Texas is hoping to attract more mental health care workers, and now the state is putting its money where its mouth is. In recent years, clinics in underserved and rural areas of the Lone Star State have had to get creative—touting clean air and low crime rates to bring in mental health professionals. But now, reports the Texas Tribune, the state has a three million dollar program to help mental health workers off their student loans, should they decide to work in underserved areas of Texas.
The mental health situation in Texas is dire: Of the state’s 254 counties, roughly 200 are designated as Mental Health Professional Shortage Areas. That means that, for every psychiatrist, there are about 30,000 patients. Given the reluctance of state officials to spend more on Medicaid, the loan forgiveness program is considered a big win for mental health advocates.
