In 2023 WMHCA started The Dr. Ellen K. Carruth Diversity & Inclusivity in Counseling Scholarship.  The scholarship was named after a past beloved board member and fierce advocate of diversity and inclusion for all marginalized individuals.  You can donate to the scholarship below.  WMHCA provides additional scholarships for students in three categories: historically marginalized communities, rural, and military. Find out more about our eligibility criteria below.

In 2026, WMHCA announced the launch of the Washington Mental Health Counselors Foundation, an extension of WMHCA dedicated to supporting the future of the counseling profession. WMHCA's scholarships are now through the Foundation a 501(c)(3). Donations are tax deductible as allowed under the law.

2025 Scholarship Recipients

Dr. Ellen Carruth Diversity and Inclusivity in Counseling Scholarship  

Anida Pobric

Northwestern University

Aggie Burstein

Seattle University

Alexander Avalos

Seattle University

Andrew Sterling

Capella University

Betul Coban

Seattle University

Daniela Thibeau

Seattle University

Jeannie Curtis

Eastern Washington University

Julia Veilleux

Bastyr University

Karyn Paige

Seattle University

Kate Petty

Eastern Washington University

Kiran Frank

Adler Graduate School

Meng  Ren

Northwestern University

Shanie Matthews

Seattle University

Veronika Lisuk

Bastyr University

2024

• Tara Brown (Ellen Carruth Recipient)
• Ayca Dabis Gillett
  
• Christie Shan
  
• Daniella Thibeau
  
• Erin Tail
  
• Francisco Ocampo
  
• Lujein Alkreidi
  
• Mina Guirguis
  
• Shoshana Glick
  
• Sunghee Kim
  
• Violeta Diaz
  

2023

• Phoebe Brako-Owusu (Ellen Carruth Recipient)
  
• Amiee Wilson
  
• Clara Rosebrock
  
• Erin Popelka
  
• Gracey Pearson
  
• Ingrid Cruthird
  
• Kaari Burdsall
  
• Miriam Korngold
  
• Raymond Bernal
  
• Ryan Aurora McLauchlan
  

Fall 2022

• Mckenna Paddock (Outstanding Recipient)
  
• Adam Hall
  
• Amanda Ratliff
  
• Christina Choi-Pearce
  
• Haley Fielder
  
• James Miles
  
• Jane Yang
  
• Nicole Coleman
  
• Porter Woody
  
• Vanessa Soto
  
• Winonna Saari

Spring 2022

• Dean Nakanishi (Outstanding Recipient) 
  
• Adair Hasty-Vannoy
  
• Amanda Ratliff
  
• Crystalin Thompson
  
• Darren Fisher
  
• Didem Koc
  
• Lan Le
  
• Vanessa Harris
  

2025-2026 WMHCA Scholarship Application Criteria

Applications must:

• Must be a member of WMHCA (if this is a barrier please email WMHCA). 

• Must reside and/or attend a graduate program in Washington.

• Must be currently enrolled in a graduate program.

• Must plan to apply for a clinical mental health counseling credential (No school counselors).

• Must attest to financial need. 

• Must demonstrate a clear understanding and connection to WMHCA's mission and values.

• Must demonstrate a connection to one or more of the scholarship categories and demonstrate a commitment to providing culturally responsive services to identified client communities.   

Scholarship Eligibility Categories

• Diversity and Equity: Students of historically marginalized identities with particular attention to BIPOC, immigrant, LGBTGEQIAP+, and disability identities and/or students who demonstrate a commitment to work and serve individuals who have been historically marginalized.
• Rural: Students from rural areas and/or students who demonstrate a commitment to work in and serve an area designated as rural by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA).
• Military: Students who are active-duty service members, veterans, or spouses of active-duty service members or veterans and/or demonstrate a commitment to work with individuals who active-duty service members, veterans, or spouses.