The Foundation of the CMSC (FCMSC) and the Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers (CMSC) are pleased to announce the continuation of the Mental Health Mentorship Program, established to promote the CMSC’s core value: the need for comprehensive care for people living with multiple sclerosis (MS). There is a national shortage of mental health practitioners knowledgeable about neuropsychiatric disorders in MS. This training forum will provide health professionals with a special interest or specialty in MS with new information about the challenges of the disease. The program supports additional training to stimulate excellence and growth in the delivery of mental health in the field of MS.
This program will pair mental health experts with professionals who are contemplating a focus on multiple sclerosis mental health care or are 1-3 years into their MS specialty career. Mentors will share their knowledge and experience with their trainees over the five-day mentorship experience. Candidates for this program are nursing professionals with a mental health background, social workers, psychologists, psychiatrists, and PAs. They will be provided with new information about the unique challenges faced by persons living with MS, screening strategies for recognizing the presence of mental health issues, and best practices for mental health care to maximize outcomes. Selected trainees will be provided with scholarship funds of $2500 to cover travel, lodging, and meals. Trainees are responsible for any expenses incurred over scholarship amount.
The Mentorship Experience
The Mental Health Mentorship program will take place on-site at selected CMSC MS Centers in the United States. Each approved scholar will participate in a total of 35 hours of training over 5 days, covering aspects of mental health and comprehensive care provided at a CMSC MS center. Areas of education may include, but not be limited to:
- Recognition of common and unusual presentations and manifestations of mental health disorders in the MS patient and apply these concepts to appropriate diagnosis and management.
- Appreciation of the vital role in comprehensive clinical care of the MS patient played by mental health providers, including social workers, psychologists, psychiatrists, nurses and PAs.
- Identification and affiliation with an appropriate mentor who will encourage the participant to select MS as a specialty in areas including Social Work, Psychology, Psychiatry, Research, Nursing and PA.
Eligibility Requirements
- Eligibility is limited to professionals recent to MS work who have not previously been awarded and completed this mentorship scholarship.
- Applicants must be professionals with a special interest in the mental health needs of MS patients (nursing professionals, psychologists, social workers, psychiatrists, and PA). Graduate students are eligible.
- Must have a minimum of a BA/BS degree from an accredited college or university. RNs and LPNs are eligible.
- Be available to attend session training dates and stay through completion of the program on the last day (not including travel which may involve an additional two days). Training sites and dates will be announced as funds become available. Applicants may apply in advance to be considered for any future training.
- Selected candidates must be able to provide documentation of up-to-date vaccinations (some sites may require COVID vaccinations).
Evaluation/Selection Process
Candidates may apply independently or be nominated by their department heads or program directors. Applications will be reviewed by a select committee comprised of CMSC/FCMSC leadership independent of grantors or supporters.
Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis and will be considered as funds become available.
If you have any questions about the program, please contact Nancy Chazen, at 201-487-1050 x107, nancy.chazen@mscare.org.