Cenla MENTAL HEALTH WORKFORCE ACCELERATOR PROGRAM

The Challenge

Over 50 million people in the U.S. — about 1 in 7 — experience mental illness, yet there is only one (1) mental health provider for every 350 individuals. HRSA Bureau of Health Workforce reports that Louisiana has 171 Mental Health Professional Shortage Areas (Mental HPSAs), including 34 designated HPSA Agencies found in Central Louisiana, The Rapides Foundation’s nine-parish service area.

Despite earning advanced degrees, 54% of master’s-level graduates never achieve licensure due to financial, regulatory, and time barriers, disproportionately impacting underrepresented groups (Motivo 2025).

The Solution

The Cenla Mental Health Workforce Accelerator Program Grant funded by The Rapides Foundation and in consultation with the National Council for Mental Wellbeing, will help bridge the gap between degrees and licensure by providing:

• Salary Support to the placement sites up to $40,000 per candidate for 30 Social Workers and/or Counselors obtaining licensure.
• Supervision support for clinical licensure as needed.
• Access to licensing exam study resources, licensure application reimbursement, and LPC/LCSW mentors.
• Clinical roles in community settings in Central Louisiana parishes: Natchitoches, Winn, Grant, Catahoula, LaSalle, Rapides, Avoyelles, Vernon, and Allen parishes

By removing obstacles and providing relevant support, we will increase the number of fully licensed professionals in Central Louisiana by 2029!

Program Goals

1. Increase the percentage of master’s degree social workers and counselors who become licensed and practice in Central Louisiana.
2. Increase the number of clients served by licensed master’s level social workers and counselors in Central Louisiana.

Mental Health Professionals Get Involved

• Eligibility: Master’s-level mental health professionals with less than 600 clinical hours toward licensure.

• LPC Track: Must have completed PLPC Application Section 1, Academic Background.
• LCSW Track: Must have LMSW status (passed the ASWB Masters examination and background check).

• Timeline: Our first Post Master’s Cohort begins in Spring of 2026. The next two cohorts begin in Summer 2026 and Summer 2027 respectively.
• Funding support: Licensure exam test prep & exam fees, supervision if not provided in the agency, mentorship, and professional development opportunities.
• Cenla Mental Health Workforce Accelerator Program Candidate Application – Fill out form

Placement Sites Get Involved 

Sites that provide mental health services across Central Louisiana can apply to host candidates for Spring 2026 and future cohorts which will be announced at a later date.

Participating sites employ full-time program candidates who hold a master’s degree and are pursuing clinical licensure in counseling or social work. These positions can be newly created or fill existing vacancies, enabling candidates to gain the necessary clinical experience while serving communities in need.

• Funding Support: Sites receive direct funding to offset portions of salary
• Enhanced Workforce Capacity: Candidates are supported through resources, mentorship, and professional development opportunities.
• Cenla Mental Health Workforce Accelerator Program Site Application – Fill out form

Why it Matters

HRSA Bureau of Health Workforce reported that nearly 1-in-5 Louisiana adults with symptoms of anxiety or depression reported needing mental health treatment in the last month but not receiving it. The groups that are at the highest risk for unmet need are the uninsured, underinsured, and/or people of color.