Mental health lure paying returns: About a dozen professionals in Missoula County seek loan forgiveness

Missoula County, which in November won a low-income designation to entice and retain mental health professionals, is starting to see results.

One psychiatrist, who begins Sept. 1 at St. Patrick Hospital and Health Sciences Center, said the designation was a strong inducement to an already attractive job offer.

And John Schroeck, primary care officer for Montana’s Department of Public Health and Human Services, said about a dozen licensed clinical social workers already practicing in Missoula have applied for loan repayment under the program.
"That will help retain those professionals in Missoula County," he said. "It is not a magic bullet. It is another tool for a community to lure mental health professionals."

By PAMELA J. PODGER of the Missoulian

Full Story: http://missoulian.com/articles/2008/04/07/business/biz74.txt

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