To amend title VII of the Public Health Service Act to strengthen the mental health workforce, and for other purposes.

Student loan relief for mental health providers

If enacted, the bill would create a loan deferment and forgiveness program for mental health providers. You would need to work full-time as a qualified mental health provider for five consecutive years. The five-year period would begin when you are first licensed to practice. Your job would have to be either a solo provider in a mental health shortage area or at a facility that serves patients in such a designated area. While you work under the program, you would not have to pay principal, but interest would still accrue and be paid. After five years of qualifying service and if you are not in default, the government would forgive the lesser of 100% of your outstanding principal and interest or $200,000, measured the day before your first year of service. Eligible people would include students or trainees at eligible minority-serving institutions or those completing supervised clinical training who accept qualifying employment to begin after graduation.