AACAP works to increase recruitment into child and adolescent psychiatry through the expansion of loan forgiveness programs for child and adolescent psychiatry trainees and federal support for training programs through graduate medical education (GME) funds.

Workforce Resources

• AACAP's Brochure on the Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Workforce Crisis
• AACAP Workforce Fact Sheet
• AACAP Statement for the Record: Senate Committee on Finance on Workforce Issues in Health Care Reform March 12, 2009: Assessing the Present and Preparing for the Future
• The Continuing Shortage of Child and Adolescent Psychiatrists (JAACAP - Sep 2006)
• Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist Workforce Maps (by state)

Loan Repayment for Child and Adolescent Psychiatrists
Section 5203 of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) established a loan repayment program within the Health Resources and Service Administration. The program provides up to $35,000 per year for pediatric sub-specialists and providers of mental and behavioral health services to children and adolescents who are or will be working in a Health Professional Shortage Area, Medically Underserved Area, or with a Medically Underserved Population.

President Obama's 2013 Federal Budget requested $5 million dollars for this program. AACAP is actively working with the administration and Congress to secure funding for this program through the annual appropriations process.

• AACAP Policy Summary on Children's Mental Health Workforce Shortage
• Congressional justification for President Obama's budget request
• House "Dear Colleague" letter requesting support for Section 5203

Accessing Child Mental Health Specialists: Promoting Prevention & Decreasing Costs