Illinois Community Behavioral Health Care Professional Loan Repayment Program

isac.studentservices@illinois.gov

Applicants must be U.S. citizens, eligible non-citizens, and Illinois residents who have worked for at least 12 consecutive months immediately prior to applying for this program as a behavioral health professional in a community mental health center, behavioral health clinic, substance use treatment center, or State-operated psychiatric hospital in an underserved or rural health professional shortage area (HPSA) mental health discipline.

Eligible professions include:

• Psychiatrist
• Advanced practice registered nurse
• Physician assistant
• Psychologist who holds a doctoral degree (Psy.D or Ph.D.)
• Licensed clinical social worker (LCSW)
• Licensed clinical professional counselor (LCPC)
• Licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT)
• CADC-certified substance use professional
• Certified recovery support specialist (CRSS)
• Professional possessing a Master's degree in counseling, psychology, social work, or marriage and family therapy
• Professional possessing a Bachelor's degree in counseling, psychology, or social work

The award amount is based on the applicant's remaining balance on eligible education loans, not to exceed:

• $40,000 per year for a psychiatrist
• $20,000 per year for an advanced practice registered nurse or a physician assistant
• $20,000 per year for a psychologist who holds a doctoral degree
• $15,000 per year for a licensed clinical social worker, licensed marriage and family therapist, or a licensed clinical professional counselor
• $12,000 per year for a professional possessing a master's degree in counseling, psychology, social work, or marriage and family therapy
• $6,000 per year for a professional possessing a bachelor's degree in counseling, psychology, or social work
• $4,000 per year for a substance abuse professional

Awards may be received for up to 4 years, and awardees must fulfill a 12 month period as a behavioral health professional in a community mental health center, behavioral health clinic, substance use treatment center, or State-operated psychiatric hospital in an underserved or rural HPSA mental health discipline for each year the assistance is received.

A link to the online application is available on the program website.

Applications are accepted until June 30, 2025, but applications received by November 15, 2024 are given priority consideration.