Gain advanced clinical experience in integrated care

ACE Program

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    • Become More in Integrated Behavioral Health Care

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    Advancing Collaborative Care, Integration, and Interprofessional Education in Rural North Carolina

    Funded by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA)

    Become more for the communities that need you most.

    Gardner-Webb University’s ACE program prepares PMHNP and Clinical Mental Health Counseling students to grow as compassionate, skilled, and service-minded clinicians. Through integrated clinical training, interdisciplinary learning, and dedicated mentorship, ACE equips you to make a meaningful impact in rural and underserved North Carolina communities.

    If you feel called to serve others and want a training experience that helps you Become More in your profession, this program is designed for you.

    Apply Now

    Why Choose the ACE Program?

    Become more prepared.

    Gain advanced clinical experience in integrated care settings where behavioral health and primary care work together.

    Become more compassionate.

    Serve children, adolescents, transitional-aged youth, and families in regions where behavioral health providers are scarce.

    Become more collaborative.

    Learn beside professionals across healthcare disciplines and experience the teamwork that makes whole-person care possible.

    Become more confident.

    Participate in seminars and workshops that strengthen your ability to deliver trauma-informed, culturally responsive, evidence-based care.

    Become more equipped for your calling.

    Grow through intentional mentorship from committed faculty and clinical leaders.

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    Who Should Apply

    The ACE program is for GWU students enrolled in PMHNP and CMHC programs:
    • Serve rural or medically underserved communities
    • Strengthen their skills in integrated behavioral health
    • Practice compassion-centered, team-based care
    • Support youth and families experiencing significant behavioral health needs
    • Grow as clinicians who embody Gardner-Webb’s mission to serve with heart, skill, and purpose

    Students must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents, in good academic standing, and entering their final practicum or internship year.

    Students receiving other federal trainee funding are not eligible.

    What You’ll Experience

    Six-month practicum and/or internship in an approved integrated behavioral health setting
    Direct service with youth, families, and adults in rural or underserved communities
    Regular seminars focused on trauma-informed care, cultural humility, and evidence-based practices
    Participation in interdisciplinary team meetings and collaborative case discussions
    Ongoing mentorship from experienced faculty within the College of Health Sciences
    Preparation for the realities of integrated, community-centered practice

    Training sites include behavioral health agencies, community clinics, school-based programs, and regional healthcare systems such as Atrium Health, CaroMont Behavioral Health, and Kintegra Behavioral Health.

    Eligibility Requirements

    To qualify for the ACE program, you must:

    • Be enrolled in the PMHNP or CMHC program at Gardner-Webb
    • Be prepared to begin your final clinical training year
    • Commit to a six-month placement at an approved integrated care site
    • Participate in required seminars, workshops, and mentorship sessions
    • Maintain professional and academic standards
    • Obtain an NPI number for HRSA-required reporting
    • Complete all evaluation and tracking requirements
    Request Information

    How to Apply

    1. Complete the ACE Application

    View ACE application

    2. Participate in an Interview

    Applicants will be invited to interview with ACE faculty and invited interviewers.

    3. Receive Your Decision

    Notifications will be sent after the full review process.

    4. Obtain Your Clinical Placement

    Collaborate with your program’s clinical site specialist or internship coordinator.

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    Frequently Asked Questions

    Students who are mission-driven, collaborative, and committed to serving within underserved communities.

    No. Students will be placed with pre-approved sites.

    Integrated behavioral health settings, rural clinics, school-based programs, community behavioral health centers, and primary care practices.

    No. Students receiving other federal trainee funding are not eligible.

    Yes. They are essential to your ACE learning experience.

    Request Information

    Learn more about the ACE program, application timelines, and training expectations.

    Request Information

    Ready to Become More?

    Start your application when the next cycle opens.

    Apply to ACE

    Program Leadership

    The ACE program is led by dedicated faculty within Gardner-Webb’s College of Health Sciences:

    Their shared commitment to serving underserved communities fuels the program’s vision and guides each trainee’s experience.

    School of Psychological Science and Counselor Education

    Dr. Sharon Webb, CMHCS, NCC, CCTP

    Professor, Counselor Education Chair, Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program Faculty Athletics Representative
    [email protected]
    (704) 406-3553

    See More
    Hunt School of Nursing

    Dr. Tiffany Stewart, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, PMHNP-BC

    Coordinator, PMHNP Program, Assistant Professor of Nursing
    [email protected]
    (704) 406-2679

    See More
    Hunt School of Nursing

    Dr. Charlotte Stephens, DNP, FNP, PMHNP, CNE

    Associate Professor of Nursing
    [email protected]
    (704) 406-2021

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    Hunt School of Nursing

    Dr. Yvonne Smith, DNP, PMHNP-BC, PMH-BC, CNE, NBCSN

    Associate Professor of Nursing, HSoN
    [email protected]
    (704) 406-2306

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    Hunt School of Nursing

    Dr. Tracy Arnold, DNP, RN, CNE

    Dean, College of Health Sciences, Professor of Nursing
    [email protected]
    (704) 406-4359

    See More

    If you have questions or need guidance as you explore the ACE program, our team is ready to support you. Contact us to take your next step.

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