Friends University’s Marriage and Family Therapy Receives a Near Million Dollars in Program Support 

Wichita, KS— Last year, Friends University successfully submitted a request for $967,500 in government budget with the help of the Kansas Behavioral Health Center of Excellence (KBHCE). This includes $760,000 in stipends for Marriage and Family Therapy students, providing them financial support during the completion of their clinical placements.   

In the wake of a nationwide mental health epidemic, Kansas has seen an increasing shortage in mental health clinics. To address this issue, a group of universities and mental health providers have formed The Kansas Behavioral Health Center of Excellence, which aims to increase the number of clinicians entering the workforce and remove barriers that make it challenging to practice in Kansas. 

Friends University’s Vice President of Academic Affairs & Dean of the Faculty, Dr. Ken Stoltzfus, has been serving as a founding member and representative for Friends University among the KBHCE.  

A portion of this near-million-dollar budget request will also help Friends University develop an addiction counseling track within the psychology major, as well as provide scholarship support for students who pursue that degree. Dr. Stoltzfus is excited to see what impact these funds will have on future students and the community at large. 

The Center on Family Living was established in 1978 with a grant from the Lilly Foundation to provide family education and support, primarily providing services through the local church. Today, the university seeks to re-establish that founding vision with the goal of bringing hope and healing to families. 

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Friends University, a Christian University of Quaker heritage, equips students to honor God and serve others by integrating their intellectual, spiritual, and professional lives. Friends University offers 60+ undergraduate degree options along with adult online, graduate, and doctoral degrees. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. For more information, visit our site at https://www.friends.edu/