Katy Armendariz, founder of Roots Wellness Center, faced immense challenges while working on her master’s degree in social work. She completed two unpaid internships over nine months while juggling three jobs. “It was a lot, to say the least,” she recalls.
Internships are a critical part of social work training programs in Minnesota, requiring students to complete at least 500 hours of supervised work each year. This hands-on experience is vital for developing future mental health professionals. However, for BIPOC, first-generation, or low-income students, the financial burden of unpaid internships can be overwhelming, often leading to delayed graduation or dropouts. This situation contributes to the lack of licensed mental health professionals of color in Minnesota.
Armendariz wanted to change this. She created a welcoming space at Roots Wellness where Black and brown individuals can seek mental health support from professionals who understand their experiences. “I don’t want others to struggle like I did,” she says. The challenge of unpaid internships often prevents capable students from completing their degrees. While some larger organizations offer paid internships, many smaller clinics like Roots do not.
So, when Armendariz learned about the Cultural and Ethnic Minority Infrastructure Grant (CEMIG), she was excited. This state-funded program aims to increase the number of BIPOC professionals in health and substance-use disorder care. She applied for a grant to support interns and supervisors at Roots, and after several attempts, she received around $200,000 a year for three years. This funding is a game-changer for both her practice and the aspiring professionals she hopes to support.
With the CEMIG grant, Roots plans to offer therapy and diagnostic services to those without insurance. They will also provide $1,000 per month for BIPOC interns, along with clinical supervision by BIPOC professionals. This program aims to lower financial barriers, allowing students to focus more on their education rather than juggling multiple jobs.
Sharyn DeZelar, the MSW program director at St. Catherine University, believes this grant is crucial for today’s students, who often juggle jobs and family obligations along with their studies. The funding allows students to engage more deeply in their internships without the worry of financial strain. “They can really focus on their studies and get the most out of it,” she says.
By supporting interns, Roots hopes to attract students who otherwise might feel compelled to choose paid positions at larger agencies. Eli Wood, the MSW field director at St. Catherine, notes that many students are passionate about Roots’ mission. The financial support will allow them to prioritize meaningful work over just paid positions.
Interns play a vital role in Minnesota’s mental health system, just like medical interns do. They provide essential services and insights while they learn. DeZelar argues for fair compensation for interns, stating, “It’s a social justice issue.” She emphasizes that if medical residents are paid, mental health interns should be as well.
Diversifying Minnesota’s mental health workforce is crucial for delivering quality care to a diverse population. Armendariz emphasizes the importance of representation in mental health care. Patients feel more comfortable when they can relate to their providers. “Research shows that people prefer working with someone who understands their experience,” she explains.
Since its establishment in 2013, Roots has expanded significantly, serving more patients and hiring additional employees. They recently moved into a new space in St. Paul, which Armendariz envisions as a community hub for Black and brown wellness. “I want this to be a place where people can come and say, ‘I need help,’” she says, hoping to create a safe, welcoming environment for all.
The CEMIG grant will significantly enhance Armendariz’s ability to train and support future therapists, ultimately helping to build a more diverse mental health workforce in Minnesota.
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