Behavioral Health Workforce Education and Training Program - The Interdisciplinary Health Education Learning Program (IHELP) at Mercy University trains graduate students in Marriage and Family Therapy, Occupational Therapy, School Counseling, and Mental Health Counseling to address behavioral health workforce shortages in Medically Underserved Communities (MUCs). Since 2021, IHELP has equipped students to serve children, adolescents, and young adults at risk for behavioral health disorders. Building on the success of the 2021–2025 grant, the program integrates behavioral health and primary care with a focus on responsive and trauma-informed care. Fellows who are part time receive an annual fixed stipend of $12,500 each year for two years and gain skills through asynchronous, synchronous, and in person trainings and practical experience through field placements with partners such as the Association to Benefit Children (ABC), and Open Door Family Medical Center. IHELP is structured around three goals to address behavioral health workforce needs in high-demand areas: Goal 1: Recruit and train 24 Fellows annually, prioritizing mulitlingual candidates (Objective 1a). Fellows receive interdisciplinary training in contextual competency, prevention, and clinical interventions and participate in five annual training sessions (Objective 1b). Training includes Interprofessional Education (IPE) to develop team-based care competencies, including telehealth (Objective 1c), and licensure preparation through workshops and study materials (Objective 1d). Faculty and field supervisors are trained in IPE and trauma-informed care to enhance mentoring capacity (Objectives 1e, 1f). Goal 2: Expand training opportunities in behavioral health treatment modalities at integrated field placements. Clinical partnerships will increase by 10% annually, prioritizing sites integrating behavioral health and primary care (Objective 2a). Community partnerships will support clinical education in behavioral health prevention and treatment (Objective 2b), with workshops on telehealth and family-centered prevention strategies offered to Fellows and partners (Objective 2c). Goal 3: Evaluate outcomes and disseminate findings using the Rapid Cycle Quality Improvement (RCQI) model (Objective 3a). Annual evaluation reports will be shared via publications, presentations, and institutional updates (Objective 3b). Over the grant period, IHELP will train 60–72 Fellows, with at least 50% securing employment in high-need areas. The program enhances behavioral health services, expands contextual competent care, and strengthens the behavioral health workforce through interdisciplinary collaboration. Mercy University’s IHELP program exemplifies a forward-thinking approach to workforce development, addressing behavioral health needs in a range of communities while promoting support and engagement in health care. We are requesting funding preference for Qualification 1 based upon the majority (66%) of graduates working in medically underserved communities (Attachment 8).
