Seventy-one behavioral health providers across Massachusetts will receive $17.9 million from the state to expand training and certification for clinicians entering the behavioral health field.
The funding aims to address workforce shortages tied to low insurance reimbursement rates, which have contributed to reduced staffing, lower wages and fewer training opportunities, the Greenfield Recorder reported Aug. 11.
Across all 71 providers, the investment will support 793 clinical supervisors and at least 1,491 supervisees, according to a June 26 news release from Gov. Maura Healey’s office.
Holyoke-based River Valley Counseling Center secured one of the largest awards, at $912,000, shortly before joining Northampton, Mass.-based ServiceNet. The funds will cover salaries for up to 30 supervisors training about 20 interns over the next two years, according to the Recorder.
