Workforce Development Harborview Behavioral Health Institute

Addressing the behavioral health workforce shortage requires a multi-faceted approach that goes beyond increasing the number of clinicians. As states have continued to expand mental health crisis systems following the launch of 988 and the enhanced Medicaid match opportunity for mobile crisis services, states have implemented strategies to further integrate peers into crisis response systems. Additionally, a variety of technological tools How Right Now: Mental Health Resources can support healthcare delivery and planning at all levels, including within state government.

Adjunct Clinical Associate Professor

These insights provide ideas for states to modernize workforce strategies and enhance access to high-quality behavioral health care. Additionally, over 13 states have established workforce centers at academic institutions to enhance their understanding of and capacity to develop the behavioral health workforce. Data-driven insights are critical for informing policy decisions and investments in the behavioral health workforce. Successfully advancing workforce development strategies to improve supply, distribution and allocation requires collaboration among key partners in the behavioral health ecosystem.

Policy Recommendations for Coordinated and Sustainable Growth of the Behavioral Health Workforce

This complements the DBHDS services authority to hire rehabilitated peer recovery specialists with prior convictions related to substance use or mental illness. The state has implemented a robust two-tiered reimbursement system for standard-level peer specialists, offering additional compensation to those with bachelor’s degrees, promoting retention through aligning market-based compensation with education level. Florida’s Center for Behavioral Health Workforce has taken a three-pronged approach to enhance workforce training that includes the New Training, Education, and Clinicals in Health (TEACH) Funding Program.

• This effort aims to bridge workforce gaps and includes outreach to providers in Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSA).
• In the current system, people struggle to access the care they need.
• “For far too long, people with behavioral and mental health struggles have been left without proper care – in large part because of the ongoing workforce shortage,” said State Senator Mary Edly-Allen (D-Libertyville).
• “As a strong proponent of both workforce development and behavioral healthcare, I am thrilled about the unveiling of the new Behavioral Health Workforce Center,” said State Representative Maurice West (D-Rockford).
• Telehealth, data analytics, and virtual training platforms enhance accessibility and efficiency.

A case in point is a state government collaborating with a private telehealth provider to extend mental health services to rural and underserved areas. This exemplifies how collaborative efforts can result in innovative solutions that propel workforce development forward. For instance, a university might partner with local health services to provide internships, giving students hands-on experience while filling gaps in the workforce. In the realm of behavioral health, the synergy between various stakeholders is not just beneficial but essential for the evolution and enhancement of the workforce.

Attending a peer support group allowed her to share her feelings and learn coping strategies from colleagues. In the demanding field of behavioral health, professionals face unique challenges that can lead to burnout and compassion fatigue. In summary, promoting workforce resilience in behavioral health settings requires a multifaceted approach.

A key aspect of loan repayment is to alleviate the financial burden for individuals entering or continuing education in the targeted workforce. A variety of service delivery models can create more access and engage a high-quality workforce in delivering evidence-based practices through additional reimbursement flexibilities. Effective July 1, 2024, all participating providers received at least a base rate of $750 per member per month for each member served, promoting the sustainability of services and encouraging provider participation. The shift provided increased administrative and billing flexibility to providers so they can better meet the needs of individuals, while simultaneously promoting accountability for quality of care by tying a portion of payments to performance. Building on a $230 million investment in the FY 2022–2023 biennium budget, the Maine Department of Health and Human Services made a behavioral health investment of $237 million, including significant rate increases through MaineCare, the state’s Medicaid program, as part of Maine’s rate reform system developed in partnership with the legislature and partners.

Regular mindfulness sessions, access to counseling services, and stress management workshops promote well-being. Develop campaigns to raise awareness about mental health and reduce stigma. Additionally, invest in ongoing training and certifications to keep professionals engaged.