SPRINGFIELD – With an underrepresentation of BIPOC mental health providers in Illinois, State Senator Javier Cervantes led legislation through committee to encourage students of color to enter this important field by establishing a scholarship program.

“If you do not feel comfortable to open up and be vulnerable in therapy, you will not be able to make much progress—and many people do not feel comfortable explaining their struggles to someone outside of their racial or cultural background,” said Cervantes (D-Chicago). “This bill is all about reducing the barriers for people of color to access and benefit from mental health care.”

According to surveys conducted by the Behavioral Health Workforce Center, there is a drastic underrepresentation of people of color in Illinois' mental health workforce. Additionally, nearly 75% of providers offered services exclusively in English. This negatively affects mental health outcomes of people of color by deterring them from seeking service out of fear or previous experiences with a provider not being able to offer the most helpful coping strategies, as they do not fully understand their lived experiences and root causes of trauma. Barriers in understanding due to language or cultural background can also cause issues in effectiveness of treatment.

Senate Bill 1322 would require the Illinois Student Assistance Commission to create the Mental Health Professional Career Scholarship program, which would award scholarships to students pursuing a career as a mental health professional in Illinois. The scholarship would be open to all students, but give preference to applicants from various minority groups.

“This legislation will support more diversity in this essential workforce, and expand treatment options to be more culturally competent,” said Cervantes. “It is natural that people feel more comfortable working with someone with their same racial background when seeking this type of care.”

Senate Bill 1322 passed the Senate Higher Education committee Wednesday.