Program Overview
The purpose of the Qualified Treatment Trainee Grants Program is to help build the behavioral health provider workforce of the future. A Qualified Treatment Trainee (QTT) is someone with a master’s degree in social work, counseling, or marriage and family therapy who seeks to obtain a professional license, that is, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Licensed Professional Counselor, or Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. In order to fulfill licensure requirements, QTTs must complete direct service hours under the guidance of a clinical supervisor. Recognizing the need for workforce investment, the QTT Grants Program began with Wisconsin’s 2020-2021 biennial budget (Wisc. Stat. § 146.618), which provided funding for eligible behavioral health agencies to expand and support QTTs statewide. The QTT Grants Program is administered by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) and the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee, with guidance from the QTT Grants Program Advisory Committee.
One grant program is accepting for application fall 2026 (application period:
- Expanding Agency Grant Awards - expand existing QTT positions and engage in supervisor development; Please note in FY26 Expanding Agency Awards will not be differentiated between new agencies and returning agencies (previously Continuing Expanding Agency Awards). All Expanding Agency Awards will complete the same grant activities. Returning agencies are encouraged to select a new designated supervisor if possible, returning designated supervisors may optionally participate in the Alumni Learning Community (ALC).
Application Period: 9/16/2026 – 10/9/2026
In sum, the QTT Grants Program seeks to increase behavioral health agency capacity to hire and expand QTT pursuit of licensure while also investing in clinical supervisors to provide the most effective supports possible.
Program Documents:
Please review the following important program documents prior to preparing your application:
1. FY27 QTT Expanding Agency Award Program Description
2. Step by Step Application Guide
3.FY27 Application Preparation Guide
4. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
*The Qualified Treatment Trainee (QTT) grants program is funded by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, Division of Care and Treatment Services (DHS/DCTS ) with statutorily funded general purpose revenue (§146.618). The program is administered by DHS/DCTS in coordination with University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee, with the support of the QTT grants program advisory committee.
**All awards are contingent upon funding availability. Awards will be made based on competitive review of applications and availability of funding. Recipients must complete and submit all of the grant deliverables as outlined in the award agreement prior to payment initiation.
FY27 QTT Grants Program - Expanding Agency Awards
Program Overview
The purpose of the Qualified Treatment Trainee Grants Program is to help build the behavioral health provider workforce of the future. A Qualified Treatment Trainee (QTT) is someone with a master’s degree in social work, counseling, or marriage and family therapy who seeks to obtain a professional license, that is, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Licensed Professional Counselor, or Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. In order to fulfill licensure requirements, QTTs must complete direct service hours under the guidance of a clinical supervisor. Recognizing the need for workforce investment, the QTT Grants Program began with Wisconsin’s 2020-2021 biennial budget (Wisc. Stat. § 146.618), which provided funding for eligible behavioral health agencies to expand and support QTTs statewide. The QTT Grants Program is administered by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) and the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee, with guidance from the QTT Grants Program Advisory Committee.
One grant program is accepting for application fall 2026 (application period:
- Expanding Agency Grant Awards - expand existing QTT positions and engage in supervisor development; Please note in FY26 Expanding Agency Awards will not be differentiated between new agencies and returning agencies (previously Continuing Expanding Agency Awards). All Expanding Agency Awards will complete the same grant activities. Returning agencies are encouraged to select a new designated supervisor if possible, returning designated supervisors may optionally participate in the Alumni Learning Community (ALC).
Application Period: 9/16/2026 – 10/9/2026
In sum, the QTT Grants Program seeks to increase behavioral health agency capacity to hire and expand QTT pursuit of licensure while also investing in clinical supervisors to provide the most effective supports possible.
Program Documents:
Please review the following important program documents prior to preparing your application:
1. FY27 QTT Expanding Agency Award Program Description
2. Step by Step Application Guide
3.FY27 Application Preparation Guide
4. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
*The Qualified Treatment Trainee (QTT) grants program is funded by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, Division of Care and Treatment Services (DHS/DCTS ) with statutorily funded general purpose revenue (§146.618). The program is administered by DHS/DCTS in coordination with University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee, with the support of the QTT grants program advisory committee.
**All awards are contingent upon funding availability. Awards will be made based on competitive review of applications and availability of funding. Recipients must complete and submit all of the grant deliverables as outlined in the award agreement prior to payment initiation.