Providers warn RISE rule may deepen mental health workforce shortages

Behavioral health providers and social work organizations are raising concerns about an updated federal student loan rule, known as RISE (Reimagining and Improving Student Education), saying it could restrict loan access for future clinicians by narrowing degree eligibility. They warn the Department of Education changes could worsen workforce shortages and limit access to care, as the rule restructures how “professional degrees” are defined and treated for borrowing purposes.