Individual Pathways

Strengthening Workforce Pathways: Recruitment, Retention, Advancement  

Strong career pathways are the foundation of a sustainable and resilient workforce. Our recruitment, retention and advancement programs support career development and offer meaningful opportunities for current and aspiring professionals. We equip employees with the necessary skills and support to enter into the mental health and substance use treatment workforce, and we help leaders foster a productive work environment that encourages staff retention and long-term career satisfaction. 

Supporting Clinical Licensure Journeys 

54%

of people who earn master’s degrees in mental health never become licensed.

Source
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“The Accelerator program has been a transformative experience that has provided me with invaluable opportunities, support, guidance and resources. This space has empowered and equipped me with the tools to grow and develop as a clinician.”

— Amber Jones, Program Candidate Ambassador 

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We help people enter the mental health and substance use treatment field. We provide training, mentorship, guidance and financial support as they navigate the complex process of obtaining licensure, making a behavioral health career more accessible and rewarding. 

National Mental Health Workforce Accelerator
Cenla Mental Health Workforce Accelerator Program
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The path to clinical licensure can feel overwhelming — complex requirements, financial stress, isolation. The Accelerator program provides comprehensive support to post-master’s mental health professionals throughout their journeys to clinical licensure in the areas of social work, marriage and family therapy, and professional counseling. Program candidates can receive up to $10,000 in milestone-based incentives, plus wraparound support through live and on-demand training, peer support groups and mentorship, and networking and professional development opportunities. As of January 2026, the Accelerator program operates in Accelerator program currently operates in southern California, Colorado, Georgia, Hawaii, Maryland, Oregon and Washington.
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This program addresses obstacles to training, supervision and licensure for post-master’s clinicians in central Louisiana who are working toward clinical licensure. It assists with financial support, licensure exam prep, in-person and remote supervision, and payment to cover final licensure costs. Candidates and organizations that employ them benefit from training, technical assistance and structured peer learning opportunities to support the learning needed to achieve clinical licensure.

Developing Strong Leaders

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The National Council equips current and emerging leaders with essential skills to excel professionally, fostering long-term career satisfaction, reducing turnover and creating more effective organizations. 

Middle Management Academy
High Performance Leadership Academy
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For more than 20 years, the National Council’s 30-hour virtual or in-person Middle Management Academy has provided industry-specific leadership trainings to support strong health care leaders and even stronger organizations. Whether you are a new supervisor, an individual who wants to invest in your career development or an organization looking to train middle management staff, there’s an option for you.
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The National Council High Performance Leadership Academy, a 12-week, online professional development initiative, helps National Council members achieve excellence in teamwork and organizational effectiveness, so staff achieve their fullest potential and become smarter, more successful leaders.
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