the problem
Issues with Licensure
The alignment of education, policy, and practice is crucial for developing an effective mental health workforce in Indiana. Currently, there are gaps between educational programs, licensing requirements, and the practical skills needed in the field. Many licensees report challenges in understanding licensing processes and feel underprepared for clinical practice after graduation. Employers have noted skill gaps in newly graduated professionals. Addressing these misalignments is essential to ensure that Indiana’s mental health education pipeline produces professionals ready to meet the state’s mental health needs effectively.
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bowen recommendations
The Solutions
recommendation one
Staffing support for alignment
Create an Education and Reciprocity Coordinator position for the BHHS Board. This role will facilitate better alignment between academic programs and licensing requirements, streamlining the transition from education to practice.
recommendation two
Ensure evidence-based practice
Integrate evidence-based practices into mental health education curricula and continuing education. This ensures professionals are trained in the most effective, up-to-date treatment methodologies.
recommendation three
Align education with regulation
Expand psychotherapy education for psychiatric nurse practitioners. This addresses the gap between their current training focus on medication management and their legal authority to provide psychotherapy services.
what could be
Potential Impacts
seamless licensing
Incentives to faculty stabilize and strengthen the education pipeline. Hoosier students pursuing mental and behavioral health professions can afford their education and return to their home communities to practice thanks to robust scholarship opportunities.
high-quality behavioral health care
With the deep integration of EBP and service-based training, professionals are prepared to deliver high-quality services at the top of the scope of their license in a manner that aligns with national best practices. Hoosiers receive top-tier care.
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School-Based Behavioral Health Workforce
