Application to the Prevention Research
Training Program in Mental Health

Program Purpose

To recruit and train Social Welfare PhD students who will become leading researchers in mental health and educators of the next wave of prevention scientists. Students receive experience in prevention research theory and methodology related to the prevention of mental health problems and/or promotion of mental health.

Eligibility Requirements

Students in the Social Welfare Doctoral Program who are US citizens or legal residents are eligible to become trainees. Students must be enrolled and in good standing in the Doctoral Program in Social Welfare at the University of Washington School of Social Work with research training objectives explicitly related to mental health problems and prevention methodology. Trainees are expected to fully complete all aspects of the doctoral program and the additional specialized program requirements of trainees.

Program Support

NIMH predoctoral training grant (T32 MH20010) with research training support that includes a 12-month stipend, tuition waiver, and health benefits for up to 3 years per student.  The program also offers travel support and opportunity for sustained mentoring and research collaboration with senior training program faculty. Trainees in the program are evaluated annually for continuation in the program.

Application

Membership in the Prevention Research Training Program is open to social welfare doctoral students in good standing academically, both incoming students and those in advanced years. Student applications are reviewed by the Training Program Advisory Committee.

For Applicants to the UW Social Welfare Doctoral Program

Following the instructions for application to the PhD program, include in your application materials specific information relevant to your qualifications for the Prevention Research Training Program.

1. Make sure your statement of purpose outlines the following elements:
   • How your research training interests are related to one or more mental health topics. This can include a wide range of emotional or psychological dimensions of well-being, can be associated with other health factors (for example, HIV/AIDS, comorbidity with substance abuse, or violence exposure), or can focus on differing vulnerabilities across populations or social contexts.
   • Previous prevention-relevant research or practice experience and/or training.
   • Career goals regarding prevention research in some arena of mental health.
2. At least one of the letters of reference must address your commitment to and potential for independent research in prevention and mental health.

For Advanced students in the Social Welfare Doctoral Program

Each spring the PhD Program office will post announcements of traineeship openings with instructions and due date for application.