La Verne Marriage and Family Therapy Students Awarded $18,500 Educational Stipends

The Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health in November awarded stipends to two University of La Verne students pursuing a Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy to assist them in attaining their career goals.

Matt Proulx and Natalie Larios were among 52 students given the award. Los Angeles County received 135 applications for the stipend.

“As Chair of the department, I’m very pleased that both students earned this prestigious stipend,” said Professor of Psychology Dr. Glenn Gamst said. “It reflects well on both themselves and the university, and reflects our mission and willingness to continuously engage our various communities.”

Students awarded the stipend commit to working as an MFT intern at least one year in a Los Angeles County mental health facility or facility contracted by the county after graduating. Goals of the stipend program include recruiting graduate students fluent in “threshold languages” – languages spoken at a high rate within a geographical area. Administrators also seek students who can provide culturally appropriate and sensitive services. Students planning to work with older adults are also considered for the program.

Proulx, who earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from La Verne and is graduating with his master’s in January, has worked as a therapist for Newport Beach-based Northbound Treatment Services since September. He hopes to continue working in substance abuse treatment or with the Department of Mental Health after graduating and eventually move into management positions to help design treatment programs.

“I feel humbled and honored to have received this award. It feels rewarding to know that I am recognized by Los Angeles County and Phillips Graduate Institute for my efforts and desire to provide effective, quality and client-centered mental health treatment to my clients,” Proulx said.

He said the stipend will help in his career goals by providing him opportunities to work for the county and it will also help pay off his student loans.

Larrios, who is graduating in May, also said the stipend program will help her career because it opens the door to working for the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health. Larrios served as an MFT trainee for a year at Foothill Family Service in the San Gabriel Valley, where she provided therapeutic services. She also facilitated a parenting group and drug and alcohol awareness groups at area continuation schools.

She hopes to work with community mental health agencies that provide services to underserved populations.

“I feel honored to have been chosen as a recipient for this stipend,” Larrios said. “I know that this is a competitive process and I feel that (the University of La Verne) and my professors here prepared me well as a candidate for this opportunity.