How can Ohio strengthen the behavioral health workforce?

The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated issues with mental illness and behavioral health in communities across Ohio, especially among youth and people with substance use disorders. Occupations that support diagnosis and treatment of behavioral health conditions, including social workers and counselors, are among the most in-demand in Ohio. Analyses from the Ohio Council of Behavioral Healthcare Providers project that current demands on the behavioral healthcare workforce are not sustainable. Governor DeWine’s recent announcement of using $85 million of federal pandemic relief funds to support training for behavioral healthcare providers will certainly help build the workforce, yet additional policy solutions could also be beneficial.

This month’s issue brief provides further insight into the need for more counselors and social workers, highlights the existing contributions of AICUO members, and suggests further policy interventions that could strengthen the behavioral health workforce pipeline.