Mental health professionals can now get a big financial boost from the state of Texas.
The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board launched its Loan Repayment Program for Mental Health Professionals, with the goal of expanding the state's mental health workforce and improving access to mental health services in Texas.
The new program offers student loan repayment assistance for qualified psychiatrists, psychologists, licensed professional counselors, psychiatric mental health advanced practice nurses and clinical social workers who agree to provide direct care to underserved Texans.
The program was created during the 84th Legislative Session by the Senate Health and Human Services Chairman, State Sen. Charles Schwertner, R-Georgetown, and House Higher Education Chairman, State Rep. John Zerwas, R-Katy.
In a statement, Schwertner said Texas needs mental health professionals who are capable of meeting the growing needs of the state.
"Without an adequate number of mental health professionals, we will continue to see those experiencing mental illness cycle through our jails and emergency rooms at great expense to the taxpayer," Schwertner said.
The legislature appropriated more than $2 million to fund the program through 2017 – an amount that is expected to provide more than 100 new providers with two full years of loan repayment.
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The Higher Education Coordinating Board is now accepting online applications for the Loan Repayment Program for Mental Health Professionals on their website. All applications must be received by the May 6 deadline. For more information on the program, email the THECB or call 1-800-242-3062.
