The report informed legislative action and supported workforce strategies tailored to meet both current and future needs. Using a systematic, inclusive approach, OPLR combined national and state data with a survey of all licensees to produce a comprehensive behavioral health field-level report. Tracking key program metrics and sharing aggregated, de-identified data to support program implementation. Conditional grants students must remain in good academic standing with their program and participate in WDI-related trainings/meetings. Marcy is extremely passionate about advancing health equity and reducing disparities and disproportionality; this has been a culmination of her life’s work in various clinical, organizational and systems settings.
New Behavioral Health Workforce Center announced
This report describes a service-learning program that is successfully attracting new graduates with bachelor’s degrees and culturally diverse professionals into the behavioral health workforce. Massachusetts Delivery System Reform Incentive Payment (DSRIP) ProgramAHP helped build and train the behavioral health workforce for accountable care organizations, with a focus on new roles, competencies, and performance strategies. Behavioral Health Workforce Development (BHWD)—CaliforniaA This is a statewide initiative to expand and diversify the behavioral health workforce, with a focus on equity, infrastructure, and peer-based pathways.
As Senior Learning Specialist at The Jewish Board, she oversees the Social Work Residency Program, managing curriculum development, training, and integrating evidence-based practices in outpatient mental health settings across New York City. Dr. Teresa Garate is an experienced and innovative leader with over 35 years of experience leading systems change, innovation and growth in the complex environments of public health, healthcare, public education, higher education and government. The Accelerator is expanding access to mental health and substance use care by increasing the number of licensed clinicians available to serve clients. Leveraging the field’s leading health experts, the National Council leads the design and delivery of capacity-building research, resources and tools to advance workforce development nationally, and advocates for policies at the federal and local levels. BHWCs provide a strategic and scalable approach to understand and address critical state-specific behavioral health workforce needs.
Rather than existing in isolation, behavioral health professionals thrive when they engage in synergistic relationships with other stakeholders. By investing in training, mentorship, self-care, and recognition, organizations can build a resilient workforce that thrives in the face of challenges. For instance, workshops on trauma-informed care, motivational interviewing, and crisis intervention can empower professionals to provide high-quality services. By implementing evidence-based strategies and fostering a supportive environment, professionals can continue providing high-quality care while safeguarding their own well-being.
Innovative Training Programs
- In summary, supporting career advancement and professional growth in behavioral health requires a multifaceted approach.
- Scholars and prospective scholars—please direct all questions and concerns to
- He has been a member of two National Academy of Medicine (IOM) Committees that addressed workforce issues and Chaired the Behavioral Health Professional and Technical Advisory Committee of The Joint Commission.
Governor JB Pritzker along with state and local officials celebrated the launch of a new Behavioral Health Workforce Center, which will increase Illinois’ capacity to recruit, educate, and retain behavioral health professionals. “The Behavioral Health Workforce Center will help increase the number of behavioral health professionals in Illinois at a crucial time, as we are still grappling with the impacts of the pandemic,” said IBHE Executive Director Ginger Ostro. “Our healthcare infrastructure has been strained by budget challenges and global health emergencies, and while How Right Now: Mental Health Resources I know that there is a lot more work to be done to completely rebuild our capacity, this is a great step in the right direction.” ‘’When it comes to mental health and wellness, we are at an inflection point of both need and willingness to seek support,” said State Representative Lindsey LaPointe (D-Chicago). “As the Chair of the Behavioral and Mental Health Committee in the Senate, I understand the incredible input behavioral health specialists have on improving the mental health and well-being of so many Illinoisians,” said State Senator Laura Fine (D-Glenview).
Policy Recommendations for Coordinated and Sustainable Growth of the Behavioral Health Workforce
The management category describes peer support workers becoming peer specialists, leads, or supervisors within their organization. Unfortunately, data is lacking about the demographic composition of the peer support workforce, so whether the workforce is representative of populations served is unknown. The vast majority of recruiting for peer support workers is informal, largely through word of mouth. For example, MassHealth⁶ only began to reimburse for peer support services in 2018. Historically, peer support roles were funded through a combination of federal, state and philanthropic grants.⁴ As of 2018, thirty-nine states allowed Medicaid billing for any type of peer support services.