Behavioral Health Workforce Education and Training Program - The U.S. faces a critical shortage of mental health services, particularly for children, adolescents, and emerging adults (CAEA). According to Mental Health America (2024), 20% of CAEA experienced a major depressive episode in the past year, yet only half received treatment. Oregon ranks 49th nationally for youth mental health, reflecting high prevalence and limited access to care. Addressing these gaps is a public health priority. The Oregon Integrated Behavioral Health Training Initiative (OIBHTI) responds to this need by preparing behavioral health professionals to deliver collaborative care in medically underserved communities. OIBHTI focuses on two primary audiences: (1) master’s-level counseling trainees gaining hands-on experience with CAEA clients during internships, and (2) doctoral-level counselor education trainees providing remote clinical supervision to master’s interns. Led by Oregon State University’s (OSU) Counseling program in collaboration with community and school-based stakeholders, the initiative integrates two evidence-based models of care: the Primary Care Behavioral Health (PCBH) model and the Collaborative Care Model (CoCM). Both models leverage telehealth to enhance access and quality of care, particularly in rural and underserved areas. Master's trainees receive comprehensive education in Integrated Behavioral Health (IBH), telehealth delivery, evidence-based interventions, and trauma-informed, culturally-responsive care. Enhanced coursework and weekly online supervision deepen their practical and professional expertise, while doctoral trainees develop advanced skills in remote supervision. This initiative strengthens the behavioral health workforce pipeline, producing culturally responsive professionals capable of delivering interdisciplinary care in diverse settings. As a leader in hybrid counselor training since 2011, OSU has consistently prepared graduates to meet workforce demands. Its programs emphasize digital literacy, enabling trainees to excel in telehealth and remote supervision, ensuring delivery of high-quality behavioral healthcare in urban and rural contexts. Stipends for master’s trainees working with CAEA in under-resourced areas enhance skill-building, promote degree completion, and increase employment opportunities post-graduation. Additionally, financial support for families in rural regions will offset internet/transportation expenses and ensure equitable access to critical services. OIBHTI will evaluate training outcomes across locations and populations by examining clients served, trainings received, and employment of trainees in MUCs, and comparing the efficacy of the PCBH and CoCM models in delivering client-centered care to CAEA. By equipping graduate trainees with essential competencies in IBH and fostering interprofessional collaboration, the initiative expands access to behavioral health services, enhances communication among healthcare disciplines, and establishes sustainable care models in Oregon and other underserved regions, while cultivating a skilled supervisory workforce to support the next generation of behavioral health professionals.
