The behavioral health workforce needs to expand in today’s challenging times. The field faces a critical workforce shortage, making strategic partnerships essential for meeting the growing demand for services. Indeed, alliances are the key to raising awareness and community outreach.
Collaboration with community organizations, educational institutions, and service providers at Tarzana Treatment Centers College (TTCC) fosters a robust network of resources, expertise, and innovative solutions. These partnerships drive workforce development by improving access to behavioral health services, ensuring diverse communities receive the support they need.
TTCC Behavioral Health Workforce Initiatives
- TTCC Peer Support Certification Program
TTCC’s Peer Support Certification Program is designed for individuals with lived experience in substance use disorders (SUD), mental health challenges, trauma, or justice involvement. Hence, this program provides training for becoming a Peer Support Specialist. By equipping participants with the skills to help others, the program supports the growth of the behavioral health workforce. The impact is significant:
- Through partnerships with community-based organizations, program enrollment has increased by 30% over the past year.
- 85% of graduates have secured employment in behavioral health roles, demonstrating the program’s success in workforce development.
- HOPICS Homeless Connect Day
TTCC actively engages with underserved populations, such as those experiencing homelessness. At HOPICS Homeless Connect Day, TTCC’s outreach team provides training and resources tailored to the needs of unhoused individuals. We also strengthen partnerships with local agencies addressing this issue, putting the behavioral workforce into a proactive mode.
- Partnerships with Hacienda of Hope
By collaborating with Hacienda of Hope, TTCC is addressing the intersection of housing instability, SUD, and mental health challenges. Joint workshops and funding proposals are being developed to enhance service delivery. These initiatives address the future needs of the behavioral health workforce.
Roundtable Collaboration Strengthens the Behavioral Health Workforce
The Behavioral Health Workforce Roundtable is a TTCC project that brings together organizations focusing on the behavioral health workforce issue. Such a coming together strengthens the Behavioral Health Workforce. The goals include:
- Identifying workforce barriers.
- Sharing best practices.
- Developing solutions for service delivery challenges.
Key Outcomes of TTCC’s Roundtable Collaboration
- Over 45 organizations participated in the last session.
- The creation of subcommittees that focus on behavioral health workforce issues.
- Issues addressed included education access, funding, workforce diversity, and reducing mental health and substance use disorder stigma.
Ongoing Progress of the Roundtable Collaboration
- Enhanced Communication Channels
A shared platform now facilitates updates and collaborative planning among partners.
- Joint Training Sessions
New initiatives include workshops on trauma-informed care, Narcan training, and cultural humility.
- Case Scenario Collaboration
Real-time discussions on client care barriers lead to new referral pathways.
The Importance of Behavioral Health Workforce Development
The Roundtable Collaboration is an excellent example of a strategic partnership that helps expand the behavioral health workforce. Strategic alliances are crucial for building a skilled and diverse workforce that reflects the communities served.
TTCC prioritizes equity and access through inclusive training, mentorship, and outreach programs. You can support workforce equity and inclusion by connecting with TTCC’s outreach initiatives.
Please explore opportunities to partner with TTCC in training, program development, and community engagement. For more details, contact Tarzana Treatment Centers College.