Program Overview
The purpose of the Qualified Treatment Trainee Grants Program is to help build the behavioral health provider workforce of the future. A Qualified Treatment Trainee (QTT) is someone with a master’s degree in social work, counseling, or marriage and family therapy who seeks to obtain a professional license, that is, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Licensed Professional Counselor, or Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. In order to fulfill licensure requirements, QTTs must complete direct service hours under the guidance of a clinical supervisor. Recognizing the need for workforce investment, the QTT Grants Program began with Wisconsin’s 2020-2021 biennial budget (Wisc. Stat. § 146.618), which provided funding for eligible behavioral health agencies to expand and support QTTs statewide. The QTT Grants Program is administered by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) and the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee, with guidance from the QTT Grants Program Advisory Committee.
One grant program is accepting applications for Fall 2026:
- Expanding Agency Grant Awards – Expand existing QTT positions and engage in supervisor development; Please note in FY26 Expanding Agency Awards will not be differentiated between new agencies and returning agencies (previously Continuing Expanding Agency Awards). All Expanding Agency Awards will complete the same grant activities. Returning agencies are encouraged to select a new designated supervisor if possible, returning designated supervisors may optionally participate in the Alumni Learning Community (ALC).
Application Period: 09/16/2026 – 10/09/2026
Apply Here: https://uww-citee.smapply.io/
In sum, the QTT Grants Program seeks to increase behavioral health agency capacity to hire and expand QTT pursuit of licensure while also investing in clinical supervisors to provide the most effective supports possible.
Program Documents
Please take a moment to review the following program documents prior to preparing your application: