Public mental health employees have several opportunities to receive financial incentives to work in the public mental health system. Available Stipend and Loan Assumption / Repayment programs can be found by clicking on the respective links below:
MHSA WET Stipend Programs
Loan Assumption / Repayment Programs
Mental Health Professional Shortage Area
In order for mental health staff to be eligible for the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Programs (see Loan Assumption/Repayment Programs above), employees must work in a Mental Health Professional Shortage Area (MHPSA).
To independently verify whether your site is located in a MHPSA, go here. Note that expired designations, physical health and dentistry shortage areas are also listed. The designation must be for the Mental Health Shortage Area and within 4 years of the designation date in order to be active for mental health loan awards.
If you would like assistance to determine whether or not your facility is located in a Health Professional Shortage Area, please contact the Office of Statewide Planning and Development (OSHPD) Shortage Designation Program at (916) 326-3700.
If you are interested in getting the area you are located in designated as a MHPSA, please contact Anna Perne, LCSW at aperne@dmh.lacounty.gov or (213) 251-6422.
National Health Service Corps (NHSC) Approved Site Application
Agencies located in a MHPSA must submit the NHSC Approved Site Application in order to become an eligible site for NHSC Federal Loan Repayment awarded recipients to work.
Follow this link to find Step-by-Step instructions for the NHSC Approved Site Application.
