MH Shortage

The ADAMHS Board of Tuscarawas and Carroll Counties was recently made aware by the Health Resources and Services Administration, a division of the United States Department of Health and Human Services, that it was successful in having the geographic boundaries of Tuscarawas and Carroll Counties recognized as Mental Health Professional Shortage Areas (MHPSA).

According to Gay Cox, President of the ADAMHS Board “Obtaining this designation was an important part of the ADAMHS Boards’ plan to recruit and retain qualified psychiatric professionals to serve the residents of Tuscarawas and Carroll Counties.”

This designation will enable licensed Psychiatrists, including child and adolescent, Clinical Psychologists, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners, Clinical Social Workers, Licensed Practicing Clinical Counselors and other mental health professionals to apply to the federal government for relief of their educational debt if they agree to work at mental health agencies within Tuscarawas and Carroll Counties. This program requires at least a two year commitment in direct clinical service on a full-time basis and existing employees are also eligible. Relief of educational expenses up to $50,000 is available for the first two years. If the individual agrees to stay on for a 3^rd or 4^th year, up to an additional $35,000 per year is available for a total of $120,000.

“It sounds strange to be excited about being recognized as having a shortage of something, but this designation should enable our mental health agencies to attract and retain much needed psychiatric professionals which are in short supply and difficult to sometimes retain in our region. We consistently hear from our agency administrators about the impact of staff turnover and a lack of access to individuals with advanced degrees and ultimately the problems it can create for our clients” says David Schaffer, Executive Director of the ADAMHS Board.

This classification was granted as a result of an application process initiated by the Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services Board (ADAMHS) Board of Tuscarawas and Carroll Counties in the fall of 2007. The ADAMHS Board worked closely with local agencies that serve mentally ill adults including Personal and Family Counseling Services, Community Mental Healthcare and Southeast Inc. Each of the agencies operates programs and services in Carroll and Tuscarawas Counties. The ADAMHS Board also worked in conjunction with the Ohio Department of Mental Health throughout the application process which also included data collection on the availability of Psychiatrists serving the two counties as well as the availability of psychiatric services provided in Canton due to it’s proximity to New Philadelphia, Dover and Carrollton.

Individuals interested in more information on the program are encouraged to contact the ADAMHS Board at 330-364-6488 or Geri Rousculp, Recruitment and Retention Coordinator at Ohio Department of Health at 614-644-8496. .

Application Information: Instructions Application Form