The Minnesota Rural Mental Health Professional Loan Forgiveness Program provides funds for repayment of Qualified Educational Loans. The program is offered to licensed mental health professionals, which includes Independent Clinic Social Workers, Psychologists, Marriage and Family Therapists, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselors, and Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselors. This is a competitive selection process. Selections are made based on suitability for practice as indicated by personal and professional experience and training noted on an application, as well as preference given to those closest to completing their training. Preference will be given to applicants who document diverse cultural competencies. Participants are required to practice for at least 30 hours per week, for at least 45 weeks per year, for a minimum of three years in a designated rural area. Selected participants shall provide direct patient care hours or client-centered services. Participants must begin their service obligation under this program no later than March 31 following selection. An amount of $29,000, not to exceed $116,000 will be awarded to Psychologists; and $11,000, not to exceed $44,000 will be awarded to Licensed Independent Clinical Social Workers, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselors, and Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselors. Participants are eligible to participate for up to four years in the program as mental health professionals in a designated rural area. Two letters of recommendation are required, at least one needs to be completed by a professional who has directly supervised or trained the applicant. Please visit the award's website or contact the Minnesota Department of Health for more information.