Oregon’s Behavioral Health Talent Council has issued a final report outlining short-, mid- and long-term strategies to address the state’s behavioral health workforce crisis.
The report, submitted to Gov. Tina Kotek and state agencies, includes 17 action plans with 74 total strategies focused on expanding the workforce, streamlining licensing and credentialing, and improving recruitment and retention, according to a Feb. 20 news release from the governor’s office. The recommendations were developed over eight months with input from frontline providers and analysis of statewide workforce data.
Proposed actions include expanding access to supervision, reducing administrative burden, improving workplace safety and compensation, streamlining credentialing processes and strengthening education pathways, especially in rural communities.
A Higher Education Coordinating Commission survey of 14 behavioral health professions found that nine face high turnover risk, with more than two-thirds of workers intending to leave their position.
The 22-member council includes direct service providers, educators, administrators, licensing authorities, frontline workers and individuals with lived experience, and focused on the full workforce pipeline.
“In addition to the work of the experts on the Council, we conducted site visits, roundtables and meetings with providers, students, culturally specific organizations, and tribal partners across Oregon,” Aimee Wilson, chair of the council and Oregon’s first lady, said in the release. “This report reflects what workers told us they need to stay in the field and continue serving their communities.”
Three subcommittees centered on recruitment and retention, licensing and credentialing, and education and training, according to the release.
After reviewing the recommendations, Gov. Kotek will determine how best to advance them through executive action, legislation or agency directives. The governor’s office will also issue annual public reports on its progress.
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