Month/Year of Graduation

12-2024

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

First Advisor

Dr. Sarah Nelson

Abstract

For my capstone effort, I wanted to focus on the recruitment and retention of mental health professionals in Nebraska. Having familiarity with the status of mental healthcare itself in rural Nebraska, my goal was to focus on what is being done to recruit and retain mental healthcare providers in the state.

For this study, interviews were conducted with professionals with experience in examining and addressing provider recruitment and retainment related to mental health.

Federal and state agencies such as the Area Health Education Center (AHEC) and the Behavioral Health Education Center of Nebraska (BHECN) have been formed to address shortages in the healthcare workforce. These agencies strive to prepare current and future mental health professionals for working in underserved areas throughout the state, including access to specialized training, scholarships, stipends, and overall guidance and mentorship. Nebraska has utilized the practice of incorporating federal and state bureaus to reduce provider shortages in underserved areas[SN1] , both for healthcare in general [SN2] along with mental and behavioral health specifically.

Overall results on the shortages themselves have shown significant growth since Nebraska has shifted focus to address mental health workforce needs. While work still needs to be done to improve these services, we can see the positive impact that these agencies and others like them have had in a short period of time[SN3] . Agencies such as AHEC and BHECN have paved the way for state and national behavioral health provider shortages, with Nebraska being a leader in this effort.

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