BUFFALO, N.Y.— The University at Buffalo (UB) is taking a bold step to address a pressing issue in rural America: the lack of accessible mental health care. With a $3.59 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education, UB is launching the Buffalo Mental Health Service Professional (MHSP) fellowship program.This initiative, housed within the university’s School of Social Work, aims to bridge the gap in mental health services for students adn families in underserved rural areas.
Starting in Fall 2025, the MHSP program will train graduate students in social work to provide critical mental health support directly within rural school districts. These students will gain invaluable hands-on experience while addressing the unique challenges faced by rural communities. The program is a direct response to the alarming shortage of mental health resources in these areas, which has left countless individuals without the care they need.
Dr. Katie Stalker,UB’s Field Education Director,emphasized the urgency of this initiative. “Research shows that students in rural schools frequently enough report higher rates of depression and feelings of isolation compared to their urban counterparts,” she explained. “This program is about meeting those needs where they are.”
The MHSP fellowship will collaborate with Erie 1 BOCES and focus on four rural school districts: Akron, Alden, Medina, and Niagara-Wheatfield. These partnerships are designed to create a lasting model for mental health care delivery in areas where resources are scarce.
Niagara-Wheatfield Superintendent Daniel Ljiljanich expressed his enthusiasm for the program, calling it a “game changer.” He noted, “We know it’s vrey challenging these days to find people in that field. we’re excited that our mental health professionals are going to be able to help work and train these graduate-level social worker students. As a district, we’ve been able to partner with outside agencies to provide counseling services, so working with UB on this partnership creates even more opportunities for our students’ families who need mental health services.”
Organizations like Mental Health Advocates of Western New York have long recognized the struggles faced by teens in rural communities. The MHSP program represents a important step forward in addressing these challenges, offering hope and support to those who need it most.
By combining education,hands-on training,and community partnerships,the MHSP fellowship program is poised to make a lasting impact. It’s not just about providing immediate care—it’s about building a foundation for long-term mental health support in rural areas.For students, families, and communities, this initiative is a beacon of hope in a landscape that has long been overlooked.
In rural areas,mental health challenges often go unnoticed,with isolation,substance abuse,and societal stigma adding layers of complexity. Melinda DuBois, an Executive Director, highlights the stark reality: “In rural communities, the lack of resources is a real factor. Imagine a 14-year-old needing to travel to Buffalo to see a clinician. If their parents are working, it’s almost impossible.”
To tackle this pressing issue, a five-year grant has been established, aiming to support 46 fellows, including six participants from UB STARS (Small Towns and Rural Schools). This initiative is designed to attract Master of Social Work (MSW) students from rural regions who aspire to work in their local schools.
UB STARS fellows are not only provided with full tuition and fee support but also receive stipends for field placements, reimbursement for travel expenses, and other covered costs. This complete support ensures that aspiring social workers can focus on their mission without financial burdens.
This program represents a significant step toward addressing the mental health resource gap in rural communities. By nurturing local talent and providing them with the tools to succeed, it’s a meaningful effort to ensure that mental health support is accessible, even in the most remote areas.
How will the MHSP programme ensure that students and families in rural areas have access to mental health professionals who understand their specific needs?
Interview with Dr. Katie Stalker, Field Education Director at the University at Buffalo, on the Buffalo Mental Health Service Professional (MHSP) Fellowship Program
Archyde News Editor: Good afternoon, Dr. Stalker. Thank you for joining us today. The University at Buffalo’s new MHSP fellowship program is generating a lot of excitement.Can you start by telling us what inspired this initiative?
Dr. Katie Stalker: Thank you for having me. The inspiration for the MHSP fellowship program comes from a critical need we’ve observed in rural communities across the country, and especially here in Western New York. Research consistently shows that students in rural areas face higher rates of depression, anxiety, and feelings of isolation compared to their urban counterparts.Yet, access to mental health services in these areas is severely limited. This program is our response to that disparity—a way to bring essential mental health support directly to the communities that need it most.
Archyde News Editor: That’s a significant challenge. How will the MHSP program address this gap in mental health care?
Dr. Katie Stalker: The program is designed to be a two-fold solution. First, it provides graduate students in social work with hands-on training in rural school districts, where they’ll gain real-world experience addressing the unique challenges these communities face. Second, it ensures that students and families in these areas have access to mental health professionals who understand their specific needs. By embedding our fellows directly into schools, we’re creating a sustainable model for mental health care delivery that can be replicated in other underserved regions.
Archyde News Editor: The program is set to launch in Fall 2025. What will the training for these fellows look like?
Dr. Katie Stalker: The training will be complete and tailored to the realities of rural mental health care. Fellows will receive specialized instruction in areas like trauma-informed care, crisis intervention, and culturally responsive practices. They’ll also work closely with experienced supervisors and collaborate with school staff to provide individual and group counseling,develop mental health programs,and support families. This immersive experience will prepare them to be effective practitioners in rural settings.
Archyde News Editor: The program is partnering with Erie 1 BOCES and four rural school districts—Akron, Alden, Medina, and Niagara-Wheatfield. Why were these districts chosen, and how will the partnerships work?
Dr. Katie Stalker: These districts were selected because they represent the challenges and opportunities we’re aiming to address. Each has expressed a strong commitment to improving mental health services for their students but lacks the resources to do so independently.Through our partnerships, UB will place fellows in these districts, where they’ll work alongside school counselors and administrators to provide direct support. Additionally, we’ll collaborate with Erie 1 BOCES to ensure that our efforts are aligned with the broader educational goals of the region.
Archyde News Editor: Niagara-Wheatfield superintendent Daniel Ljiljanich called the program a “game changer.” What impact do you hope it will have on these communities?
Dr. Katie Stalker: We hope the program will be transformative, not just for the students and families we serve, but for the communities as a whole. By addressing mental health needs early and effectively, we can help students thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Over time, we believe this will lead to stronger, healthier communities where mental health care is accessible and stigma-free. It’s about creating a ripple effect of positive change.
Archyde News Editor: the program is funded by a $3.59 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education. How will these funds be utilized?
Dr. Katie Stalker: The grant will cover a range of expenses, including stipends for our fellows, training materials, supervision costs, and program administration. It will also allow us to provide ongoing professional growth for our fellows and their supervisors, ensuring that they’re equipped with the latest tools and techniques in mental health care. Importantly, the grant enables us to offer this program at no cost to the participating school districts, making it a truly collaborative effort.
Archyde News Editor: Mental Health Advocates of Western New York has highlighted the struggles faced by teens in rural communities. How does the MHSP program align with their mission?
Dr. Katie Stalker: our program aligns perfectly with their mission to promote mental wellness and reduce stigma. By bringing mental health services directly into schools, we’re making it easier for teens to access the support they need without fear of judgment. We’re also working to educate the broader community about the importance of mental health, which is a key part of breaking down barriers and fostering a culture of understanding and acceptance.
Archyde News Editor: What’s your long-term vision for the MHSP program?
Dr. Katie Stalker: My vision is for the MHSP program to serve as a national model for addressing mental health disparities in rural areas. I hope it will inspire other universities and organizations to take similar steps, creating a network of support that reaches every corner of the country. Ultimately,I want to see a future where no student or family has to go without the mental health care they deserve,simply as of where they live.
Archyde News Editor: That’s an inspiring vision. Thank you, Dr. Stalker, for sharing your insights and for your dedication to this crucial work. We look forward to seeing the impact of the MHSP program in the years to come.
Dr. Katie Stalker: Thank you. It’s a privilege to be part of this initiative, and I’m excited about the difference we can make together.
