Ledbetter Foundation Scholarship: Faith-Informed Psychodynamic Leadership in Mental Health

Regent University’s School of Psychology & Counseling is pleased to offer a limited number of fully funded scholarships for Ph.D. students in the Counseling Ministries department pursuing the Ph.D. in Counseling and Psychological Studies. This scholarship is designed for students who are  licensed clinicians that seek advanced formation in faith-informed psychodynamic theory. The students must demonstrate strong academic promise and a clear commitment to integrative, faith-based scholarship and practice.

Scholarship Purpose

The Ledbetter Faith-Informed Psychodynamic Approaches in Mental Health Scholarship prepares doctoral students for advanced clinical, scholarly, and leadership roles through rigorous training in psychodynamic theory integrated with Christian faith. Graduates are equipped to serve as counseling center leaders, faculty, and clinicians who engage psychotherapy with theological reflection, ethical sensitivity, and clinical excellence.

What Scholarship Recipients Receive

Through this restricted scholarship, three students are selected annually to participate in a specialized training and mentorship experience that includes:

• Full funding for doctoral tuition and books
• Advanced training in psychodynamic theory and practice
• Structured mentorship with faculty specializing in faith-integrated psychodynamic psychotherapy
• Completion of a dissertation that explicitly integrates psychodynamic theory, counseling practice, and Christian thought.

Program Structure & Funding

The program structure is designed to support full-time doctoral students through an intensive but sustainable progression of coursework, mentorship, and dissertation development.

• The Ph.D. in Counseling and Psychological Studies consists of 51 credit hours
• The program is typically completed in approximately three years following a full-time progression
• Scholarships are awarded for up to three years, contingent upon continued full-time enrollment and satisfactory academic progress

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must be doctoral students in the Ph.D. in Counseling and Psychological Studies program who:

1. Are incoming students or in their first year of the program
2. Hold and maintain an active clinical license (e.g., LPC, LMFT, LCSW, Psychologist, or equivalent)
3. Maintain full-time status and good academic standing (3.5-4.0 GPA per program policy)
4. Be able to pass a full background check
5. Have exceptional written and oral communication skills
6. Align with Regent University’s statement of faith
7. Complete 51 credit hours towards
8. Of the 51 units, commit to completing the following required coursework:
   • MHPS 730 – Psychodynamic Approaches (3 credit hours)
   • MHPS 731–MHPS 736 – Psychodynamic Approach Development I–VI (1 credit hour each for a total of 6 credit hours)
   • MHPS 765 – Advanced Counseling and Trauma-Informed Care (3 credit hours)
   • MHPS 766 – Theories of Attachment and Affect Regulation (3 credit hours)
9. Complete major academic work (e.g., capstone, research projects, dissertation, field experiences) from a psychodynamic perspective
10. Demonstrate a clear commitment to integrating Christian faith with psychodynamic theory in scholarship, clinical practice, and professional goals

Apply for the Scholarship

Early application is encouraged due to the competitive nature of the award. Selection is competitive and based on academic readiness, alignment with the scholarship’s mission, and commitment to faith-integrated psychodynamic work. To apply, complete the online application by clicking the button below.

Student and alumni reflections will be added as the program develops.