Ohio Introduces Incentive Program for Mental Health Care Field
COLUMBUS, Ohio – As part of ongoing efforts to recruit more professionals into the mental health care field, the state has introduced a new workforce incentive program for college graduates who commit to working at one of Ohio’s Community Behavioral Health Centers for at least one year.
“The demand for mental health care services is growing twice as fast as the size of the mental health care workforce,” Gov. Mike DeWine said. “It is critical that we incentivize more of our best and brightest young minds to launch their careers in these fields so we can help our most vulnerable Ohioans receive the support they need to reach their full potential.”
Through the new Great Minds Fellowship Workforce Commitment Incentive Program, recent graduates can apply to potentially receive as much as $20,000 in grant funding if they commit to working at a CBHC in the state for at least one year of full-time employment. The amount of funding per successful applicant is subject to availability. Funds can be used to help graduates cover costs related to their education.
The new program will make Great Minds Fellowship funding accessible to recent college graduates. Previously, Great Minds Fellowship grants were available only to active college students.
To qualify for the program, applicants must have graduated or received certification in or after May 2023 from one of the following types of academic programs: mental health counseling, psychiatric and mental health nursing, substance abuse/addiction counseling, social work or marriage and family counseling. Applicants also must be employed or have an offer of employment for a clinical position at an eligible CBHC with a start date no later than Jan. 6, 2025.
“Ohioans in crisis or who are seeking help with substance use disorder shouldn’t have to wait for care. Yet, today, an estimated 2.4 million Ohioans live in communities without enough behavioral health professionals,” said LeeAnne Cornyn, director of the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services. “The health and success of Ohio’s families and communities depend on an effective strategy to recruit and retain more people into this high-demand field, and this new program is among several steps we’ve taken in that direction under the governor’s leadership.”
A list of eligible CBHCs, full eligibility requirements and other frequently asked questions are available HERE.
Applications will be available on the program’s website beginning Oct. 1, and the application period will close Nov. 15.
Pictured at top: Image via Ohio Department of Education.
Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.
