Developing the Behavioral Health Workforce: Lessons from the States

Recent demands for increased care for people with behavioral health problems often miss the severe shortage of skilled workers in the field. For many years, researchers, clinical administrators and policy makers have been calling for curricula revision at professional schools, increased financial incentives for employee recruitment and retention, increased reimbursement rates, and greater attention to diversity within the health care workforce. States have created special task forces and commissions to make recommendations for improving this essential element of access to behavioral health care. A review of their findings shows a remarkable similarity of recommendations and a clear path forward.