Equity & Access · Texas behavioral health news
UTEP Social Work Program Expands Mental Health Care Access - The University of Texas at El Paso - UTEP
Mental Health Equity (Google News) · October 22, 2025
In plain language
The University of Texas at El Paso has launched a new program to help social workers finish their clinical training and become licensed providers. In Texas, graduates must pay for 100 hours of professional supervision, which can cost up to $10,000 and often prevents them from finishing their certifications. Thanks to a local donation, UTEP now offers this supervision for just $20 per hour. This initiative aims to grow the local workforce so more El Paso families can access mental health care.
AI-generated summary of the source article. Not medical advice.
Key takeaways
- UTEP is reducing the high out-of-pocket costs that often stop social workers from earning their clinical licenses.
- A $130,000 gift from the LaMantia family helps cover the cost of required professional supervision for graduates.
- The program has already helped 14 graduates provide hundreds of hours of free mental health care to the El Paso community.
- Participants pay only $20 per hour for supervision, compared to the regional average of $100 per hour.
- The initiative focuses on serving high-need groups including veterans, first responders, and at-risk youth.
UTEP Social Work Program Expands Mental Health Care Access The University of Texas at El Paso - UTEP
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