Research from the NCS-R (Kessler, Berglund et al.,2005; Kessler & Merikangas, 2005) suggests that greater efforts need to be made to reduce the disparate burden shared by people with low SES in dealing with mental illness (Wang, Lane et al.,2005). As compared to other income groups, people with low SES have a higher morbidity of mental and preventable medical disorders, higher economic costs associated with illness, and barriers to accessing and receiving evidence-based treatments. The purpose of this doctoral project is to propose a brief model of a motivational interviewing training program for medical and mental health professionals working with low socioeconomic (SES) communities. This project reviewed and culled material for the proposed training from relevant motivational interviewing (MI) and psychological and medical clinical training literature. Particular attention was given to the training of community health workers, as well as the salient aspects of efficacious clinical training methods. The training program offered herein includes significant skills training and education in MI for clinicians working with low SES populations over the course of one year. This includes self-study, individualized feedback, supervision, coaching, and small and large group multi-modal/experiential learning activities. The proposed training program was reviewed by three licensed psychologists with pertinent professional experience and training; their feedback was incorporated into the training program as necessary. It is of critical importance that the proposed training program be field tested to evaluate its efficacy with regard to improved clinical knowledge and clinical skills with MI and improved patient outcomes.