Developing the Mental Health Workforce Through Bachelor's Programs
This CMHIS learning session explores strategies for addressing behavioral health workforce shortages by integrating individuals with bachelor’s degrees into mental health service delivery, using Washington State’s Behavioral Health Support Specialist (BHSS) role as a practical example. Participants learn about workforce development policies, competency-based training approaches, credentialing considerations, and how BHSS-aligned curricula can be embedded in four-year degree programs to expand access to care and strengthen the behavioral health workforce.