The foundation strongly endorses the person-centered recovery model of treatment and support. We believe that all efforts to address the mental health workforce should move us in that direction. Our efforts should ensure that all mental health workforce education and training be based on the recovery model of care. Moving to a system of recovery requires a new skill set and a new direction. It requires changes in how we educate and train health care professionals. Texas is moving in the right direction, but, like most states, is not there yet. The mental health workforce shortages in Texas are well documented. Much policy discussion has taken place, including the appointment of the Select Committee on Healthcare Education and Training. To date, however, limited action has been taken. The foundation’s full set of workforce recommendations can be found at www.hogg.utexas.edu. The following is a summary of those recommendations.
Recommendations:
- Expand integrated care.
- Expand opportunities for the provision of, and reimbursement for, peer support services.
- Expand tele-mental health opportunities.
- Increase education and training opportunities across mental health disciplines including incentives such as loan repayment, scholarships, fellowships, etc. Allocate appropriate funding to increase the number of internship sites and residency sites in Texas.
- Improve reimbursement rates across mental health disciplines.