This session tackles the growing need to expand the behavioral health workforce for CoCM implementation, with a focus on Behavioral Health Care Managers (BHCMs). Join us for a conversation on competency-based training, alternative pathways, and rethinking qualifications to address workforce shortages. Through an open discussion, this session aims to inspire innovative strategies to build a resilient, skilled BHCM workforce, to help ensure the long-term success and sustainability of the Collaborative Care Model.
Lucy Blevins MSW, MPAff, Senior Project Manager for Health System Transformation, Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute, Austin, TX
Nicole Portrude, Director of Health System implementation, Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute, Philadelphia, PA
Katie Steele PhD, Director of Research and Learning for Health Systems Integration, Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute, Austin, Texas
Health Resources and Services Administration. (2023). Behavioral health workforce brief 2023. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. https://bhw.hrsa.gov/sites/default/files/bureau-health-workforce/Behavioral-Health-Workforce-Brief-2023.pdf
The Commonwealth Fund. (2023, May). Understanding the U.S. behavioral health workforce shortage. The Commonwealth Fund. https://www.commonwealthfund.org/publications/explainer/2023/may/understanding-us-behavioral-health-workforce-shortage
Health Resources & Services Administration. (2025). Health workforce shortage areas. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Retrieved August 26, 2024, from https://data.hrsa.gov/topics/health-workforce/shortage-areas
Carlo, A.D., McNutt, C. & Talebi, H. Extending the Clinical Impact of Behavioral Health Prescribing Clinicians Using the Collaborative Care Model (CoCM). J GEN INTERN MED 39, 1525–1527 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11606-024-08649-2