Simpson University Counseling Graduate Receives $18,500 Stipend
For Immediate Release
12.18.2015
REDDING, Calif. - A recent graduate of Simpson University’s Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology program has received an $18,500 stipend for her work with mental health patients in Butte County.
Jessica Baus, 33, of Magalia applied for and was awarded an MFT (Marriage and Family Therapist) Educational Stipend for 2015-16 through the MFT Consortium of California, of which Simpson University is a member.
The stipends—funded through the Mental Health Services Act under the Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development—are awarded to MFT students who want to pursue a career in public mental health practice. Recipients commit to a year at a mental health service agency, either as an employee or volunteer.
Baus’ stipend is one of 111 awarded throughout the state this year.
“Receiving this stipend is such a blessing for me and my family,” Baus said. She and her husband, Steven, have four children, ages 7 to 13. Baus took a leave of absence from her job during her second year in the rigorous MACP program and said the stipend will help offset some of the financial strain.
Baus, who graduated from the MACP program in August, is working as a marriage and family therapist registered intern at both the Stonewall Alliance Center’s counseling program in Chico and the Family Dynamics Resource Center in Redding, gaining hours toward licensure.
As a condition of the stipend, she will continue to provide therapy at Stonewall for the next year. “I have grown to love serving the Stonewall community in this way, and I’m so excited that I will get to stay for a while longer,” Baus said.
The MACP program was a good fit for Baus, who worked for a health insurance company prior to enrolling. She graduated from Simpson’s School of Adult Studies (ASPIRE program) in 2012 with a bachelor’s degree in organizational leadership. ASPIRE faculty encouraged her to pursue her master’s in counseling, she said.
“The night classes provided schedule flexibility, and the staff are supportive and uplifting,” she said. “Attempting grad school while raising a large family is a challenge. But this experience has reinforced for me that, with God, nothing is impossible.”
Learn more about Simpson University’s Master of Arts in Counseling Program at simpsonu.edu/macp.
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Simpson University, established in 1921, is a Christian university offering undergraduate, graduate, and teaching credential programs. The university celebrated its 25th year in Redding and the completion of a Science and Nursing Center in 2014. Academic programs include ASPIRE, a degree-completion program geared toward working adults with both on-campus and online course offerings, including degrees in psychology and organizational leadership. For information about the university, or to arrange a campus visit, call 1-888-9-SIMPSON or visit simpsonu.edu.
Contact: SU Public Relations
mediarelations@simpsonu.edu
(530) 226-4737
