Expanding access to care by training the next generation of mental health clinicians in community health settings

What Is BHWD?

Texas faces a widespread shortage of professionals in mental health care. The Behavioral Health Workforce Development (BHWD) program strengthens Texas’ mental health workforce by funding and supporting training opportunities for mental health clinicians who provide care to children, youth, and families alongside psychiatrists, particularly in community settings.

BHWD is anchored in partnerships between the health-related institutions (HRIs) of the Consortium and mental health care providers.

BHWD is intended to expand the number, capacity, and readiness of non-psychiatry mental health professionals across Texas. By expanding mental and behavioral health care training across the state, the BHWD program aims to:

Directly increase the number of Texas-trained mental health clinicians.
Give clinicians-in-training and early career clinicians hands-on experience delivering child, adolescent, and perinatal mental health care, largely in community settings.
Reduce wait times for care.
Reduce the number of designated mental health professional shortage areas.

Who Participates in BHWD Training Programs?

Community-based mental health training opportunities are available directly through partnerships between HRIs and established programs that provide mental and behavioral health care. Trainees include: