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PSLF

Public Service Loan Forgiveness is a mess

November 5, 2018 by Ben Caldwell

Matthew Henry / Burst / Used under licenseWhen the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program (PSLF) started in 2007, mental health professionals all over the country expressed optimism and relief. Student debt is crushing younger mental health professionals — hear two stories, in their own words, here. The PSLF program promised those working in nonprofit agencies and in public service that if they just stuck it out for 10 years, the remainder of their direct student loans would be forgiven.

Any kind of mental health work is challenging, but nonprofit clinics and public systems are notoriously difficult to work in. They offer low pay, low-functioning clients, a ton of paperwork, and often, little support. It’s no wonder that many counties struggle to fill those jobs at all.

For those clinicians who experience the work as a calling, though, the PSLF program offered a lifeline. It would be a reward for staying put in positions that most therapists understandably leave. For those who otherwise faced a possible lifetime of debt, PSLF suggested a way out.

It’s not going well so far.

Read more

Podcast episode 5: Reports of loan forgiveness death greatly exaggerated

March 19, 2018 by Ben Caldwell

Psychotherapy Notes podcastWe’ve spent the last two episodes talking about student loan debt. It’s reshaping the mental health professions. Two doctoral students were kind enough to share with us their own personal stories. In this episode, we talk about the great hope for many who are in the deep end of student loan debt: Public Service Loan Forgiveness.

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📣 New Posts 📣

  • Prologue: A poem for new graduate students August 21, 2023
  • By not pursuing an interstate compact for MFTs, AAMFT is making a big mistake June 21, 2023
  • What artificial intelligence can do for your therapy practice right now May 3, 2023
  • Who owns the technology companies that serve therapists? April 27, 2023
  • Why there isn’t an interstate compact for MFTs April 12, 2023

Preparing for the 2023 California MFT Law & Ethics Exam

Preparing for the 2023 California MFT Law & Ethics ExamThe easiest way to get ready for California’s MFT Law & Ethics exam. Includes a study guide and more than 100 practice test questions with rationales.

📈 Trending 📈

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  • MFTs, Counselors will become Medicare providers in 2024 [updated]
  • California sets new rules for therapists writing ESA letters
  • Therapists should not write Emotional Support Animal letters
  • What's the difference between an MFT (or LMFT), an LPC (or LPCC), and an LCSW?
Ben Caldwell Labs

Psychotherapy Notes is the official blog of High Pass Education

All content and images © Copyright 2009-2023 Ben Caldwell Labs d/b/a High Pass Education unless otherwise noted.
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Ben Caldwell Labs, the Ben Caldwell Labs logo, and Psychotherapy Notes are registered trademarks of Ben Caldwell Labs Inc. High Pass Education and the High Pass Education logo are trademarks of Ben Caldwell Labs Inc.

The opinions expressed on posts on this site are solely those of the author.
While this blog does sometimes cover legal issues, unless otherwise noted authors are practicing clinicians and not attorneys.
Nothing here should be interpreted as legal advice, nor should it be considered a substitute for consulting with a qualified attorney.
  • Exam Prep
    • California LMFT Clinical Exam Prep
    • California LMFT Law & Ethics Exam Prep
    • California LPCC Law & Ethics Exam Prep
    • California LCSW Law & Ethics Exam Prep
    • National MFT Exam Test Bank
  • CE Courses
    • California Law & Ethics for BBS Associates (AMFTs, APCCs, and ASWs) – 2023
    • California Law and Ethics for BBS Associates (AMFTs, APCCs, & ASWs) – 2024
    • Telehealth for California LMFTs, LPCCs, and LCSWs
    • Supervision of California BBS Associates
    • Supervision for Clinical Effectiveness
  • Books
    • Basics of California Law for LMFTs, LPCCs, and LCSWs (10th ed)
    • Saving Psychotherapy
    • Preparing for the 2023 California MFT Law & Ethics Exam
    • Preparing for the 2023 California Clinical Social Work Law & Ethics Exam
  • Resources
    • Think Like the Test™ Podcast
  • Blog
    • Blog home
    • Psychology
    • Professional Counseling
    • Family therapy
    • Clinical social work
    • Law and ethics
    • Education
    • Employment
    • Licensure
    • Public policy