Mental Health Provider Day Grant
The Heard Summer Setup Grant
Use our money on your practice. Use yours on your summer. Heard is giving $2,000 each to five mental health providers ready to invest in what's next.
The inaugural Summer Setup Grant. Applications open May 12 and close June 12, 2026.
About the grant
Summer is quieter. That's an opening.
Every provider in private practice knows the summer slowdown. Fewer sessions, less predictable income, and the financial stress that comes with it.
Summer is also the one stretch of the year when there's time. Time to get certified in something you've been putting off. Time to fix your website. Time to plan the group practice you've been thinking about for two years.
Heard created this grant to help you use that time. The $2,000 goes straight to your business checking account. Spend it on whatever moves your practice forward. The 70% discount on a Heard annual plan takes care of the financial management side for the year ahead.
"Use our money on your CEUs so you can use yours on vacation."
What providers use it for
You know your practice. You know what it needs.
A new certification
EMDR, somatic, IFS, Gottman. Get the training you've been postponing since you opened.
Your online presence
Website refresh, SEO support, a professional headshot. The things that bring in clients while you're offline.
Group practice launch
Legal setup, consultation, the infrastructure to start building something bigger.
Supervision hours
Work toward licensure or a new specialty. Invest in where you want your practice to go.
Office or space
First month's rent, furniture, or the virtual office setup that lets you see clients anywhere.
Tools and software
EHR, scheduling, billing. The right systems save you hours every month.
Who can apply
Twelve months in private practice and a plan for what's next.
Requirements
Any licensed mental health provider in private practice in the U.S. (50 states and D.C.)
At least 12 months in private practice
Business checking account to receive funds
Open to Heard members and non-members
What recipients receive
$2,000 lump sum sent to your business checking account
70% off a Heard annual plan
Recipients agree to be featured in a Heard blog and allow Heard to use submitted photos, videos, or written updates
How it works
Four steps. That's the whole process.
Apply
Tell us about your practice today, what you're trying to set up, and why this summer is the window.
Optional video
A 1–2 minute clip is a great way to bring your story to life. Written applications are equally welcome.
We review
Applications close June 12. We'll select five recipients and notify everyone by July 4.
Funds sent
$2,000 goes directly to your business checking account. Use it your way.
About the video option
A short video helps us get to know you and your practice, but it's optional. Writing works just as well. There's no formal pitch here. Just tell us about your practice and what you'd build.
A look at past recipients
What investing in your practice can look like.
The trailer below is from the Heard Private Practice Startup Grant, our inaugural grant program supporting therapists in their first year of opening a private practice.
Ready to set up your summer?
Five providers will receive $2,000 and a year of financial clarity. Applications close June 12.
Apply for the grantOpen May 12 — June 12, 2026. Announced in honor of Mental Health Provider Day.
Questions
A few things people ask.
Who's eligible to apply?
Any licensed mental health provider who has been in private practice for at least 12 months. Therapists, counselors, social workers, psychologists, psychiatrists, and psychiatric nurse practitioners are all welcome.
Do I need to be a Heard member to apply?
No. The grant is open whether or not you currently use Heard.
How does the $2,000 get sent?
As a lump sum directly to your business checking account. You'll provide banking details as part of the onboarding process after selection.
What's the discount on?
All five recipients receive 70% off a Heard annual plan, our financial management subscription covering bookkeeping, taxes, and business finance support built for mental health providers in private practice.
What does it mean to be featured?
Recipients agree to be featured in a Heard blog and allow Heard to use video, photos, or written updates they submit. We'll work with you on timing and what to share, but the partnership is part of accepting the grant.
Does the video have to be professional?
Not at all. A phone recording is completely fine. We just want to hear about your practice and what you'd invest in. Keep it under two minutes if you can.
Are there restrictions on how I use the money?
No. The $2,000 is yours to use however makes the most sense for your practice. We ask for your plan in the application, but there's no requirement to document how you spend it.
Is the grant taxable income?
Yes, Heard will issue you a 1099 for the funds received, however since you'll be spending them on tax deductible business expenses, the grant money will not increase your taxable income.
When will recipients be notified?
Applications close June 12. We'll select five recipients and reach out by early July.