ISAC Student PortalCommunity Behavioral Health Care Professional Loan Repayment Program Application Available
08/12/2022
ISAC is pleased to announce the launch of the Community Behavioral Health Care Professional Loan Repayment Program. The program was designed to aid in recruitment and retention of behavioral health care professionals who practice in underserved or rural areas, and to address the shortage of community-based workers that causes disparities in access to critical mental health and substance use services. The loan repayment assistance may be received annually for up to four years to help with the repayment of an eligible educational loan(s). The amount of the assistance received is based on the applicant's position, and can range from $2,500 to $35,000 per year.
To qualify for the program, an applicant must be a behavioral health professional who:
- meets licensing requirements of the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, or
- holds certification as a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor from the Illinois Alcoholism and Other Drug Abuse Professional Certification Association.
Qualifying positions include: psychiatrist, advanced practice registered nurse, physician assistant, psychologist who holds a doctoral degree (Psy.D. or Ph.D.), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), licensed clinical professional counselor (LCPC) and CADC-certified substance use professional.
Additionally, the applicant must have worked for at least 12 consecutive months immediately prior to applying, in a community mental health center in an underserved or rural health professional shortage area (HPSA). After receiving the assistance, a separate 12-month period as a behavioral health professional must also be fulfilled. In order to determine eligibility, the work history will be verified and certified by the facility(ies) at which the applicant was employed.
The Fiscal Year (FY) 23 interactive application for the Community Behavioral Health Care Professional Loan Repayment Program is now available. To receive priority consideration, the application must be submitted on or before Tuesday, November 15, 2022. Applications received after November 15 will be given consideration if funding remains after all timely, qualified applicants have been awarded.
Learn more about the program – including eligibility requirements and how to apply – by visiting these pages at ISAC's website:
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