Top Mental Health Scholarships for Students This Academic Year

While your college years can be some of the best of your life, they can also be an extremely trying time. The list of difficult transitions that come when you attend college is endless. But if you live with a mental illness, then the stress of attending a college can increase tenfold.

If you are affected by or diagnosed with a mental health condition, you are not alone. Millions of people in the U.S. are diagnosed with mental health struggles every year. Any mental illness (AMI) is defined as a mental, behavioral, or emotional disorder. AMI can range in impact from no impairment to mild, moderate, and even severe impairment. Not only is youth mental health worsening, but this demographic is currently struggling the most with mental illness, particularly in the last couple of years.

Mental health scholarships not only offer support and recognition to students suffering from debilitating illnesses, but they can also raise awareness about the widespread impact of these illnesses.

Whether you are already enrolled in a college or university or are one of many high school seniors preparing for college, start applying for scholarships today to support your educational journey.

10 Mental Health Scholarships

1. Quell Foundation Fighter & Bridge the Gap Scholarships

Link: Quell Foundation Scholarships

• Award: Varies per award; based on mission-driven impact.
• Eligibility:
  • Fighter Scholarship: High school seniors or current undergrad/grad students diagnosed with a mental health condition.
  • Bridge the Gap Scholarship: Graduate students pursuing mental health professions.
• Deadline: Annual; applications typically open early Fall.

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2. Prochnow Foundation Scholarship Program

Link: Prochnow Foundation Scholarship

• Award: $1,000
• Eligibility: High-achieving high school seniors diagnosed with a mental illness, accepted into a four-year college or trade school.
• Deadline: January 1 – April 30, 2026

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3. Drug Rehab USA Mental Health Scholarship

Link: Drug Rehab USA Mental Health Scholarship

• Award: $2,000 (for tuition, books, or educational expenses)
• Eligibility: Current U.S. university students with a .edu email enrolled in psychology, counseling, social work, psychiatric nursing, or related mental health fields.
• Deadline: December 1, 2025

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4. Balance Mental Health Group Awareness Scholarship

Link: Mental Health Awareness Scholarship

• Award: $500
• Eligibility: U.S. high school seniors and college students passionate about mental health advocacy; must provide valid student ID, use school email, and follow Balance Mental Health Group on Instagram and Facebook.
• Deadline: November 30, 2025 (winner announced January 15, 2026)

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5. SUNY/OMH Mental Health Scholarship Pipeline Program

Link: SUNY/OMH Mental Health Scholarship

• Award: Multi-year scholarship with internships, mentorship, travel support, and fee waivers.
• Eligibility: Full-time sophomores or first-year graduate students at SUNY campuses, New York residents, majoring in mental health fields, with minimum 2.5 GPA.
• Deadline: Opens March 12, 2025; closes April 22, 2025

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6. William James College “Serving the Mental Health Needs of the Underserved” Scholarship

Link: William James College Mental Health Scholarship

• Award: Covers two-thirds of tuition (renewable annually with academic progress and service).
• Eligibility: Graduate students (Master’s, CAGS, PsyD) in clinical psychology or related programs at William James College who show leadership, service, and financial need.
• Deadline: Dates vary; check with admissions/financial aid office.

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7. Behavioral Health Workforce Scholarship Program (Massachusetts)

Link: Behavioral Health Workforce Scholarship

• Award: Up to $12,500-$25,000 over 2 years.
• Eligibility: Massachusetts residents in graduate-level behavioral health or certificate programs; FAFSA/MASFA required; no loan defaults.
• Deadline: June 15, 2025 (for 2024–25 year); 2025–26 opens Fall 2025

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8. Banyan Scholarship for Clinical Education and Healthcare Professions

Link: Banyan Scholarship

• Award: $1,000
• Eligibility: Currently employed students pursuing nursing, social work, psychology, healthcare administration, or related degrees.
• Deadline: June 25, 2025

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9. Delete Cyberbullying Mental Health Awareness Scholarship

Link: Delete Cyberbullying Scholarship

• Award: $1,000
• Eligibility: High school, college, or graduate students attending or planning to attend an accredited U.S. college/university.
• Deadline: June 30, 2026

Types of Scholarship Sponsor

Mental health scholarship sponsors vary across the board, as there are many individuals and companies looking to help students in need attend the colleges of their dreams. Scholarship sponsors come from a variety of backgrounds, each with different objectives:

Educational Institutions

Offer scholarships based on merit, need, or specific study areas.

Private Businesses and Corporations

Typically, they support scholarships as part of their community outreach or corporate responsibility.

Non-Profit Organizations and Foundations

Aim to support educational efforts or assist specific groups of students.

Government Agencies

Provide scholarships to encourage study in high-demand fields or to support underrepresented students.

Frequently Asked Questions About Mental Health Scholarships

When Should I Start Applying for Scholarships?

The deadline for mental health scholarships can range anywhere from the summer prior to when you begin your academic year to the spring season when individuals are typically receiving college acceptance letters. To play it safe, start looking at mental health scholarships an entire academic year before you need one. However, some scholarships may be available throughout the year, depending on the organization offering them.

What to Consider When Applying for Scholarships?

When applying for mental health scholarships, take note of eligibility criteria, the money awarded, and application deadlines. With numerous mental health scholarships available, you will be able to create a list of scholarships that meet your criteria. Try to apply for scholarships that match your mental health situation most accurately.

How Can I Increase My Chances of Getting Scholarships?

When it comes to applying for mental health scholarships, the more scholarships you apply for, the more likely you are to receive a scholarship. That being said, target scholarships that are most personal to you first.

Are There Scholarships for People Who Suffer From Eating Disorders?

Yes, there are scholarships specifically designed for individuals who suffer from eating disorders or are in recovery. These scholarships aim to support their educational aspirations while recognizing the challenges they face in overcoming such disorders.

Can I Apply If I Am Studying in a Related Field?

Yes, students in fields such as psychology, social work, and counseling are typically eligible.

What Are Typical Requirements?

Pursuing a relevant degree, involvement in mental health initiatives, and academic achievement. Some scholarships may even require you to share how you will make a difference in mental health awareness and what it means for you.

How Can I Stand Out in My Application?

Highlight your experience and commitment to mental health through research, volunteer work, or related employment. Highlighting your interest in becoming a mental health professional is a great way to tailor your application and show how the scholarship will make a difference for you. If you suffer from mental health issues, also showcase those struggles and demonstrate how raising awareness of mental health conditions can make a difference in society.

Many mental health scholarships are available to help those struggling with mental health challenges. They’re also available for those who wish to pursue careers in mental health services. Apply for these scholarships to help you, no matter what your field of study is, to reduce your financial burden.