New research from the National Council for Mental Wellbeing shows that 83% of the behavioral health workforce believes providers will not be able to meet the demand for mental health or substance use treatment and care. The industry is also expected to reach a shortage of 31,000 workers by 2025. As we enter Mental Health Awareness Month, Governors are leading the way in tackling this workforce shortage to improve the resilience of healthcare systems and increase the number of people who can access critical care.
State Agency Coordination
Governors are driving coordination across state agencies by convening task forces to develop and implement strategies to expand their states’ behavioral health workforce. These groups leverage agencies dedicated to health, workforce development, human services, K-12 and postsecondary education – along with economic development officials – who in turn engage their respective stakeholder groups. For example, Idaho Governor Brad Little established the interagency Idaho Behavioral Health Council to create a strategic plan for the state’s behavioral health system, including a behavioral health workforce plan.
Training Pathways
Governors are also investing in…
