Filling the Mental Health Provider Pipeline
Cape Cod News editorial staff
New Massachusetts report directs efforts along with $192M toward recruiting and retaining mental health professionals to meet growing service need.
"You can't conjure a psych nurse overnight ...."
— State Sen. Julian Cyr
Co-chair Behavioral Health Advisory Commission
What is the need for mental health providers?
The demand for mental health services continues to grow, but Massachusetts does not have enough mental health professionals to meet this demand. These professions include social workers, nurses, psychologists, psychiatrists, and many others. The gap in workforce is especially large among those offering services for children and young adults. In addition, the make up of the workforce is less diverse that the state's population.
What is the Behavioral Health Advisory Commission?
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts formed a 22-person commission in Autumn of 2022 to study and advise on best ways to invest $192M in federal recovery funds into mental health response. State Sen. Julian Cyr served as a co-chair of the Behavioral Health Advisory Commission. It announced its findings in May 2023.
What did the Behavioral Health Advisory Commission recommend?
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts Behavioral Health Advisory Commission report made eight recommendations, which are incorporated into the current proposed state budget. These include investing $80-100M into student loan forgiveness for those who practice in Massachusetts, $20-30M in scholarships to those who will practice in Massachusetts, $20-30M in paid field practice and practicums, $20-30M in clinical supervision fees, $2-5M in professional fees for those practicing in Massachusetts, $5-10M in behavioral health support for health care workers, $5-10M for youth and school services, and .5-1M for commercial rate analysis.
What is Mental Health Awareness Month?
Since 1949 each May has served as a marker month to raise awareness about mental health and remove stigma, provide support, and educate the public.
This story is part of a series on mental health care and Cape Cod.
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