Transforming Behavioral Health Workforce Development
In response to the ongoing crises in mental health and substance use disorders, AHP leverages its Workforce Innovation Lab for Behavioral Health and Human Services (WIL) to address critical workforce challenges. Using a data-driven approach, WIL collaborates with stakeholders to foster strategic partnerships, assess and implement more effective retention and recruitment strategies, and build a more sustainable and qualified behavioral health workforce pipeline.
The new challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic have brought to the forefront the long-standing shortage of behavioral health professionals and paraprofessionals nationwide, especially for those qualified to provide substance use disorder (SUD) treatment and services.
CHALLENGE
The new challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic have brought to the forefront the long-standing shortage of behavioral health professionals and paraprofessionals nationwide, especially for those qualified to provide substance use disorder (SUD) treatment and services.
SOLUTION
AHP’s Workforce Innovation Lab adopts a multilevel approach to workforce development, focusing on five key strategies:
- Expanding behavioral health workforce pipelines
- Recruiting for diversity and training toward inclusion
- Developing provider capacity
- Enhancing employee engagement, well-being, and productivity
- Designing systems change for improved outcomes
RESULTS
WIL’s initiatives have yielded impactful outcomes through key projects:
- Behavioral Health Workforce Development (BHWD): Mitigate the workforce crisis by expanding the peer-run BH workforce and centralizing resources.
- California Roadmap for BH Workforce Development: Identify actionable strategies to augment infrastructure, scopes of practice, and training to bolster workforce capabilities.
- Iroquois Health Association Mental Health and Well-Being Digital Toolkit: Develop a resource to enable individuals to assess and address their mental health needs.
- Pierce County Human Services Behavioral Health Workforce Report: Outline current challenges and prioritize steps to grow a comprehensive behavioral health workforce.
- Massachusetts Delivery System Reform Incentive Payment Program (MA DSRIP): Design programming and resources to build, train, and retain their workforce.
- Massachusetts Access to Recovery (ATR): Offer innovative job training and recovery support services for individuals with SUDs.
WIL continues to lead in behavioral health workforce development, fostering a thriving and qualified workforce to meet the evolving needs of individuals and communities. Through data-driven strategies, collaborative partnerships, and targeted interventions, WIL paves the way for a sustainable and resilient BH workforce.
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, and Los Angeles. Find out more at www.ahpnet.com.
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