Bill > HB195

This bill establishes the Mental Health Workforce Retention Program within the Pennsylvania state department to provide financial support for long-serving mental health professionals who work with adolescents. Under the program, eligible mental health workers (those in psychology, counseling, social work, or human services who are Pennsylvania residents and have worked with adolescents for at least seven consecutive years) can apply for a one-time $5,000 grant through a lottery system. The department will distribute up to $1,000,000 in grants annually, with the grants being non-taxable and available from a $5,000,000 appropriation from the General Fund. The program is designed to support and retain mental health professionals working with young people, with the authority to award grants set to expire on June 30, 2030. Any unused grant money in a fiscal year will be returned to the General Fund, and the program will take effect on July 1, 2025, or immediately thereafter, providing a targeted financial incentive to help address potential workforce challenges in mental health services for adolescents.

Health and Social Services

https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2025&sind=0&body=H&type=B&bn=195