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Expanding timely access to mental health (MH) and substance use disorder (SUD) care, investing in the behavioral health workforce and expanding the availability of services across the crisis continuum, are just a few highlights of a report on Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHCs) released June 4 by the National Council for Mental Wellbeing (National Council). The new report coincided with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' (HHS) announcement to add 10 states to the CCBHC Medicaid Demonstration Program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The family‐focused efforts of the California state operation of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI California) have received a major boost from integrated health care company Kaiser Permanente. A $2.3 million grant from Kaiser Permanente will allow NAMI California to extend its family programming and advocacy training activities into parts of the state that have not had a local affiliate or any full‐time staff presence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

San Diego County, California is by no means unique in its need to attract thousands of new professionals to its behavioral health workforce, but a comprehensive report released this month offers a close look at the enormity of the task it and other communities are facing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The landscape for the mental health workforce has changed considerably over the past decade with parity and health care reform. And with COVID‐19, it continues to evolve, with program closures, canceled appointments and lost jobs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Not only is keeping staff engaged and committed to their work the mark of good leadership and supervision, but successful workforce management becomes even more critical during a time of staff shortages and a changing work environment, say leaders of an executive seminar hosted last month by the New York Association of Psychiatric Rehabilitation Services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With an eye toward building the child and adolescent mental health workforce, a Pennsylvania lawmaker has introduced two bills that would address the state's mental health workforce shortage. While one bill focuses on the recruitment side, the other addresses retention by offering a lottery with the chance for providers to win a $5,000 bonus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amid increased demand for mental health services and workforce shortages, the CEO of a rural Kansas‐based community mental health center (CMHC), said they have reason to be encouraged about addressing the challenges. Pawnee Mental Health Services in Manhattan, Kansas, recently received a provisional certification for the CMHC to become a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reports that California and New York have committed to statewide expansions of the mental health and behavioral health peer-run workforce, as peers have considered a part of the intervention, treatment and recovery process for individuals with mental health conditions and substance use disorders. It mentions that New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH) is providing one-time targeted investments to recruit peer specialists and advocates providing services in OMH licensed.

The article provides information on the National Council for Behavioral Health workshop including requirments of baby boomers. Topics discussed include integration of behavioral health and urban communities; telemedicine in the communication system and mental health care; and regulations in telecommuting policy.

Noticing a lack of providers and community partners and the need for integrated service access for individuals with behavioral health needs, Montana health care leaders embarked on an initiative with the goal to improve chronic conditions and reduce health care spending. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In an interview earlier this month with Mental Health Weekly, Linda Rosenberg, president and CEO of the National Council for Behavioral Health, who is departing her position June 1 after 15 years, reflected on the National Council's achievements and priorities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reports on the decision of Alaska to rely less on recruiting talent from other states. It reveals that its workforce development efforts have extended from secondary schools to advanced-degree recipients. Moreover, it is noted that the effort could take at least a decade to attain the desired results.

The article provides information on recruitment and retention concerns of rural medical health workers and government perspectives. Topics discussed include release of report entitled "Rural Mental Health Professionals" released by Ball State University; promotion in workforce recruitment; and innovative methods.

The article reports on the expected increase in hiring people with disabilities with the updated plan of the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). Jennifer Mathis of the Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law said greater involvement of people with psychiatric disabilities in the workforce does not only support their ability to meet their needs, but it is also vital to their recovery as it gives them a sense of purpose.