By News and Internal Communications

HARLINGEN, TEXAS – AUGUST 1, 2024 – In an effort to address the growing need for mental health professionals in the Rio Grande Valley, Texas Sen. Morgan LaMantia on Thursday announced that The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV), Stars Scholarship Fund and the LaMantia Family are joining forces to increase the number of Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs) serving the region.

During a press conference held at UTRGV’s Institute of Neuroscience in Harlingen, LaMantia, who also serves as board chairperson of Stars, announced that the scholarship fund and the LaMantia family are gifting $130,000 to UTRGV to launch a new program. UTRGV will also provide additional support, thereby enhancing this initiative designed to assist UTRGV Master of Science in Social Work graduates in becoming LCSWs.

While UTRGV will be the first school to implement the program, the family also announced they are pledging $1M to initiate similar programs at other universities in South and West Texas, ensuring continued support and expansion.

LaMantia (D-Palm Valley, District 27) was elected to the Texas Senate in 2022 and is the first woman to represent the district, which serves South Texas and the Coastal Bend.

“Every barrier we remove brings us one step closer to a community where mental health services are accessible and effective for all,” LaMantia said. “By supporting the next generation of social workers, we’re aligning our South Texas communities with the skilled professionals we need to turn hope into action, and challenges into progress.”

UTRGV President Guy Bailey at the event announcing the $130,000 gift to UTRGV and $1M pledge for similar programs at other Texas universities, addressing mental health professional shortages in the region. (UTRGV photo by David Pike)

ADDRESSING BARRIERS

LCSWs hold the highest level of licensure in social work, qualifying them as skilled mental health professionals authorized to assess, diagnose and treat individuals and families of all ages and economic groups.

However, the process to become an LCSW can be both arduous and expensive, so this partnership helps remove the logistical and financial barriers that often deter students from pursuing this path.

The requirements to become an LCSW in Texas include:

• Holding a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree and being a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW).
• Completing 3,000 hours of supervised professional clinical practice in 2-4 years.
• Receiving a minimum of 100 hours of supervision by a licensed Texas LCSW supervisor.
• Passing the state licensing exam.

FINANCIAL SUPPORT

Most Licensed Masters Social Workers (LMSWs) aspiring to be LCSWs face costs of about $12,500 for the full 100 hours of required supervision. The new program will pay 80 percent of those expenses, leaving students responsible for approximately $2,000 for 100 hours of supervision over two and a half years.

Additionally, faculty from the UTRGV School of Social Work who are Board Approved Supervisors (LCSW-S) will provide supervision, making it easier for students to obtain the necessary hours from instructors they already know and trust. When the required training is complete, the program will also cover each student’s $129 licensing exam fee.

The program, available exclusively to UTRGV students, is set to begin this fall with an inaugural cohort of 36 students. The goal is that in two and a half years, the program will produce more culturally and linguistically competent LCSWs who serve individuals and families in the Valley.

LCSWs are uniquely qualified by their skills and training in health, mental health, diversity and social issues to treat vulnerable populations. They address a range of issues, including behavioral disorders, addictions, severe mental illness and serious emotional disturbances. Their services encompass individual, marital, couple, family and group therapy, mediation, counseling, supportive counseling, direct practice and psychotherapy.

UTRGV President Guy Bailey said the partnership underscores the remarkable potential of the university’s partnerships in transforming both student lives and community wellbeing.

“This partnership is the best of both worlds, offering invaluable support to our students while making a significant impact on our community,” he said. “By making the path to becoming an LCSW more accessible, we are not just aiding our students, but also enhancing quality of life across the Rio Grande Valley. Together, we are creating a brighter future for the Valley.”

Interested individuals are encouraged to contact the UTRGV School of Social Work at (956) 665-3575 for more information.

ABOUT STARS SCHOLARSHIP FUND

Stars Scholarship Fund is a non-profit organization committed to promoting access to and success in higher education for all students in the community. Based in McAllen, Texas, Stars offers scholarships to students from South and West Texas who are dedicated to completing a degree at an accredited college or university.

To date, Stars Scholarship Fund has awarded more than $39 million in scholarships to more than 19,000 students since its inception in 2002. Thanks to the support of L&F Distributors, which covers all operating expenses, Stars can apply 100% of funds raised directly to scholarships.

Through scholarships and community engagement, Stars strives to empower students to achieve their academic and professional dreams, fostering a brighter future for all. For more information on Stars Scholarship Fund, visit the website at www.StarsScholarship.org.

Texas Sen. Morgan LaMantia at the at the event on Thursday announcing the $130,000 gift to UTRGV. (UTRGV photo by David Pike)