Loan Repayment Program for Mental Health Professionals
Program PurposeThe purpose of the Loan Repayment Program for Mental Health Professionals is to encourage qualified mental health professionals to practice in a Mental Health Professional Shortage Area (MHPSA) and provide mental health care services to recipients under the medical assistance program authorized by the Texas Human Resources Code, Chapter 32, and to enrollees under the child health plan program authorized by the Texas Health and Safety Code, Chapter 62.
Eligibility RequirementsThe following are primary requirements to qualify for the program:
- be a US citizen or a Legal Permanent Resident and have no professional license restrictions
- for psychiatrists only, be eligible to take the exam for board certification from the specialty board established by THECB administrative rules during the first, second, or third service period, if the psychiatrist has not earned and maintained board certification
- agree to provide five consecutive years of service in a
- Federally designated MHPSA, or
- Secure correctional facility operated by or under contract with the Texas Juvenile Justice Department located in a MHPSA, or
- Secure correctional facility operated by or under contract with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice located in a MHPSA
- provide direct mental health services to Medicaid enrollees and/or the Texas Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) enrollees
- not be currently fulfilling another obligation to provide mental health services as part of a scholarship agreement, a student loan agreement, or another student loan repayment program
