Press Release  MA Repay Program Announces Availability of New Loan Repayment Awards to Support Behavioral Health Professionals Working in Underserved Communities

BOSTON — The Massachusetts Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS) and the Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers (MLCHC) kicked off a new round of loan repayment awards for behavioral health workers aimed at alleviating the financial burdens of educational debt for those committed to serving Massachusetts communities. The Expanded Behavioral Health Student Loan Repayment Program is the next phase of the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s MA Repay Program, backed by more than $61 million in funding from the state and administered by MLCHC, which is designed to address the critical shortage of behavioral health professionals in Massachusetts. 

“Our mental health workforce plays a critical role in supporting the health and wellbeing of our communities, so we are proud to offer opportunities to help alleviate the financial burden of student debt,” said Governor Maura Healey. “The MA Repay Program has shown great success in retaining talented mental health providers and supporting a strong and diverse health care workforce in Massachusetts. We’re grateful for the partnership of the Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers and the Legislature to make this possible.” 

“Being able to financially support our behavioral health care workers also means that help is available for anyone in Massachusetts who needs behavioral health support,” said Lt. Governor Kimberley Driscoll. “This is an opportunity for us to invest in Massachusetts and meet people where they are at.”

EOHHS, in partnership with MLCHC, designed the next phase of the program to offer substantial financial relief for behavioral health providers who commit to up to four years of service in eligible settings, including community health centers, community mental health centers, inpatient psychiatric hospitals, and more. Eligible professionals can receive up to $300,000 in student loan repayment, making a significant impact on their financial stability and behavioral health careers, while ensuring that the skill, compassion, and resources of our healthcare centers are available to all residents of Massachusetts, particularly in underserved areas.

"This is an important investment in the future of our mental health infrastructure and helps to ensure long-term access to high-quality care throughout Massachusetts,” said Health and Human Services Secretary Kate Walsh. “This shows we are dedicated to creating sustainable solutions that support both our health care professionals and the communities they serve.”

“In partnership with the Healey-Driscoll Administration, we are hopeful that this investment will both support the diverse network of behavioral health professionals providing mental health care across Massachusetts and help alleviate our state's critical behavioral health provider shortage," said Michael Curry, Esq., President and CEO of the Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers. "The MA Repay Expanded Behavioral Health Student Loan Repayment Program will directly support the professionals committed to serving the most vulnerable individuals and families in the Commonwealth."

Eligible applicants include psychiatrists, psychologists, physicians providing behavioral health care at community health centers, psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners, registered nurses, social workers, and other mental health professionals with qualifying degrees and outstanding educational debt. 

In addition to new funding, the state will award remaining funds from the first three MA Repay initiatives. As of March 2024, this first phase of the MA Repay program awarded more than $117M in funding, to over 2,300 providers serving 175 communities across the Commonwealth. Over $21M is available for the re-release of the following programs:

• The Behavioral Health & Primary Care Student Loan Repayment Program, which offers loan repayment for behavioral health and primary care professionals in eligible Massachusetts settings.
• The Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist Student Loan Repayment Program, which offers loan repayment for child and adolescent psychiatrists in Massachusetts community health centers and community mental health centers.
• The Substance Use Treatment Provider Student Loan Repayment Program, which offers loan repayment for substance use disorder treatment professionals in eligible Massachusetts settings. 

Applications for the program opened on August 28, 2024, and close on September 25, 2024. Interested candidates can find more information and apply through the designated portal available at marepay.org. For more details, visit marepay.org or call 877-251-6432. 

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