Solutions for a Crisis: Behavioral Health Workforce Development
Behavioral health systems are facing historic pressure. The ripple effects of the pandemic, the opioid crisis, and broader societal challenges have converged, leaving frontline workers stretched thin and organizations struggling to recruit, train, and retain qualified staff.
At AHP, we understand these pressures because we’ve worked alongside systems nationwide to solve them. We bring proven strategies and deep expertise in behavioral health workforce development. We help clients design sustainable solutions that strengthen capacity, support staff, and meet the moment.
For over 35 years, Advocates for Human Potential, Inc. (AHP) has partnered with governments, nonprofits, and provider organizations to strengthen behavioral health, health care, and human services systems. Our team brings deep expertise in capacity building and workforce development—translating big-picture goals into practical, data-driven strategies. From expanding access to care to building talent pipelines, AHP leads with innovation, equity, and results.
Strengthening the Behavioral Health Workforce: Strategically and Sustainably
Through the Workforce Innovation Lab for Behavioral Health and Human Services (WIL), AHP helps organizations and systems build the behavioral health workforce they need—now and into the future. We deliver practical, data-informed solutions that support frontline staff, strengthen leadership, and create resilient pipelines of future professionals.
What We Offer
- Data-informed planning: Environmental scans, gap analyses, predictive analytics, and real-time workforce insights to guide strategy and investment
- Workforce retention and recruitment strategies: Training, technical assistance, and leadership development to boost staff engagement, reduce turnover, and onboard a more representative workforce
- Career pathways and competency-based frameworks: Tools to map career ladders, inform hiring and onboarding, and support professional growth
- Strategic partnership development: Support for cross-sector collaboration with educators, certifying entities, the public workforce system, peer networks, and community organizations
Meeting the Moment: Rebuilding a Sustainable Behavioral Health Workforce
A National Challenge
Across the country, behavioral health systems are grappling with an overwhelming demand for services—and a shrinking workforce to meet it. Recruitment is lagging, retention is faltering, and burnout is persisting. These pressures are compounded by longstanding issues: low compensation, limited advancement opportunities, and increasing administrative strain.
Why It Matters Now
The behavioral health workforce is not just understaffed; it’s undervalued and overstretched. As needs rise and systems adapt, many organizations are struggling to fill open roles, support their teams, and plan for the future. Without meaningful investment in people and infrastructure, the crisis will deepen.
A Path Forward
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution, but there are proven strategies that work. AHP partners with organizations, systems, and states to reimagine workforce development through equity, innovation, and sustainability. Together, we can rebuild a workforce that reflects the communities it serves and is prepared for what’s ahead.
The time to act is now—and AHP is here to help you lead the way.
Learn More
- Discover our WIL
- Learn about our workforce development projects
About Us
Advocates for Human Potential, Inc. (AHP) creates powerful solutions to improve health and human services systems. By partnering with the federal government, states, municipalities, healthcare systems, and nonprofits, we help people experiencing the greatest disadvantages lead full and productive lives. We are national leaders in training and technical assistance, research and evaluation, publishing, and dedicated consulting. On issues from workforce development to mental health, substance use disorders to housing and homelessness, we help our clients enhance behavioral health care through systems change. AHP was founded nearly 40 years ago to develop solutions for some of the biggest social infrastructure challenges across the nation. Our company has offices in metro Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, Phoenix, and Tampa. Find out more at www.ahpnet.com.
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