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UPDATE: The deadline for applying to this program has been changed from February 21, 2019 to February 28, 2019. More information here .

The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) is accepting applications through Feb. 21 for a new student-loan-forgiveness program for behavioral health clinicians working in drug-treatment programs in underserved areas. As a result of ACA's advocacy efforts, licensed professional counselors (LPCs) are among those eligible to participate in the program.

Congress approved the new loan-forgiveness/repayment plan in October. The program enables eligible clinicians to receive up to $75,000 in student loan repayment in exchange for a three-year commitment to provide substance use disorder (SUD) treatment services at National Health Service Corps (NHSC)-approved sites.

HRSA is holding two online/telephonic application Q&A sessions, 

Thursday, January 24 and Thursday, February 7
2:30 – 3:30 PM ET
Webinar
Dial-in: 888-950-7563 
Passcode: 3172361

You can learn more about the new program from this . In addition, you can and review about the approved substance-use-disorder work sites, the application process and participant eligibility requirements.

Feb. 21 also is the application deadline for the existing , which is not limited to those working in SUD programs. This program offers up to $50,000 in loan forgiveness for clinicians, including LPCs. In exchange for this loan repayment, participants must serve for at least two years at an NHSC-approved site in a designated health professional shortage area (HPSA). You can learn more about this program in the Jan. 10 webinar mentioned above.