Behavioral healthcare professionals in New Jersey may now apply for up to $180,000 in student loan redemption and incentive grants through a state program designed to strengthen the mental health workforce and expand access to care in underserved communities.
The state’s Higher Education Student Assistance Authority (HESAA) announced the opening of a new application period for the Behavioral Healthcare Provider Loan Redemption Program, which provides loan repayment assistance to eligible professionals who commit to full-time work at approved nonprofit, educational, or government sites in New Jersey.
Applications are open through October 31.
In a statement, Governor Phil Murphy said the program continues his administration’s efforts to expand mental health support across the state.
“Over seven and a half years, my Administration has taken comprehensive steps to increase access to mental health supports for the children and families who call New Jersey home,” Murphy said. “The Behavioral Healthcare Provider Loan Redemption Program is among the many initiatives we introduced to support and encourage mental health providers to offer their services in underserved areas.”
Under the program, participants can receive up to $50,000 in loan redemption for every two years of service, for a maximum of $150,000 over six years. Those who work primarily with children and adolescents can qualify for an additional $5,000 per year, bringing the total potential benefit to $180,000.
This marks the fourth year of funding for the program, supported by $3.825 million from the Fiscal Year 2026 state budget. Since its launch in January 2023, 165 behavioral health professionals have been accepted into the program.
“By offering student loan relief to dedicated professionals supporting residents in the Garden State, we are enhancing the availability of mental health services in high-demand areas,” said HESAA Executive Director Margo Chaly, Esq. “The HESAA team is honored to be a part of broader efforts throughout the state to expand access to behavioral and mental healthcare.”
Eligible professions include board certified behavior analysts, licensed counselors, clinical social workers, psychologists, psychiatrists, and other licensed behavioral health providers. Applicants must live in New Jersey, maintain an active license, and serve full-time for at least two years at an approved site.
Applications are evaluated using a scoring system that considers demand for the applicant’s profession, geographic location, salary, and whether the applicant primarily serves children or adolescents, based on data from the state Department of Labor and Workforce Development.
More information and application materials are available through the Higher Education Student Assistance Authority (HESAA) website.