Behavioral Health Workforce Development
A recent 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 November 2022 (Rural Health Information Hub, 2022). In addition to the overall shortage, the homogeneity of providers also is a significant issue of concern. In addition, while research shows that a diverse health care workforce can improve access, satisfaction, and communication for patients of color, ethnic minorities remain significantly underrepresented in behavioral health professions.
In order to address these issues, NBHP’s Behavioral Health Workforce, Recruitment, Education and Development Initiative (WREDI) works 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. The key components of the program include (links):
In order to address these issues, NBHP’s Behavioral Health Workforce, Recruitment, Education and Development Initiative (WREDI) works 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. The key components of the program include (links):
- Providing educational presentations to high school and college students to increase exposure to and knowledge of the behavioral health field;
- Coordinating externships for high school and college students who demonstrate an interest in behavioral health;
- Providing scholarships for postsecondary students enrolled in a behavioral health program of study;
- Hosting a quarterly behavioral health roundtable discussion for behavioral health professionals and educations to convene to improve education and employment;
MEET THE PROGRAM MANAGER
Sydney Carter is the newly selected WREDI Program Manager at NBHP, as of March 2025.
Sydney Carter served the Network of Behavioral Health Providers (NBHP) as the Policy Program & Special Projects Manager until March 2025, during which her duties included assisting with the WREDI Program at half capacity. Immediately prior, she served as the Program & Policy Coordinator for NBHP.
Prior to joining NBHP in July 2020 as The Hogg Foundation for Mental Health, Mental Health Policy Fellow, Sydney completed her Master of Public Health program at The University of Texas (UTHealth) Health Science Center at Houston, School of Public Health, with a focus in Healthcare Management. Before that, she graduated from the University of Cincinnati with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree with a focus in Operations Management and a minor in Health Education.
Sydney has work experience in varying sectors, including: mental health and substance use, policy & legislative advocacy, cancer care, corporate wellness, information technology, business, education, and general fitness. Sydney is a passionate advocate for mental health and substance use access and policy change, especially in Texas, and also is a lifelong advocate for animal welfare in her personal life. In her free time, she enjoys volunteering at the Houston SPCA, reading, exercising, traveling, being outdoors, and spending time with family, friends, and her 4-year-old-dog-who-is-still-a-puppy, Theo.
Sydney Carter is the newly selected WREDI Program Manager at NBHP, as of March 2025.
Sydney Carter served the Network of Behavioral Health Providers (NBHP) as the Policy Program & Special Projects Manager until March 2025, during which her duties included assisting with the WREDI Program at half capacity. Immediately prior, she served as the Program & Policy Coordinator for NBHP.
Prior to joining NBHP in July 2020 as The Hogg Foundation for Mental Health, Mental Health Policy Fellow, Sydney completed her Master of Public Health program at The University of Texas (UTHealth) Health Science Center at Houston, School of Public Health, with a focus in Healthcare Management. Before that, she graduated from the University of Cincinnati with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree with a focus in Operations Management and a minor in Health Education.
Sydney has work experience in varying sectors, including: mental health and substance use, policy & legislative advocacy, cancer care, corporate wellness, information technology, business, education, and general fitness. Sydney is a passionate advocate for mental health and substance use access and policy change, especially in Texas, and also is a lifelong advocate for animal welfare in her personal life. In her free time, she enjoys volunteering at the Houston SPCA, reading, exercising, traveling, being outdoors, and spending time with family, friends, and her 4-year-old-dog-who-is-still-a-puppy, Theo.
Network of Behavioral Health Providers
9401 Southwest Freeway Suite #1242
Houston, TX 77074
Phone: 713-970-3410
9401 Southwest Freeway Suite #1242
Houston, TX 77074
Phone: 713-970-3410