Are you a psychiatrist with educational debt, practicing with an unencumbered license in Virginia?
If you are, Virginia’s Behavioral Health Loan Repayment Program (BHLRP) may be for you! Applications accepted through April 30, 2024.
How much of my student loan debt can be repaid?
Up to 25% of a psychiatrist’s total student loan debt, not to exceed $30,000 per year, may be repaid by BHLRP.
What educational loans are eligible for repayment?
- Government and commercial loans issued for actual costs paid for tuition and reasonable educational and living expenses related to the applicant’s undergraduate and/or graduate education to become a licensed behavioral (BH) health professional.
- Loans must have been obtained in the BHLRP applicant’s name.
- Loans must be free-standing and in the BHLRP applicant’s name only.
- Loans cannot be consolidated with other debts (e.g., refinanced with a spouse’s debt or with a home loan).
How does repayment work?
Following each year of qualified practice in Virginia, a recipient’s annual award amount is paid directly to the lender(s). A total of 5-years of BHLRP repayment may be awarded.
- A recipient’s first BHLPR award is linked to practice in Virginia for 4,000 hours (equivalent of 2-years, full-time) at one of Virginia’s many eligible employers.
- Recipients may apply for up to three 1-year renewals, with each additional year requiring a 1-year commitment to work in Virginia at an approved organization (2,000 hours/year).
Where can BHLRP candidates work?
At the time of application, BHLRP candidates must be employed* at an eligible site located in a federally-designated mental health professional shortage area (MHPSA) or a medically underserved area (MUA).
- Non-profits serving uninsured or medically underserved Virginians and/or underserved Virginia communities
- Regional or local behavioral health authorities or community services boards (CSBs)
- Federally qualified health centers
- Free clinics/hybrid clinics
- Rural health clinics
- State mental health facilities
- State correctional facilities
- Stand-alone inpatient psychiatric facilities serving uninsured or medically underserved populations and/or communities
*BHLRP applicants may also have accepted an offer of employment or have an offer of employment which they ultimately accept from an eligible employer.
Are loan repayment dollars taxable?
Student loan forgiveness is excluded from gross income when filing Virginia income tax returns for Taxable Years 2021 through 2025. BHLRP repayment is exempt from Federal tax.
Does BHLRP require an employer or community match?
No employer or community match is required.
This program is for me! Where do I apply?
Please go to the Virginia Department of Health’s BHLRP website.
VDH is transitioning to a new online application in 2024 to provide a more efficient application and application process. Should you have questions or concerns, please contact VDH staff noted on the BHLRP website.
Where can I learn more about BHLRP?
Please go to the Virginia Department of Health’s BHLRP website.
Are other licensed BH professionals eligible?
Yes, other Virginia-licensed BH professions are BHLRP-eligible: psychiatric physician assistants, psychiatric pharmacists, psychiatric-mental health nurse ractitioners (Psych NPs), licensed clinical psychologists, licensed professional counselors (LPCs), and licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs).
BHLRP Changes that May Come Soon
The Virginia General Assembly and Governor Youngkin value the state’s licensed BH professionals. Both have included BHLP improvements in their respective 2024-2026 biennial budgets. These include increasing the maximum psychiatrist loan repayment amount to $50,000/year; expanding eligibility to Virginia’s child and adolescent psychiatry Fellows; and, designation of academic medical centers as another preferred practice site.
As of article publication, Virginia’s 2024-2026 budget is not finalized. When it is, updated BHLRP information will be shared with PSV members. To receive information directly, please email Denise Daly Konrad, Director of Strategic Initiatives, Virginia Health Care Foundation: [email protected].
