Summary of H.R. 6672: Mental Health Professionals Workforce Shortage Loan Repayment Act of 2025

Main Purpose and Intent

The purpose of this bill is to address the shortage of mental health professionals in the United States by authorizing a loan repayment program for those who commit to working in mental health professional shortage areas.

Key Provisions

• Establishes a loan repayment program within the Public Health Service Act, administered by the Health Resources and Services Administration.
• Allows the Secretary to enter into agreements with individuals to make payments on their eligible student loans in exchange for a period of service (up to 6 years) as a mental health professional in an area with a shortage.
• Defines "mental health professional" broadly to include physicians, nurses, social workers, counselors, and other roles focused on treating or supporting patients with mental health disorders.
• Designates "mental health professional shortage areas" as either geographic areas or specific facilities/programs/centers that the Secretary deems to have a shortage.
• Caps the total loan repayment amount per individual at $250,000.
• Prohibits individuals from receiving loan repayment benefits from this program and other federal loan forgiveness programs for the same service period.
• Requires the Secretary to establish a liquidated damages formula in case of breach of the service agreement.
• Authorizes $25 million in annual appropriations for the program from fiscal years 2026 through 2035.

Impact

• This bill aims to incentivize mental health professionals to work in underserved areas by providing substantial student loan repayment assistance.
• If implemented effectively, it could help increase the availability of mental health services in shortage areas and improve access to care for patients.
• The program's success will depend on factors like the participation rate, retention of professionals in shortage areas, and the adequacy of the $25 million annual funding level.
• The required reporting to Congress every 2 years will help evaluate the program's impact on mental health workforce shortages over time.