State Awards $18 Million to Increase Pipeline of Behavioral Health Professionals
BOSTON — The Healey-Driscoll administration announced $17.9 million in funding to 71 behavioral health provider organizations for the Behavioral Health Supervising Clinicians Incentive Program (SCIP).
The program provides stipends for qualified behavioral health clinicians in community-based settings who agree to supervise students and clinicians in training. This supervision helps support students and trainees on their path to becoming a licensed clinician and sets them up for success in the field. This investment will support 793 clinical supervisors and at least 1,491 supervisees over a two-year period.
“We need more qualified behavioral health providers to deliver needed care in our communities,” Gov. Maura Healey said. “The Behavioral Health Trust Fund improves recruitment and retention of providers by providing them with an experienced, trusted supervisor while in training. At the same time, it provides additional financial support to our hardworking licensed clinicians. We’re proud to deliver this funding, which will improve behavioral healthcare across the state.”
The goal of the program is to help students create a stronger network of support early in their career development, increasing the pool of available behavioral health professionals working in Massachusetts and addressing the behavioral health workforce shortage. Funding will offset the otherwise unreimbursed time clinicians spend providing supervision to students and clinicians in training who are working toward certification or licensure.
“This financial support recognizes the valuable contributions of current clinicians who mentor and train a diverse, qualified, and well-supported behavioral health workforce,” Health and Human Services Secretary Kate Walsh said. “Supporting people early in their careers, and connecting them with mentors and people who can guide them, gives newer clinicians a network to turn to which will reduce burnout and improve care to patients in our state.”
Western Mass. organizations receiving funding include River Valley Counseling Center Inc., Holyoke ($912,000), Center for Human Development Inc., Springfield ($816,000), Clinical and Support Options Inc., Northampton ($576,000), Behavioral Health Network Inc., Springfield ($360,000), Brien Center for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, Pittsfield ($336,000), Helix Human Services, Springfield ($192,000), Lorenzi Health, Holyoke ($92,000), Community Services Institute, Springfield ($44,000), Transhealth, Florence ($72,000), Collaborative Endeavors LLC, Lee ($72,000), Holyoke Health Center Inc., Holyoke ($72,000), African Diaspora Mental Health Assoc. LLC, Springfield ($72,000), and Holistic Care Mental Health Assoc. LLC, West Springfield ($8,000).