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Background
The Pathways Behavioral Health Education Award Initiative was established in 2026 to address the growing demand for behavioral health professionals across Tennessee’s 89 rural counties. This initiative is designed to strengthen Tennessee’s public behavioral health workforce by supporting students who are committed to careers in substance use disorder treatment and mental health services.
The Tennessee Association of Alcohol, Drug & other Addiction Services (TAADAS) and the Tennessee Association of Mental Health Organizations (TAMHO) partner with providers and educational institutions across the state to address workforce shortages and expand access to high-quality care. Through this education award, eligible students may receive financial assistance while preparing to serve individuals, families, and communities impacted by substance use and co-occurring mental health disorders.
The Pathways Behavioral Health Education Award Initiative is jointly administered by the TAADAS and TAMHO.
Who Should Apply
Applicants are encouraged to apply if they:
- Are currently enrolled in or applying to an approved behavioral health or related academic program.
- Have a demonstrated interest in substance use disorder treatment and recovery services, and/or mental health treatment and supports.
- Are committed to supporting Tennessee’s behavioral health system.
- Are willing to commit to working for five (5) years at a qualifying rural healthcare agency that serves Tennesseans with the greatest needs and least ability to pay.
What to Expect
Applicants will:
- Review eligibility requirements.
- Complete and submit the application and supporting materials.
- Participate in the selection process if selected for further consideration.
- Commit to working at a TDMHSAS funded rural healthcare agency upon graduation.
Please review all sections, including the list of eligible work sites, carefully before submitting your application.
This Pathways Behavioral Health Education Award Initiative 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 BP1-$915,558, BP2-$1,253,012 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.
Education Award recipients must:
- Be United States Citizen (or otherwise lawfully present in the United States) and a Tennessee resident seeking a master's degree in counseling, psychiatric nursing, social work, psychology, or similar behavioral health profession.
- Demonstrate a commitment to work within Tennessee’s behavioral health system upon completion of academic training.
- Be enrolled or enrolling in an accredited higher education institution in Tennessee.
- Remain in good academic standing throughout participation in the program.
- Commit to working at a Rural Healthcare Agency agency upon graduation.
- Education Awards are provided for tuition costs (books not included) of up to $7,500 per academic semester and up to $15,000 per academic year. Students can be part-time or full-time. The maximum award amount is $30,000 over a two-year period.
- In exchange for tuition assistance, recipients will commit to working five (5) years at a qualifying Rural Healthcare Agency that serves Tennesseans with the greatest needs and the least ability to pay.*
*These agencies must be listed on the attached graphic here.
Applicants can expect to hear back from program administrators within three weeks. Education Awards are not guaranteed to applicants.
Required Application Materials
Applicants must submit:
- A completed application form
- Proof of United States citizenship
- Proof of Tennessee residency
Important Information
• Applications must be complete to be considered
• Submission does not guarantee acceptance into the program
• Additional documentation or interviews may be required during the review process
For more information, contact us at ruralhealth@taadas.org or tamho@tamho.org
Process
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1. Register
Click the "Register" link and complete and submit the registration form.
2. Login
Login with your email and password.
3. Create
Create your online application.
4. Save
During the Call for Applications period, your application can be saved as DRAFT until all the required information is completed and attachments uploaded. As each section is complete, you will see a 
appear in the category tab when the application is saved. At any time, you can download and print your application by clicking on the 
icon in the Application Summary section.
5. Submit
Submit a fully completed application form with all required information and documents. Ensure the following materials are included:
- Proof of United States citizenship.
- Proof of Tennessee residency.
Incomplete applications may not be reviewed.
6. Application Review
TAADAS and TAMHO will review applications based on eligibility, completeness, and alignment with program goals. Qualified applicants may be contacted for additional information.
7. Notification of Award
Selected applicants will receive official notification with next steps, including any program agreements or requirements.
8. Program Participation
Award recipients are expected to:
- Maintain enrollment
- Comply with program guidelines
- Participate in any required program activities
Do I have to be a US Citizen to receive this education award?
Yes, you must be a US Citizen (or otherwise lawfully present in the United States) AND a resident of Tennessee to receive this education award.
If I have already applied for the Pathways education award and received assistance, do I need to reapply for each semester?
No. Once you have applied, received a confirmation number and received financial assistance, you do not have to reapply. You will continue to submit invoices each semester for review and approval.
How much may I receive?
Recipients are eligible for up to $30,000 maximum in Tuition Assistance over two academic years, not to exceed $15,000 per academic year. Any Tuition Assistance shall be disbursed as a lump sum directly to the Recipient’s college or university upon receipt of a tuition invoice.
If I receive other financial assistance, may I still apply?
Yes, this education award is intended to complement any other award or grant funding. Recipients may not receive a Pathways Behavioral Health Education Award from both administrators, Tennessee Association of Alcohol, Drug and other Addiction Services (TAADAS) and Tennessee Association of Mental Health Organizations (TAMHO).
What information is required to apply?
At minimum –
- -A government-issued state ID, U.S. passport or copy of your completed Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FASFA).
- -Proof of Tennessee residency (i.e., utility bill, lease, etc.). -Social Security Number
- -Proof of acceptance to an accredited college or university in Tennessee or serving Tennessee students.
- -Evidence of enrollment in an eligible behavioral health master’s degree program.
- -A tuition invoice and class schedule for the semester(s) for which you’re requesting the education award.
What master’s degree programs are eligible for the education award?
Eligible programs are master’s degree programs in behavioral health fields that directly prepare graduates to serve Tennessee’s public behavioral health system and may lead toward clinical licensure or certification. Examples include counseling, psychiatric nursing, social work, clinical psychology, and closely related clinical behavioral health programs. Programs that do not prepare graduates for behavioral health practice or clinical licensure are not eligible. Bachelor’s, post-graduate degrees, and certificate programs do not qualify for the education award.
I applied for an education award. What’s next?
The education award administrators will review your application. A TAADAS or TAMHO administrator will contact you if additional information is required. Please be informed that official award letters are only provided via email from TAMHO or TAADAS. Submitting an application or follow-up documentation does not guarantee an award. If approved, tuition assistance is paid directly to your college or university.
I received an education award. What’s next?
If you’re planning to request tuition assistance for more than one term, remember to submit your class enrollment, tuition invoice and class schedule when you register each semester. Ongoing tuition assistance is not automatically disbursed to your school. Funds are allocated based on tuition. An education award administrator will review your submission and notify you of ongoing approval via email. Please allow up to 90 days for processing. Due to this delay, approved applicants may want to consider another payment method for each semester in order to keep your academic account current. You will be reimbursed by your school once they receive the tuition assistance from the Pathways BH Education Award.
How long is the post-graduate employment obligation?
You must commit to a minimum of five (5) years of full-time employment at a State Grant-Contracted Treatment Agency — an agency contracted with TDMHSAS that is also a TAMHO or TAADAS member — located in a Rural Community. This five-year Commitment Period begins after you complete your graduate program or, if applicable, once you become eligible for employment (such as by obtaining licensure).
Internship time does not apply toward the post-graduate employment commitment, and previous employment time cannot be retroactively applied. Work must be completed at a qualifying organization in a rural community post-graduation. Eligible employers are TDMHSAS funded treatment agencies and a TAADAS and/or TAMHO member. A list of approved employers can be found on their respective websites.
What is defined as a “Rural Community” for this Initiative?
For purposes of this initiative, every Tennessee county is considered a Rural Community except Madison, Shelby, Knox, Davidson, Hamilton, and Sullivan counties.
Do I have to work for the same employer for the entire 5 year service commitment?
No. You may fulfill your five-year service commitment with more than one employer, as long as each employer is an eligible provider located in a rural Tennessee community. An education award administrator must be notified of any change in employment status as soon as possible.
What happens if I cannot finish my school or work requirement?
The purpose of the Tennessee Behavioral Health Education Award is to increase the number of highly qualified mental health professionals working in rural Tennessee community organizations. Recipients who do not complete their degree program or employment commitment are required to repay their education award. TDMHSAS, TAMHO and TAADAS reserve the right to collect all payments in full.
Will I have to maintain a certain GPA to receive the Education Award?
Continued enrollment in your master’s program is sufficient evidence of progress toward your degree and subsequent tuition assistance. Recipients are required to provide evidence of enrollment each semester and the corresponding tuition invoice.
How do I contact the education award administrators?
The program administrators may be reached at ruralhealth@taadas.org or tamho@tamho.org.
Key Dates
Contact Us
Contact Us
If your application is being managed by TAADAS, please use the below contact information:1321 Murfreesboro Pike #155
Nashville, TN 37217 United States
Phone: 615-780-5901
Email: ruralhealth@taadas.org
