Sage Finch Counseling
Scholarships for Aspiring Therapists
A $1,000 scholarship for future therapists who are passionate about inclusive, trauma-informed mental health care.
Applications open for the 2025–2026 academic year.
Who Should Apply?
If you’re on the path to becoming a therapist — especially if that path has required extra courage, resourcefulness, or resilience — this scholarship is for you.
Our $1,000 scholarship is open to aspiring therapists who are pursuing graduate-level training to become licensed counselors or marriage and family therapists.
We especially encourage applications from individuals who are:
- Passionate about trauma-informed and inclusive care.
- Pursuing second careers (reinventing yourself counts).
- Plan to work in private practice.
- Committed to affirming LGBTQIA+ and underrepresented communities.
Award Details
Award Amount: $1,000
Number of Recipients: One per year
Application Deadline: November 15, 2025
Winner Announced: December 10, 2025
Scholarship Applies To: Spring 2026 Semester
Disbursement: Funds will be sent directly to the recipient’s graduate program (after enrollment verification).
Application Format: Online submission including a short essay
How to Apply
To apply for the Sage Finch Counseling Aspiring Therapists Scholarship, complete the online application form and submit a short personal essay (500–750 words). You may also submit an optional video to strengthen your application.
Your essay should answer the following question:
What experiences or values have shaped your decision to become a therapist, and how do you hope to create affirming, inclusive spaces for others?
Optional Video (1–2 minutes):
You may include a brief video introducing yourself and sharing your passion for becoming a therapist. While not required, video submissions can help us get to know you more personally and may strengthen your application. Videos may be recorded on your phone and do not need to be professionally produced.
Application Checklist:
- Completed online application form
- Personal essay (500–750 words, submitted with application form)
- Optional video (1–2 minutes)
- Consent to media use (required to be eligible)
Selecting a Winner
We are looking for applicants who demonstrate:
- Thoughtfulness and self-awareness in their journey toward becoming a therapist.
- Authenticity, resilience, or life experience that enriches their clinical perspective.
- A desire to create affirming spaces, especially for LGBTQIA+ and marginalized communities.
We’re looking for heart, clarity, and purpose, but we also expect quality and academic excellence.
Terms and Conditions
By applying for the Sage Finch Counseling Aspiring Therapists Scholarship, you agree to the following terms and conditions.
Graduate Program
Use of Application Materials/Media
Original Work and Use of AI
All submitted essays and optional videos must be the applicant’s original work. It’s fine to use AI for brainstorming, but your entry must be from your heart and written 100% by you.
Number of Entries
One Time Award
The award is a one-time payment and is not renewable.
Minimum Applications
The scholarship is intended to reach and support a broad community of future therapists. If fewer than 100 eligible applications are received, Sage Finch Counseling reserves the right to cancel the scholarship and withhold the award.
Selection of Winner
Notification of Winner
The winner will be notified by email and announced on our website and/or social media by December 10, 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
These FAQs should answer any additional questions you have. If not, please feel free to contact us for further clarification.
Do I need to be a US Citizen?
No. You do not need to be a U.S. citizen to apply. However, your graduate program must be located in the United States and lead to licensure as a counselor or marriage and family therapist.
Can I apply if my program is fully online?
Can I apply if I'm just starting to look at programs?
Not yet. This scholarship is for applicants who are already enrolled or accepted into a graduate program. If you’re planning ahead, we encourage you to check back next year.
Can I apply if I'm just starting to look at programs?
How will you verify enrollment?
Can I decline to have my name or essay published if I win?
About Sage Finch Counseling
Sage Finch Counseling is a trauma-informed, LGBTQIA+ affirming therapy practice based in Plano, Texas. We help individuals and couples heal, grow, and reconnect with their sense of self and purpose.
Through this scholarship, we’re proud to support the next generation of compassionate, inclusive therapists.
If you have questions about the Sage Finch Counseling Aspiring Therapists Scholarship, please contact us.
COLLIN COUNTY TEXAS
Take the First Step
Frisco LGBTQ+ therapy: Your dedicated space for healing and growth in Plano, Texas (just south of Frisco).
Sage Finch Counseling
8105 Rasor Blvd, Suite 225
Plano, TX 75075
Most of our clients come from Collin County and surrounding areas:
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