AAMFT Joins Lawsuit Challenging Federal Student Loan Rule

AAMFT Joins Lawsuit Challenging Federal Student Loan Rule That Threatens Mental Health Workforce Pipeline

The American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) has joined a lawsuit led by Democracy Forward challenging a new U.S. Department of Education rule that could significantly reduce the number of qualified mental health professionals entering the workforce, alongside the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP), National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (NAPNAP), American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health (ASPPH), and National Education Association (NEA).

The stakes are significant. More than one-third of Americans—over 130 million people—live in areas with a shortage of mental health professionals, and projections estimate a shortage of nearly 34,000 marriage and family therapists by 2038. At the same time, AAMFT data show that 96% of marriage and family therapy students rely on federal student loans to complete their graduate education, with more than half requiring between $20,500 and $50,000 per year.

At issue is the Department’s recently finalized Reimagining and Improving Student Education (RISE) rule, which redefines what constitutes a “professional degree” for federal student loan purposes. The rule excludes marriage and family therapy programs from that designation, limiting annual federal loan access for students to $20,500, compared to up to $50,000 for those classified as “professional” students.

“The proposed student loan caps place a significant barrier for current and future MFT students,” said Adrian J. Blow, PhD, President of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT). “This comes at a time when there is significant growth in the MFT field, coupled with a substantial need for an increased number of mental health professionals to treat mental health concerns in all parts of our society. There is in particular a need for more systemic therapists who can treat mental health concerns in their context, while also strengthening families and relationships. The opportunity to join this lawsuit allows us to take a stand for MFT training as well as for mental health treatment and prevention.”

Marriage and family therapists (MFTs) are licensed in all 50 states and the District of Columbia and play a critical role in diagnosing and treating mental and emotional disorders. However, limiting access to federal student loans threatens the pipeline of new providers entering the field.

“This issue extends beyond higher education and directly impacts access to mental healthcare in communities across the country,” said Christine Michaels, CEO of AAMFT. “At a time when Mental Health America reports there is only one mental health provider for every 350 individuals nationwide, additional financial barriers for future clinicians risk deepening workforce shortages and making it even harder for families and individuals to access timely care, particularly in rural and underserved communities.”

AAMFT previously submitted formal comments to the Department of Education outlining concerns that marriage and family therapy degrees meet the established definition of a “professional degree,” requiring advanced education, clinical training, and licensure in all states. The lawsuit argues that the Department’s revised definition is inconsistent with existing law and arbitrarily excludes qualified health professions.

The impact extends beyond the workforce pipeline. Marriage and family therapists are recognized providers across Medicare, Medicaid, and federal health systems, and a reduction in new clinicians entering the field could further strain access to care for older adults, military families, and underserved populations nationwide.

The rule is scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2026.

AAMFT will continue to advocate for policies that strengthen the mental health workforce and ensure individuals and families across the country can access the care they need.