Indiana's Behavioral Health Workforce Report Series: Behavioral Health & Human Services Professionals

Abstract

Indiana’s behavioral health workforce is comprised of several licensed health professions which are authorized to provide various specialized behavioral health services. Evaluating this workforce and identifying workforce shortages is crucial and informing workforce development and policy initiatives which address such issues as substance use disorder (SUD) and access to mental health and counseling services. Over the last several years, significant strides have been made for collecting comprehensive, accurate and timely workforce data which support longitudinal workforce tracking. This effort has contributed to collaborative dialogue regarding health workforce policy and planning. The enactment of Indiana Senate Act 223 (SEA 223-2018) in January 2019, requires professionals regulated by selected professional licensing boards to provide information regarding employment and practice during the license renewal periods. The Indiana Behavioral Health & Humans Services (BHHS) board, which regulates social workers, addiction counselors, marriage & family therapists and mental health counselors, is named in SEA 223-2018. This report is issued as part of the Indiana Behavioral Health Workforce Data Report Series, which highlights key information regarding licensed health professionals who provide behavioral health or psychiatric services. This report will provide summary information regarding licensed BHHS professionals.