Behavioral Health Workforce Development
The 2019 Understanding Houston report found that in the area comprising Harris, Fort Bend and Montgomery counties, the mental health provider to resident ratio is just 1:988, well below the national average. The situation is even more dire across the state, with Williamson County being the lone Texas county without a full or partial MHPSA designation as of January 2021 (Rural Health Information Hub, 2021). In addition to the overall shortage, the homogeneity of providers also is a significant issue of concern. While research shows that a diverse health care workforce can improve health care access, satisfaction and communication for patients of color, the behavioral health workforce remains overwhelmingly White.
In order to address these issues, NBHP’s Behavioral Health Workforce, Recruitment, Education and Development Initiative (WREDI) will work to ensure we have a qualified, linguistically- and culturally-competent behavioral health workforce that is equipped to meet the growing mental and emotional needs of our region’s residents. Kicking off in the Fall of 2021, the key components of the initiative include:
In order to address these issues, NBHP’s Behavioral Health Workforce, Recruitment, Education and Development Initiative (WREDI) will work to ensure we have a qualified, linguistically- and culturally-competent behavioral health workforce that is equipped to meet the growing mental and emotional needs of our region’s residents. Kicking off in the Fall of 2021, the key components of the initiative include:
- Providing educational presentations to high school students to increase exposure to and knowledge of the behavioral health field;
- Coordinating externships for high school students who demonstrate an interest in behavioral health;
- Securing internship placements and providing scholarships for postsecondary students enrolled in a behavioral health program of study;
- Convening postsecondary behavioral health programs to discuss curriculum and student recruitment efforts; and
- Providing culturally relevant continuing education and development opportunities for those currently practicing in the behavioral health field.
Network of Behavioral Health Providers
9401 Southwest Freeway
Houston, TX 77074
Phone: 713-970-3410
9401 Southwest Freeway
Houston, TX 77074
Phone: 713-970-3410