Event Recap: Addressing the Behavioral Health Workforce Shortage

by CareFirst | December 9, 2021 | Advocacy & Public Policy

CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield (CareFirst) recently hosted an event on a critical topic – the behavioral health workforce shortage.

Unprecedented economic and social pressures caused by the COVID-19 pandemic impacted our collective mental health. The pandemic required a change in approaches to care delivery, while at the same time, the demand for services continued to grow.

In addition, reducing stigma around seeking treatment remains a priority to better serve those in most need. While there is an increasing recognition that behavioral health is not a separate condition, it needs to be better integrated with primary care, chronic disease management strategies and even a person's culture and background. Continuing to treat physical and mental health in silos as they have a measurable impact on each other and people will exacerbate the challenges.

The panel discussed various ways to strengthen the behavioral health workforce to advance access to needed care and ultimately improve health outcomes. Additionally, the panelists covered:

  • How the pandemic is stretching an already strained behavioral health workforce
  • Strategies to foster culturally competent behavioral health providers
  • Policy solutions to strengthen the workforce and ultimately access to care

Speakers included:

  • Stacia Cohen, R.N., M.B.A., Executive Vice President, Health Services, CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield
  • Adrienne Breidenstine, M.S.W, Vice President, Policy and Communications, Behavioral Health System Baltimore
  • Rachna Krishnan, Executive Director, The Women's Center
  • The Honorable Mark Sickles, Member, Virginia House of Delegates

Attendees learned more about the rapidly growing need to strengthen the behavioral health workforce both in numbers and in ongoing education to meet the need of our communities. Speakers shared that identifying best practices and strategies to foster the development of culturally competent behavioral health providers can advance access to care for our most vulnerable populations.

There is a unique opportunity to chart a new path forward through collaborative interventions to ensure access to behavioral healthcare.