West Virginia Mental Health Loan Repayment Program

Michelle Ruppert M.A.
304.558.0530
Michelle.Ruppert@wvhepc.edu

The West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission is offering loan repayment for mental health professionals who agree to deliver therapy or counseling services in underserved areas of West Virginia.

Eligibility requirements:

• West Virginia residents that have educational debt in an amount equal to or exceeding the proposed award amount
• Be a graduate of an accredited program at an institution of higher education, having obtained a degree and is currently licensed as one of the following:
  • Licensed doctoral clinical psychologist
  • Master's level licensed psychologist
  • Licensed independent clinical social worker
  • Licensed certified social worker
  • Licensed professional counselor
  • Licensed marriage and family therapist
  • Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner
  • Other mental health disciplines identified by the Senior Director of Health Sciences as experiencing a shortage of practitioners
• Be employed full-time or part-time at an eligible practice site in an underserved area in West Virginia, providing individual and group therapy or counseling

At least $10,000 (depending on outstanding debt) for one year of full-time service or 2 years of part-time service. The award may be renewed up to 3 years.

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