Workforce Solutions Jam | Building the Future Workforce: Youth Pathways Into Behavioral Health Careers

Strengthening the workforce pipeline is more important than ever as demand for behavioral health services continues to grow nationwide. And those efforts must begin earlier, by engaging and supporting youth and young adults as future professionals, advocates and peers. Join us on May 19 for Building the Future Workforce: Youth Pathways Into Behavioral Health Careers, as we spotlight innovative, real-world strategies that are expanding pathways into behavioral health careers while centering lived experience and sustainability.

This session will feature a panel of leaders with experience and expertise in different facets of workforce development, from provider networks to youth leadership movements. It will explore how cross-sector partnerships, policy and reimbursement strategies, and youth-driven program design can collectively build a stronger, more resilient behavioral health workforce. The panelists will share lessons learned from advancing career pathways for youth, including those with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and discuss how to cultivate a mission-driven workforce in under-resourced and highly regulated environments.

Speakers:

• Arc Telos Saint Amour – Executive Director of Youth MOVE National and CEO of Arc Telos Consulting
• Sydney Carter, MPH, BBA – WREDI Program Manager at the Network of Behavioral Health Providers
• Rebekah Falkner, LMSW – Senior Policy Associate at National Academy for State Health Policy
• Heather Matthews, LCSW-BACS – Executive Director of The Arc of Greater New Orleans

Participants will leave with actionable insights on how to design, support and scale youth-focused workforce initiatives that not only address shortages but also transform the future of behavioral health care.

The Workforce Solutions Jam is a monthly webinar to build national momentum and encourage collaboration. It is hosted as a partnership between the National Council for Mental Wellbeing, Health Management Associates and The College for Behavioral Health Leadership.