University of Houston program aims to increase MH workforce

Abstract

The University of Houston Graduate College of Social Work has received a $1.9 million grant to train more social work and counseling psychology clinicians to deliver culturally competent behavioral health services in medical settings, addressing a critical statewide shortage of mental health professionals. While 60% of the mental health services in Texas are currently provided by social workers, the number of both social workers and clinical psychologists is declining, an Aug. 12 University of Houston press release stated. The funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Health Resources and Services Administration provides funding for the Global Leaders of Behavioral Health Education (GLOBE) team training program to increase the number of behavioral health workers targeting children, youth and young adults in medically underserved areas. Since 2012, the GLOBE team training program has worked to improve resources for vulnerable youth populations at risk for mental health and substance use disorders. This latest project will train 18 Master of Social Work and four counseling psychology graduate students per year with an emphasis on interprofessional training. Students will also be trained in health disparities, telehealth, motivational interviewing and more.