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The OPHI Behavioral Health Workforce Development and Expansion initiatives aim to increase and support behavioral health professionals in Maryland. This is achieved through Workforce Expansion Initiatives at colleges and universities, the Behavioral Health Workforce Investment Fund to address workforce needs, the Workgroup on Social Worker Requirements for Licensure to examine licensure requirements and alternatives, and the Commission on Behavioral Health Care Treatment and Access, which recommends comprehensive behavioral health services statewide.
Workforce Expansion Initiatives through Colleges and Universities
State Opioid Response (SOR) Grant
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) administers the State Opioid Response (SOR) grant. The 3-year grant is awarded to the Behavioral Health Administration (BHA) and overseen by the Office of Population Health and Improvement.
SOR IV Awardees programming
State Opioid Response (SOR) workforce expansion projects provide specialized training, coaching and mentoring to increase diversity in the workforce through four universities, 3 of which are HBCU’s.
Behavioral Health Workforce Investment Fund
SB283 / HB418, Mental Health - Workforce Development - Fund Established (Article - Health - General §§ 10–1501 to 1503)
Investing in Maryland's Behavioral Health Talent Full report 2024
The report is a needs assessment to inform the design of the Behavioral Health Workforce Investment Fund established by the Maryland legislature through Senate Bill 283.
Various other behavioral health workforce development activities
Workgroup on Social Worker Requirements for LicensureWorkgroup Sunset June 2025
The workgroup will examine current social worker licensure requirements, and identify potential alternatives to the current examination and licensure process.
Commission on Behavioral Health Care Treatment and Access
The Commission on Behavioral Health Care Treatment and Access was established in the 2023 legislative session (HB1148 - Ch 291 / SB582 - Ch 290). The Office of Population Health and Improvement participates in the Behavioral Health Workforce Development, Infrastructure, Coordination, and Financing Workgroup.
Dena Appleby, CoordinatorBehavioral Health Workforce Development and ExpansionOffice of Healthcare Access and Workforce DevelopmentPhone: 410-935-7898Email: [email protected]
Last Updated: 06-04-2025
