Ohio's Behavioral Health Workforce
“The future Ohio that I envision has the best, most robust behavioral health workforce in the country – a workforce that is hailed as heroic and valued as a vital part of our healthcare system.” – Governor Mike DeWine, State of the State Address, March 23, 2022
The health and success of Ohio’s families and communities depends on a strong, diverse behavioral healthcare workforce, our “Wellness Workforce”, and OhioMHAS is dedicated to improving the recruitment and retention of mental health and substance use disorder professionals in Ohio…doctors, nurses, counselors, therapists, preventionists, social workers, direct care workers, and peer supporters, among others.
Our efforts encompass increasing career awareness, supporting recruitment, incentivizing retention, and supporting contemporary practice, and we are pursuing partnerships with Ohio’s providers, local community leaders, and Ohio’s K-12 schools, career tech centers, colleges and universities to create more pathways for Ohioans to pursue these careers. Learn more here.
Behavioral Health Workforce Supply and Demand Report
A study completed in 2021 by OhioMHAS, the Governor’s Office of Workforce Transformation, InnovateOhio, and Deloitte found that the demand for behavioral healthcare services in Ohio increased 353% from 2013-2019 while the workforce increased only 174% over the same time period.
Workforce Initiatives Underway
Behavioral healthcare workers are a valued and vital part of our healthcare system, and Ohio’s efforts are focused on helping to infuse more qualified professionals into behavioral healthcare workforce in both the short- and long-term.
- Governor DeWine Announces Proposal for $85M Investment to Grow Ohio’s Behavioral Healthcare Workforce
- Peer Support
- OhioMHAS Strategic Plan
- Direct Care Workforce Public Awareness Campaign Ad:
- Direct Care Workforce Public Awareness Campaign Social Ads:
Workforce News
- State Mental Health, Addiction Services Agency Awards $5M in CARES Funding to Retain and Strengthen Ohio’s Behavioral Healthcare Workforce
- State Announces $3M in Grants to Strengthen Behavioral Healthcare Workforce
OhioMHAS Wellness Workforce Task Force
Contact: Zandia Lawson
