A student loan repayment assistance program for qualified mental health and substance use professionals launched Friday.
The program, run by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission, will help eligible applicants with outstanding balances repay their student loans, with award amounts based on an applicant’s position and remaining loan balance.
Those who qualify include behavioral health professionals who meet the state’s licensing requirements or hold certification in substance use counseling. Professionals covered include psychiatrists, advanced practice registered nurses and psychologists who hold a doctoral degree.
Applicants must also have worked at least 12 consecutive months at a community mental health center in an underserved or rural health professional shortage area.
State officials hope is the program will help recruit and retain providers who offer behavioral health services.
“The shortage of Illinois community-based behavioral workers creates significant disparities in access to mental health and substance abuse services,” said Department of Human Services Secretary Grace Hou.
The program was signed into law in 2019, but wasn’t funded. The current fiscal year budget provides up to $5 million for the effort through the state’s cannabis program.