LET’S FILL THE CLINICIAN SHORTAGE
Support high-achievers changing careers to become therapists
40%
MORE THERAPISTS NEEDED TO FILL THE CLINICIAN SHORTAGE
1,000+
AVERAGE # CLIENTS ONE THERAPIST SUPPORTS IN CAREER
10+
FUTURE THERAPISTS WILL BE SPONSORED BY THIS SCHOLARSHIP FUND
$5,000
SCHOLARSHIPS GIFTED TOWARDS CLINICAL GRADUATE SCHOOL
Shockingly, there’s only enough therapists to support 60% of those reaching out.
Career Changers Scholarship Fund
As the stigma around mental health becomes outdated, more people than ever want to try therapy. That gap in supply and demand will keep growing, unless we fix our broken mental health system.
In parallel, people working in tech, finance, law, education, and beyond want new mission-driven careers aligned with their values.
Becoming a therapist sounds more appealing than ever.
This scholarship program was established to reward career changers pursuing meaningful work as therapists. We aim to be a tipping point for those deciding whether to chase their dreams.
By fostering community, mentorship, and job opportunities, we offer career changers a bridge of hope, excitement, and reassurance.
Scholarship Founding Committee
FUND FOUNDER & ADMINISTRATOR
Lisa Abdilova Andresen, LCSW
I support high-achievers and entrepreneurs in San Francisco through therapy, coaching, and office spaces.
I changed careers after building a mental health company and working in Marketing at Microsoft & the Bay Area tech start-up scene.
At pivotal points in my career, some people tried to redirect my plans towards shinier things, like money and prestige.
Twice, I was discouraged enough to defer my dreams.
Fortunately, other people invested in me, figuratively and literally.
They celebrated my strengths, respected my interests, and opened doors for me.
Now it’s our turn!
let this scholarship remind you —
people can surprise you 🎁
Director of Scholarships,
Silicon Valley Community Foundation
Mario De Anda
Nate Rodland
Venture Capitalist /
Robinhood Co-Founder / former COO
Joh Olson, RN, MBA
Healthcare Investor / former Stanford Healthcare Administrative Director
Alex Eichenbaum, PhD
Psychologist / Professor at Washington State University
Application Eligibility
REQUIREMENTS:
Considering or attending graduate school for clinical master’s or doctorate degree;
Contingent on enrollment in accredited, evidence-based clinical program
Minimum cumulative 3.0 GPA in undergraduate degree
Strong desire to learn, grow, & address systemic issues
Upholds values for empathy, integrity, intellectual curiosity, ambition, professionalism, & resourcefulness
Demonstrates financial need as indicated by FAFSA / circumstances
Frequently Asked Questions
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Yes, applicants outside of California and from around the US are welcome to apply
Yes, current grad school students: we'll give a little more weight to folks who haven't started their programs yet, in the spirit of the scholarship mission to recruit people into the field, however that doesn't rule out other strong applicants who line up with the program's values.
No, if you’ve already completed grad school. The scholarship funds are distributed directly to your grad school in the Fall semester to help cover your overall tuition
No, if you didn’t change careers
Yes, if you’re changing careers from a profession that is not in tech, law, or finance
No, if your FAFSA/financial circumstances don’t demonstrate financial need
Yes, if you haven’t applied to grad school yet. Our program will run through at least 2028 with rolling applications accepted; annual scholarship grants are awarded in the Fall; contingent on enrollment in accredited program
Yes, if you don’t have active social media accounts. 1 bonus point (out of 73) is awarded for folks who can help us spread the word to recruit more clinicians from their community
No, if your program is not fully accredited by the primary regulatory body for your licensure track. This is in the spirit of steering applicants towards programs with more job opportunities post-graduation.
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If you’re having issues viewing the application questions, try logging in with your personal gmail account in an incognito window.
If your video is larger than the upload limit, email a copy to ama@letstalkaboutanything.com
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Distributions will be made directly to your clinical graduate school program as a credit towards your tuition
Award contingent on verification of financial need (ie FAFSA) and enrollment in fully accredited program
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2024 Applications due on May 15th
Awarded September 2024
Applications accepted on rolling basis for awards granted annually in the Fall through 2028
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Silicon Valley Community Foundation is the non-profit managing our Donor-Involved Fund.
Donate via PayPal
SVCF also accepts stocks and other securities, closely held, restricted, or pre-IPO stock, privately held business interests, and cryptocurrencies. Please mention the Career Changers Scholarship Fund for attribution.
If you contributed to the fund, please email lisa@letstalkaboutanything.com so I can confirm it landed and send you a special thank you!
Keep in touch on social media 👋
