Description
This loan program is designed to assist Georgia residents pursuing an eligible advanced degree in behavioral health who have an intent to work and practice in Georgia. The purpose of the program is to increase the number of professionals in Georgia providing eligible behavioral/mental health services to patients, clients and customers in Georgia. Recipients must work one year in an eligible position in Georgia for one year of loan service cancelation.
Process
Before applying for a BHPSCL, the student must have a GAfutures student account with their Social Security Number (SSN) for secure identification and have a current year Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on file. Additional program information and application instructions are available from the GAfutures.org website.
Amount
A student may receive BHPSCL funds based on full-time or half-time enrollment in an eligible graduate/professional degree program.
The annual maximum is $20,000 or $10,000 per term for full-time enrollment of 9 or more semester hours.
The annual maximum is $10,000 or $5,000 per term for 5-8 semester hours.
The aggregate maximum limit is $120,000 or 6 years of eligibility, whichever occurs first.
Eligibility
Student must:
- Be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen
- Be a Georgia resident
- Be maintaining Satisfactory Academic Progress
- Be enrolled in an approved Behavioral Health advanced degree program. Approved list of degree can be found on GAfutures.org
- Intend to:
- Graduate from the eligible advanced degree;
- Earn the applicable licensure or credential;
- Be employed or practicing full time in Georgia in an eligible behavioral health profession and providing mental or substance abuse assistance, counseling, or treatment to Georgia residents
Additional eligibility requirements are detailed on GAfutures.org.