A groundbreaking opportunity for school psychologists to make a difference is here, thanks to Montclair State University’s successful acquisition of a five-year, $3.5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education. This initiative aims to address critical shortages in school psychology and transform mental health services in New Jersey’s schools.
Empowering School Psychologists Through EPIC-MHP
Montclair’s award-winning project, EPIC-MHP (Enhancing Preservice Instruction for Comprehensive Mental Health Provision), is designed to redefine school psychology training by equipping graduate students with the tools they need to thrive in today’s challenging mental health landscape. This initiative, supported by local partnerships in West Orange, East Orange, and Clifton, focuses on preparing culturally responsive and highly qualified school psychologists who can meet the rapidly growing mental health needs in schools.
The collaboration is led by Talida State, Associate Professor in the Department of Teaching and Learning, and Julia Coyne, Director of the School Psychology Certificate Program and Psychoeducational Services Clinic. Together, they’ve constructed a vision to innovate the field of school psychology with the EPIC-MHP program at its core.
What Makes EPIC-MHP Stand Out?
The EPIC-MHP program is committed to creating skilled school psychologists who can make a meaningful difference. Key highlights include:
- A Holistic Training Approach
Over the next five years, 60 school psychology graduate students will be enrolled in Montclair’s Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology (with State Certification in School Psychology) and the Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) Certificate program. This specialized curriculum ensures trainees are prepared to deliver high-quality mental health services in schools.
- Embedded Fieldwork Experiences
Trainees will participate in structured and progressively challenging fieldwork. Supervised closely by credentialed professionals and Montclair faculty, students will gain hands-on experience in implementing MTSS initiatives in their school placements.
- Paid Practica and Internships
Stipends offered through the program help reduce financial hurdles, ensuring diversity and accessibility within the field of school psychology. This provision is crucial for expanding opportunities to underrepresented groups in New Jersey.
- Market-Driven Skills
Graduates will leave the program with practical experience co-planning and executing schoolwide mental health strategies, ensuring they’re prepared to impact students and communities positively.
Why This Matters for School Psychologists
The demand for qualified school psychologists has never been greater. Rising mental health challenges in schools call for professionals who can address individual needs while driving system-wide change. EPIC-MHP sets a new standard by embedding MTSS principles into every facet of training. This equips trainees to not only deliver personalized mental health support but also lead initiatives that promote the well-being of entire school communities.
“Our goal is to prepare a new generation of school psychologists with the expertise to tackle the growing mental health challenges in our schools,” explains Talida State.
Coyne adds, “Providing stipends is a game-changer for students. This allows them to focus on gaining meaningful, high-quality training experiences without the burden of financial constraints.”
Partnerships Driving Change
The EPIC-MHP program represents more than just curriculum—it highlights the power of collaboration. Montclair State University’s partnerships with local education agencies in West Orange, East Orange, and Clifton exemplify how institutions can work together to bridge the gap between theory and practice.
This initiative is further bolstered by Montclair State’s strategic commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion as outlined in the Strategic Plan 2025: Project Soar. By aligning training pipelines with employment opportunities, the program ensures that school psychologists are equipped to meet the needs of diverse communities.