The BH-LRP Application Cycle will open on October 15th at noon EST and closes on April 15th.
If you have questions or are unable to register, please contact, incentiveprograms@vdh.virginia.gov
The 2021 General Assembly established a $1.6 million Virginia Behavioral Health Student Loan Repayment Program (BH-LRP) to help recruit and retain behavioral health (BH) professionals to practice in underserved areas of the Commonwealth and/or provide counseling and treatment to underserved populations. This program will repay a portion of an eligible BH professional's student loan debt. In return, recipients commit to practicing in Virginia for a minimum of two years at an eligible site.
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS:
- Eligible BH-SLRP practice sites include behavioral health authorities or community services boards, federally qualified health centers, free clinics/hybrid clinics, rural health clinics, state mental health or correctional facilities, and nonprofit organizations serving the uninsured or medically underserved populations and/or communities, stand-alone inpatient psychiatric facilities serving uninsured or medically underserved populations and/or communities.
- Priority will be given to eligible BH professionals of color, those who speak more than one language fluently, and/or those who practice in one of Virginia’s many mental health professional shortage areas.
- Total award amount will not exceed 25% of student loan debt (annual limits include $50,000 for Psychiatrists and Psych NPs and $20,000 for Psychologists, LPCs, and LCSWs)
- No employer or community match is required.
ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS:
BH-SLRP awardees must possess a valid and unrestricted license to practice in Virginia in one of the VDH BH SLRP flyer following disciplines:
Eligible Tier One Providers:
- Psychiatrists;
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatrists (CAP)
- CAP Fellows (limited fellow (unrestricted) license is acceptable);
- Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioners;
- Psychiatric Physician Assistants;
- Psychiatric Pharmacists;
- Psychiatric Registered Nurses.
Eligible Tier Two Providers
- Licensed Clinical Psychologists;
- Licensed Professional Counselors (including Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists);
- Licensed Clinical Social Workers.
Eligible Tier Three Providers (Added in FY25)
- Licensed Practical Nurse;
- Registered Nurse;
- Certified Substance Abuse Counselor;
- Licensed Substance Abuse Treatment Practitioner;
- Professional Counselor;
- School Psychologist;
- Mental Health Professional;
- Social Worker;
- Registered Peer Recovery Specialist;
- Qualified Mental Health Professional;
- Behavioral Health Technician;
- Behavioral Health Assistant Technician;
- Art Therapy Associate/Therapist;
ELIGIBILITY GUIDELINES/REQUIRED FORMS:
BH-SLRP Provider Support Form (1) ( To be completed by the employer & uploaded by applicant)
CONTACT:
For database questions and concerns, please email incentiveprograms@vdh.virginia.gov or call (804) 864-7435.