ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) — In a conference today U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand announced her support for bipartisan legislation to help increase the mental health workforce in underserved communities through student loan repayment incentives.
The bill would provide student loan forgiveness to mental health practitioners who choose to work in underserved areas.
According to a press release sent by Gillibrand’s office, 55 out of NY’s 62 counties don’t have enough practitioners— including, psychiatrists, psychologists, and social workers. Gillibrand says by 2030, NYS is expected to have a shortage of at least 2600 psychiatrists—the most heavily impacted being rural areas and communities of color.
The proposed bill would incentivize mental health professionals to practice in these underserved areas by offering Federal loan repayment assistance. Those who participate may receive up to 250 thousand dollars toward their student loans. Gillibrand says that rural areas are not population centers, and one of the main issues is getting professionals there in the first place.