The Bowen Center for Health Workforce Research and Policy has released Towards Consistency for Behavioral Health Paraprofessionals Part I: Where We Stand - A National Landscape of BHP Formalization, a national report examining how states formalize behavioral health and substance use paraprofessional roles.
Drawing on a 50-state policy review, interviews with state stakeholders, and a wage analysis, the report explores variation in credentials, training requirements, scope of practice, and reimbursement. It identifies opportunities to support clearer pathways into these roles and greater consistency across states.
The report's findings will help inform a stakeholder-driven framework focused on workforce mobility, sustainable roles, and improves access to care.
Read the report here.