ACT Program Fee Information
The subsidized program fee offered to individual applicants is $8,000. The true cost of the program is $20,000. Generous philanthropic support makes the subsidized program fee possible for individual applicants in Washington State. We ask institutions, agencies, and organizations interested in enrolling staff for training to consider contributing the full program cost of $20,000 per participant; however, should funds not be available, partial program fee waivers are available for folks working in Washington.
Once notified of acceptance into the program, applicants will have 14 business days to accept and submit $500 of the initial payment as a deposit to hold the seat as an enrolled ACT clinician in the program. Instructions will be provided in the Notice of Acceptance. Not meeting this payment and enrollment steps within the 14-business day period will constitute the release of that seat in the ACT Program to another applicant. If the program fee will be covered by a 3rd party (e.g., agency) that cannot meet these deadlines, it is the applicant’s responsibility to contact and discuss an alternative plan with the Program Director, Dr. Nucha Isarowong.
If an enrolled ACT clinician chooses to withdraw from the program after submitting acceptance and enrollment forms and first payment to the Barnard Center, the letter of withdrawal must be submitted to the program director in writing following instructions that will be provided in the Notification of Acceptance. Letters of withdrawal received 1-7 days after the deposit payment was received will be fully refunded. Letters of withdrawal received more than 7 days after the enrollment forms and first payment are received up to and including Monday, March 23, 2026, regardless of cause, will receive reimbursement of one-half (1/2) of the deposit payment ($250). No portion of the first payment will be reimbursed if the letter of withdrawal is submitted after March 23, 2026, regardless of cause.
The remaining $1,500 of the first payment is due Monday, April 27, 2026; the second payment of $3,000 is due Monday, September 28, 2026 (Month 5); and the third payment of $3,000 is due Monday, February 22, 2027 (Month 10).
There are two available program fee waivers for clinicians accepted into the ACT Program: one designed for those with a financial need (Need-Based Program Fee Waiver) and one designed for those working as an infant and early childhood mental health consultant (IECMH-C) in early care and education settings provided in partnership with the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) IECMH-C Task Force. There also are options for those who will pay privately. See below for more information.
Barnard Center Need-Based Program Fee Waiver
The Barnard Center for Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health has a limited number of partial program fee waivers for support up to $7500 for clinicians accepted into the ACT Program who:
- Are from underrepresented social, cultural, and experiential community and have experience with overcoming adversity and/or a demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
- Are among the first generation in their family to attend college, experienced socio-economic or educational disadvantage.
- Have a demonstrated interest and/or active role in advancing access to (health, mental health, and human services) resources for under-served populations.
Eligibility Requirements
You must:
- Apply for admission and be accepted into the Advanced Clinical Training (ACT) Program
- Complete the Need-Based Program Fee Waiver Application which includes a Statement of Financial Need
- Live and/or practice in Washington State
Self-Funded Financing Options
In addition to the option to paying the Program Fees in 3 installments (see above), below are some additional options that we are providing as suggestions for informational purposes only. We are not making recommendations for any type of financial service; it is the responsibility of the prospective ACT Program clinicians to make their own financial decisions.
Loan and Credit Options: Loan and credit options may work for you, however, you must be aware that each option will have its own benefits and costs and that it may cost more to finance your education due to charged interest and fees.
Bank Loans: There are several banks that offer personal loans or home equity loans. We strongly encourage potential ACT professionals to carefully read and understand loan parameters for payment, interest charged, and early payment penalties of any loan.
Credit Cards: We identified at least one credit card from Bank of American in 2020 that had a no interest requirement for the first 15 months. Once at 15 months interest (typically between 14% and 24% depending on card and applicant credit score) would be charged on the remaining balance at 15 months. While this card is available in the summer of 2020, the terms and conditions may change it is the responsibility of the applicant to review and accept any terms and conditions.