Behavioral Health Relocation Incentive
Expanding Access to Behavioral Health Services in Rural Oklahoma
The Oklahoma Health Care Workforce Training Commission (HWTC) is proud to offer the Rural Health Transformation Behavioral Health Relocation Incentive to support licensed behavioral health providers who are willing to relocate and practice in eligible rural Oklahoma communities.
This program is designed to strengthen Oklahoma’s behavioral health workforce and improve access to care in underserved rural communities across the state through a five-year service commitment. To meet program requirements, participants must complete their fifth and final year of service no later than August 31, 2032.
Program Overview
Eligible behavioral health providers may receive up to:
$250,000 Relocation Incentive
Funding is provided in exchange for a five-year full-time service commitment in an approved rural Oklahoma community.
The program is funded through the Oklahoma Rural Health Transformation initiative and administered by the Oklahoma Health Care Workforce Training Commission.
Eligible Providers
The following licensed behavioral health professionals may apply:
- Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW / CCSW)
- Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFT)
- Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC)
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners (PMHNP) / Psych APRN
- Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselors (LADC)
- Clinical Psychologists
- Psychiatrists
- Psych D Professionals
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must:
- Hold current Oklahoma professional license
- Relocate to practice and reside in a qualifying rural Oklahoma community - (populations of 55,000 or less; excludes towns in Tulsa & OK Counties)
- Practice full-time
- Commit to a five-year service obligation
Incentive Payment Schedule
Participants may receive incentive payments according to the following schedule:
| Service Anniversary | Incentive Amount |
|---|---|
| After 1st Year | $50,000 |
| After 2nd Year | $50,000 |
| After 3rd Year | $50,000 |
| After 4th Year | $50,000 |
| After 5th Year | $50,000 |
All funds are subject to applicable taxes and reporting requirements.
Why Practice in Rural Oklahoma?
Rural Oklahoma communities face significant shortages in behavioral health services. By participating in this program, providers can:
- Make a lasting impact in underserved communities
- Expand access to critical behavioral health services
- Build strong relationships within rural communities
- Receive substantial financial support while serving Oklahoma families
- Support statewide rural health transformation efforts
How to Apply
Rural Health Transformation Behavioral Health Relocation Incentive applications are currently being accepted.
Interested providers should prepare:
- Current Oklahoma professional license
- Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Practice and relocation information
- Additional documentation as requested by HWTC
For Program Details:
Health Care Workforce Training Commission
119 North Robinson Avenue
Suite 225
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73102-4603
(405) 604-0020
This publication is supported by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $223,476,948.62 with 100 percent funded by CMS/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by CMS/HHS, or the U.S. Government.
