Washington State’s Behavioral Health Workforce: Examination of Education and Training Needs and Priorities for Future Assessment


  • Abstract

    Objectives of this examination include:
    1. Understanding the range of education and training backgrounds of the behavioral health workforce in various settings
    in Washington, and which positions are the most difficult to fill;
    2. Identifying how the education and training preparation of behavioral health occupations meet the needs of employers
    and clients, and areas that could be improved;
    3. Discussing barriers and facilitators in policy and practice which may assist or impede workforce training and education
    for Washington’s behavioral health workforce.

    To meet these objectives, we spoke with individuals who held roles as behavioral health care employers, clinicians, educators,
    and from policy and practice organizations (key informants) about the critical needs of the workforce, especially those related
    to the education and training preparation of the workforce as well as strategies to address them. This assessment is intended to
    provide information to help formulate future activities and recommendations for policy and practice to strengthen Washington’s
    behavioral health workforce.


  • Authors:

    Skillman SM, Dunlap B

  • Journal/Publisher:

    Center for Health Workforce Studies, University of Washington

  • Edition:

    Jul 2022.

  • Documents:

    Full Report

  • Citation:

    Skillman SM, Dunlap B. Washington State’s Behavioral Health Workforce: Examination of Education and Training Needs and Priorities for Future Assessment. Center for Health Workforce Studies, University of Washington, Jul 2022.

  • Related Studies:

    Health Workforce Sentinel Network