Presenters: Bill O’Connell, EdD and Ursula Heflick
The mental and behavioral health workforce shortage has hindered access to care in the United States, resulting in long waitlists for persons who need behavioral health care. Bachelor level practitioners are one solution to increasing available mental and behavioral health treatment across a variety of settings. A Behavioral Health Support Specialist (BHSS) will provide brief treatment for depression using behavioral activation, anxiety using CBT and engage in harm reduction for substance use issues. This webinar highlights an innovative effort in Washington State to initiate a bachelor’s-level BHSS curriculum leading to credentialing to expand the mental health workforce and improve access to care.
