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

Q: What does Preamble of To amend title VII of the Public Health Service Act to strengthen the mental health workforce, and for other purposes. do?

This bill, formally titled 'To amend title VII of the Public Health Service Act to strengthen the mental health workforce, and for other purposes,' aims to amend title VII of the Public Health Service Act. The bill's stated purpose is to strengthen the mental health workforce.

Q: What does STRENGTHENING THE MENTAL HEALTH WORKFORCE. of To amend title VII of the Public Health Service Act to strengthen the mental health workforce, and for other purposes. do?

This section amends the Public Health Service Act to establish a mental health provider loan deferment and forgiveness program. The program provides loan assistance to eligible individuals who agree to work full-time as qualified mental health providers for at least 5 years. Eligible individuals must work either as solo providers in areas with a shortage of mental health professionals or at institutions serving patients in such areas. The Secretary will enter into contracts with eligible individuals, deferring loan principal payments while allowing interest to accrue. The Secretary may forgive up to $200,000 of outstanding loan principal and interest for individuals who complete 5 years of service and are not in loan default. Eligible individuals must be enrolled or have been enrolled at a minority-serving institution or be completing training hours for a mental health profession degree. Eligible loans include federal student loans and other federal loans determined appropriate by the Secretary. Qualified mental health providers include psychiatrists, psychologists, psychiatric nurse specialists, and other licensed professionals providing mental and behavioral health care services.

Last updated: 3/4/2026 · Introduced: 3/4/2026

Author: Troy Carter (D-LA)

TL;DR (AI)

The bill establishes a loan deferment and forgiveness program to incentivize mental health professionals to work in areas with shortages.
Eligible providers can receive up to $200,000 in loan forgiveness after completing five years of service in designated shortage areas or institutions.
To qualify, individuals must be pursuing or have pursued training at minority-serving institutions or be completing training hours for a mental health profession degree.

119th Congressin committeeOfficial page

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Includes provisions on preamble, strengthening the mental health workforce..

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