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Urge Congress to Help Grow the Mental Health Workforce
Across the country, more people than ever are seeking mental health care, yet there is an extreme shortage of mental health providers to meet the demand. Far too many people can’t find the support they need or have to travel great distances to do so.
Over 160 million Americans, nearly half of the country, live somewhere with a shortage of mental health professionals. Experts estimate that by 2025, there will be a shortage of over 250,000 mental health professionals, including psychiatrists, mental health and social workers, clinical and school psychologists, and school counselors.
That’s why our policymakers need to hear from you.
There’s legislation in Congress right now that can help us reverse this trend. The Mental Health Professionals Workforce Shortage Loan Repayment Act would:
- Repay up to $250,000 in eligible student loan repayment for mental health professionals who work in mental health professional shortage areas; and
- Repay one-sixth of the individual’s eligible loans for each year of service.
Urge your members of Congress to support this legislation so people seeking mental health care can more easily find the help they need in their communities.