Virginia Behavioral Health Student Loan Repayment Program

 

The BH-LRP Application Cycle will open October 15th at 12 PM Est and close April 15th.

If you have question or are unable to register, please contact Olivette Burroughs, Statewide Health Workforce Manager, at olivette.burroughs@vdh.virginia.gov, 804- 864-7431.

For all database questions and concerns, please contact Nikita Busic, Database Administrator. 

Email: nikita.busic@vdh.virginia.gov

Phone: (804) 624-7882

 

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 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_Updated_Guidelines

BH-SLRP Provider Support Form (1) ( To be completed by the employer & uploaded by applicant)

VDH Auto Qualifying Sites

 

CONTACT:

Please send questions to:  Olivette Burroughs, Statewide Health Workforce Manager at olivette.burroughs@vdh.virginia.gov or call (804) 864-7431.

Last Updated: November 15, 2024