC/Mental Health Counseling program; GPA ≥3.0; working in local behavioral‑health org; personal statement
• Visit scholarship: HealthForce Partners Need‑Based

USF Social Justice Scholars (School Counseling)

• Amount / Awards:
• Deadlines: Fall: Aug 1; Spring & Intersession: Dec 1
• Requirements: School Counseling grad at USF; demonstrate service & commitment to urban/under‑resourced youth; bilingual or LGBT focus preferred; online app
• Visit scholarship: USF Scholarships & Aid

Dominican Univ. MS Counseling Psychology Scholarship

• Amount / Awards: $2,000 per term
• Deadline: Priority admission deadline (varies per term)
• Requirements: Apply to MS Counseling Psychology program; GPA ≥3.25 (last 60 units); FAFSA and scholarship app required; renewable up to 3 years
• Visit scholarship: Dominican University Scholarships

National Scholarships and Fellowships

NBCC Foundation Rural Scholarship

• Amount / Awards: ~$5,000, with up to 5 scholarships.
• Deadline: December 31, 2025.
• Requirements: Enrolled in a CACREP‑accredited master’s counseling program; reside in rural area (as per HRSA); commit to serving rural population for ≥2 years post‑graduation; apply for NCC credential before graduation; carry at least 6 credit hours during current semester.
• Visit scholarship: Rural Scholarship

FAHS / AAMFT Minority Fellowship Program (MFP‑Master’s / Doctoral / Dissertation)

• Amount / Awards: Varies; includes stipends, training, mentorship. (Exact $ depends on level).
• Deadline (recent cycle): Opens ~December 2, 2024; closes ~February 21, 2025 at 11:59 PM EST.
• Requirements: Must be full‑time in an MFT identity program (graduate level); U.S. citizen or permanent resident; active AAMFT member; for masters or doctoral levels depending on fellowship type; submit essays, transcripts, recommendations. Must commit to working in underserved or minority populations.
• Visit scholarship: Minority Fellowship

AAMFT Diversity Scholarship for Emerging Leaders

• Amount: Up to $3,000 per recipient.
• Deadline: Not always listed; past cycles have deadlines Visit scholarshiped to AAMFT conferences / announcements—check AAMFT site.
• Requirements: Open to minority students (US citizens or permanent residents, or underrepresented groups); membership in AAMFT; COAMFTE students preferred but not required; nomination/self‑nomination; resume, transcript, personal statement showing background, commitment.
• Visit scholarship: Diversity Scholarship for Emerging Leaders

AAMFT Minority Supervision Stipend

• Amount: $2,000 per recipient.
• Deadline: Varies by year; check AAMFT site for current. Past cycles not clearly listed in the source.
• Requirements: Must be an AAMFT member; minority or underrepresented group (includes racial / ethnic / LGBT / etc); either enrolled in Master’s degree program or post‑degree training in MFT; candidate must be eligible for approved supervision designation; submit resume, reference letters, personal statement.
• Visit scholarship: Minority Stipend