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# Behavioral Health Workforce Center

## Sitemaps

- [XML Sitemap](https://illinoisbhwc.org/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website.

## Posts

- [Beyond compliance: Centering disability inclusion and mental health equity in behavioral health leadership](https://illinoisbhwc.org/2026/06/26/beyond-compliance-centering-disability-inclusion-and-mental-health-equity-in-behavioral-health-leadership/) - True inclusion in the behavioral health workforce means recognizing and embracing the intersection of disability and mental health. This goes beyond hiring practices or meeting accessibility requirements — it requires meaningful representation at every level of leadership and decision-making.
- [Beyond barriers: How hiring individuals with IDD strengthens your workforce and workplace culture](https://illinoisbhwc.org/2024/10/18/beyond-barriers-how-hiring-individuals-with-idd-strengthens-your-workforce-and-workplace-culture/) - Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) contribute significantly to the workforce and provide a unique perspective in the workplace. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2023, 22.5 percent of those with a disability were employed.
- [Understanding and overcoming post-traumatic stress disorder](https://illinoisbhwc.org/2024/06/04/understanding-ptsd-raising-awareness-and-supporting-recovery/) - Trauma can have lasting effects on a person's well-being, sometimes leading to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
- [Supporting the health and wellbeing of transgender and gender non-conforming individuals](https://illinoisbhwc.org/2026/05/27/supporting-the-health-and-wellbeing-of-transgender-and-gender-non-conforming-individuals/) - Health care and behavioral health professionals play an important part of providing equitable, person-centered care to transgender and gender non-conforming individuals (TGNC). Creating affirming environments can help improve trust, strengthen patient-provider relationships and reduce barriers to accessing care.
- [Language Matters: Create a welcoming work culture with inclusive language](https://illinoisbhwc.org/2024/05/31/language-matters-create-a-welcoming-work-culture-with-inclusive-language/) - When we use inclusive language, we’re actively creating space for people to be themselves by working to remove the metaphorical box an individual is placed in based on characteristics and identifiers.
- [Including the LGBTQIA+ Community in the Workplace](https://illinoisbhwc.org/2024/06/11/including-the-lgbtqia-community-in-the-workplace/) - The acronym LGBTQIA+ comprises many different identities of people regarding their romantic or sexual orientation, gender identity or both. The language surrounding these communities is always evolving, and each community is distinctly different in terms of their experiences.
- [Harm reduction: Meeting people where they are](https://illinoisbhwc.org/2026/05/18/harm-reduction-meeting-people-where-they-are/) - Across behavioral health, there is a growing recognition that change is rarely linear and that support is most effective when it meets people where they are. Harm reduction is an approach grounded in this reality. It is practical, person-centered and evidence based.
- [Behavioral Health Workforce Center strategic plan: A roadmap to strengthen Illinois’ behavioral health workforce](https://illinoisbhwc.org/2026/04/22/behavioral-health-workforce-center-strategic-plan-a-roadmap-to-strengthen-illinois-behavioral-health-workforce/) - Behavioral Health Workforce Center strategic plan: A roadmap to strengthen Illinois’ behavioral health workforce New multi-year strategy outlines coordinated investments to expand workforce capacity, improve access to care and support long-term sustainability across IllinoisThe Illinois Behavioral Health Workforce Center (BHWC) released its FY26–28 Strategic Plan, a comprehensive roadmap to strengthen and sustain the state’s behavioral
- [Cultivating early-career potential: A mentorship approach to workforce growth](https://illinoisbhwc.org/2026/03/05/cultivating-early-career-potential-a-mentorship-approach-to-workforce-growth/) - By supporting early-career professionals and fostering meaningful learning relationships, mentorship helps build a stronger pipeline of clinicians, peers and behavioral health leaders who are prepared to enter in the field.
- [Expanding access, strengthening practice: How remote supervision advances the Illinois behavioral health workforce strategic plan](https://illinoisbhwc.org/2026/03/27/how-remote-supervision-advances-the-illinois-behavioral-health-workforce-strategic-plan/) - Expanding access, strengthening practice: How remote supervision advances the Illinois behavioral health workforce strategic plan Illinois continues to face significant behavioral health workforce shortages, particularly in rural, under-resourced and historically excluded communities. The Illinois Behavioral Health Workforce Center (BHWC) was established to meet this critical need with intentional strategy, infrastructure and innovation.As outlined in Objective
- [New Resource: Illinois Behavioral Health Workforce Retention Toolkit](https://illinoisbhwc.org/2025/12/09/new-resource-illinois-behavioral-health-workforce-retention-toolkit/) - New Resource: Illinois Behavioral Health Workforce Retention Toolkit Last year, the Illinois Behavioral Health Workforce Center convened behavioral health providers and organizations across the state for a series of events designed to foster collaboration, share effective strategies, and co-create practical solutions for retaining staff across behavioral health settings. Through these conversations, and with ongoing guidance
- [Gov. Pritzker announces initiative to reshape mental health services](https://illinoisbhwc.org/2023/03/08/gov-pritzker-announces-initiative-to-reshape-mental-health-services/) - “Individuals with mental illness, intellectual and developmental disabilities deserve respect, dignity, and the highest quality of care to assist them in living healthy, fulfilling lives.”
- [The vital role of peer and recovery support professionals](https://illinoisbhwc.org/2025/12/16/the-vital-role-of-peer-and-recovery-support-professionals/) - Peer and recovery support specialists (PRSS) are transforming the behavioral health landscape by bringing lived experience into the center of care.
- [The role of sleep in children’s mental health](https://illinoisbhwc.org/2025/10/30/the-role-of-sleep-in-childrens-mental-health/) - Discover how quality sleep supports children’s mental health, learning, and emotional balance, and how adults can help them rest and thrive.
- [How to navigate grief and loss: Tools for healing and support](https://illinoisbhwc.org/2025/08/25/how-to-navigate-grief-and-loss-tools-for-healing-and-support/) - Grief is a complex emotion everyone will face in life. While the death of a loved one is often associated with grief, it can also arise from other significant losses: a relationship, serious illness or injury or even financial hardship. You can't stop the waves of grief and sadness, but there are three practices that can help you stay afloat.
- [Immigrant mental health: Supporting well-being through equity and access](https://illinoisbhwc.org/2025/05/29/immigrant-mental-health-supporting-well-being-through-equity-and-access/) - The mental health of immigrants is a vital but often overlooked aspect of comprehensive care. Behavioral health providers play a key role in supporting immigrant communities by offering culturally responsive and trauma-informed care, engaging in community outreach and creating welcoming, affirming spaces with resources and information to support their transition.
- [Shining a Light on Mental Health: Ways to Promote Awareness and Provide Support](https://illinoisbhwc.org/2024/05/01/mental-health-awareness-month-promoting-awareness-and-support-for-mental-health/) - Since 1949, Mental Health Awareness Month has helped increase the awareness and understanding about mental health issues, as well as assist in reducing stigma and promoting overall mental well-being.
- [Gearing up for graduation: Four guidelines to help you land your first behavioral health job](https://illinoisbhwc.org/2025/03/14/gearing-up-for-graduation-four-guidelines-to-help-you-land-your-first-behavioral-health-job/) - Graduation season is almost here. Whether you are entering the workforce for the first time, expanding your skill set or starting a new career, we can all use guidance on securing the right position.
- [Break the silence: Addressing suicide rates for Black men](https://illinoisbhwc.org/2024/09/16/break-the-silence-addressing-the-suicide-rates-in-black-men/) - Suicide is a critical issue that affects every community; however, it impacts various demographics differently. For the Black community, it is the second leading cause of death for those between the ages of 15-24, and the rate is four times higher in Black men than Black women.
- [Build wellness and well-being through self-care](https://illinoisbhwc.org/2024/08/21/build-wellness-and-well-being-through-self-care/) - Self-care has been a hot topic for several years, and the advice surrounding it often feels prescribed and impersonal. But health and wellness are exactly that, personal. Educating ourselves and gathering ideas and strategies for better health and wellness are a great start, but the real impact comes from implementing the practices into our daily lives.
- [Culturally competent care and community support enhance minority mental wellness](https://illinoisbhwc.org/2024/07/29/supporting-minority-mental-wellness-through-culturally-competent-care-and-community-support/) - The Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) community faces significant and unique mental health struggles. Providers will need to make conscious efforts to educate themselves and their patients. As a society, we must also continue to raise awareness and take action to break the silence and stigma of mental health issues surrounding minority communities.
- [6 ideas for building an inclusive work environment](https://illinoisbhwc.org/2024/02/26/6-ideas-for-building-an-inclusive-work-environment/) - Building an inclusive environment in the workplace can seem like a monumental task and requires continued dedication, but being an organization that cares for its employees can have some extraordinary benefits, including decreased turnover, improved job satisfaction, enhanced creativity, and an overall healthier workforce.
- [The Certified Recovery Support Specialist Program](https://illinoisbhwc.org/2023/11/09/the-certified-recovery-support-specialist-program/) - Those with lived experience of mental health or substance abuse recovery can find support to successfully complete the Certified Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS) training, a type of credential one can earn in order to enter the behavioral health workforce.
- [Finding community and care in the face of depression](https://illinoisbhwc.org/2023/10/31/finding-community-and-care-in-the-face-of-depression/) - October is Depression Awareness Month, helping elevate the serious and prevalent issue that many try to handle on their own.
- [Why representation matters: The importance of Black men in behavioral health](https://illinoisbhwc.org/2025/02/24/why-representation-matters-the-importance-of-black-men-in-behavioral-health/) - The contributions of Black Americans in the behavioral health workforce are profound, yet the field is facing a growing crisis – particularly in underserved communities across Illinois. With a critical shortage of behavioral health professionals, the need for diverse representation has never been more urgent.
- [SMART goal setting for improved mental health](https://illinoisbhwc.org/2025/01/31/smart-goal-setting-for-improved-mental-health/) - Creating and working towards goals is one of the most effective ways to improve mental health. Making sure the goals are obtainable is the key to setting realistic objectives and having clear direction for achieving them.
- [How to manage holiday stress and anxiety](https://illinoisbhwc.org/2024/11/26/how-to-manage-holiday-stress-and-anxiety/) - The holiday season can be an extremely stressful time of year. This added stress can make it difficult to enjoy the holidays, often causing people to overlook their needs and requiring weeks to recuperate.
- [Nurturing New Beginnings: CPP Supporting Parents in Recovery](https://illinoisbhwc.org/2024/09/30/nurturing-new-beginnings-cpp-supporting-parents-in-recovery/) - Nurturing New Beginnings: CPP Supporting Parents in Recovery Nurturing New Beginnings: CPP Supporting Parents in Recovery Maryville Academy is an organization which received funding and support through the Chicago Parent Program RFP. This story was originally featured in the Chicago Parent Program newsletter on September 9, 2024.Maryville Academy: Empowering Families Through CPPMaryville Academy, a cornerstone
- [BHWC and CEO highlighted in SIU Medicine Aspects magazine](https://illinoisbhwc.org/2024/04/23/bhwc-ceo-highlighted-siu-medicine-aspects/) - The Illinois Senate and House mental health committees met on January 25 to discuss the shortage of behavioral health care workers across the state at the first of two joint hearings on the topic.
- [Understanding Bipolar Disorders: Breaking the stigma and promoting awareness](https://illinoisbhwc.org/2024/03/29/understanding-bipolar-disorders/) - Since 2014, World Bipolar Day has been internationally celebrated every March 30. Ten years later, work remains to raise awareness and end the stigma associated with bipolar disorders.
- [Illinois lawmakers and experts meet to discuss behavioral health workforce shortage](https://illinoisbhwc.org/2024/01/30/illinois-lawmakers-experts-hope-to-tackle-behavioral-health-worker-shortage/) - The Illinois Senate and House mental health committees met on January 25 to discuss the shortage of behavioral health care workers across the state at the first of two joint hearings on the topic.
- [Overcoming seasonal affective disorder: How to enhance your mental well-being during winter](https://illinoisbhwc.org/2023/12/21/overcoming-seasonal-affective-disorder-how-to-enhance-your-mental-well-being-during-winter/) - As the winter season approaches, many people begin to experience a shift in their mental health. For some, this can be more than just feeling a bit blue — it can mean struggling with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).
- [Watch the announcement for Illinois' new behavioral health workforce center](https://illinoisbhwc.org/2023/05/19/elementor-1588/) - Governor JB Pritzker along with state and local officials celebrated the launch of a new Behavioral Health Workforce Center.

## Pages

- [Home](https://illinoisbhwc.org/) - The BHWC will increase access to effective behavioral health services through coordinated initiatives to recruit, educate, and retain professionals in behavioral health. Learn More History​ History​ Learn More During the spring 2018 legislative session, a bipartisan group of 10 legislators sponsored resolution House Resolution 711, which declared that Illinois is suffering from a behavioral healthcare
- [Meet the Team](https://illinoisbhwc.org/meet-the-team/) - Meet the Team SIU School of Medicine Team Kari M. Wolf, MDProfessor and Chair, Department of Psychiatry at SIU School of MedicineCo-Executive Director, SIU Neuroscience InstituteCEO, BHWCDr. Kari M. Wolf joined SIU School of Medicine in 2016 to serve as Chair of Psychiatry. Previously, she served as an Associate Professor of medicine at Dell Medical
- [Training Opportunities](https://illinoisbhwc.org/training-opportunities/) - Training Opportunities The BHWC offers a variety of training opportunities at no cost to Illinois behavioral health providers. Trainings are organized by topic in the tabs below. Many trainings will be completed in Reach360, a learning management platform. Courses that offer CEUs are noted in the description and CEUs will be sent via email within
- [Financial Resources](https://illinoisbhwc.org/resources/financial-resources/) - Financial Resources This curated collection highlights funding opportunities available to learners across a range of educational and training levels.To suggest additional financial resources for inclusion, please submit this form. General - All Professions Scholarship: One Life at a TimeFunding Level and Frequency: $3,000 AnnuallyGrantor Organization: Davis Mental Health GroupEligibility: Applicants must reside in Illinois, Wisconsin,
- [Advisory Council Members](https://illinoisbhwc.org/advisory-council-members/) - Advisory Council Members David Albert, PhDDirector of the Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery, Illinois Department of Mental HealthDavid Albert is Director of the Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery at the Illinois Department of Human Services. Prior to assuming the role of Director in January 2020, Dr. Albert served as the division’s Deputy Director
- [Loan Repayment Programs](https://illinoisbhwc.org/about/loan-repayment-programs/) - Loan Repayment Programs HRSA Bureau of Health Workforce (BHW) Loan Repayment Programs Reduce your student debt while making a meaningful impact. HRSA’s Bureau of Health Workforce Loan Repayment Programs offer financial assistance to health professionals in exchange for service in high-need or underserved communities.Eligible providers, including nurses, mental health professionals and other clinicians, may receive
- [Strategic Plan](https://illinoisbhwc.org/strategic-plan/) - Strategic Plan As demand for mental health and substance use services continues to grow, Illinois faces ongoing workforce shortages, especially in rural and underserved communities. The Fiscal Year 2026–2028 Strategic Plan, sets clear priorities to address those challenges. Through collaboration and data and equity-driven strategies, the strategic plan outlines a collaborative roadmap to expand, diversify and
- [About](https://illinoisbhwc.org/about/) - About Welcome to the Illinois Behavioral Health Workforce Center (BHWC). The BHWC will increase access to effective behavioral health services through coordinated initiatives to recruit, educate, and retain professionals in behavioral health. Opportunities and information will be available to those looking to further or begin a career in behavioral health across a broad range of
- [Funding Opportunities](https://illinoisbhwc.org/funding-opportunities/) - Funding Opportunities News/Event Page Example Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, Read More Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet elit eiusmod dolor sit smet Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, Read More Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet elit
- [Employment Opportunities](https://illinoisbhwc.org/about/employment-opportunities/) - Employment Opportunities Director of Behavioral Health Educational Pathways Hiring Department: Southern Illinois University School of MedicineLocation: Springfield, IL USAPosting Close Date: ContinuousSalary Range: $7,122.43 – $7,834.67 Monthly Position Description Under the general direction of the Executive Director of the Behavioral Health Workforce Center (BHWC), the Director of Behavioral Health Educational Pathways leads statewide initiatives to
- [BHWC Reports](https://illinoisbhwc.org/bhwc-reports/) - BHWC Reports FY26 - FY28 IL BHWC Strategic Plan The Illinois Behavioral Health Workforce Center (BHWC) Strategic Plan for Fiscal Years 2026 through 2028 lays out a bold and collaborative vision to expand, diversify, and strengthen the state’s behavioral health workforce. Amid rising demand for mental health and substance use services, Illinois continues to face
- [Mental Health Resources](https://illinoisbhwc.org/mh-resources/) - Mental Health Resources 211211 is the most comprehensive source of information about local resources and services in the country. It will connect you to expert, caring help and resources in your area like housing, food, transportation, and health care resources. Every call is completely confidential.Call/Text: 211 | Visit: 211.org 988 Suicide & Crisis LifelineWe can
- [Data & Reports](https://illinoisbhwc.org/reports-data-policy/) - Data & Reports 2024 Social Work Workforce Study Series The 2024 Social Work Workforce Study Series comprises reports analyzing workforce data collected through the 2024 Social Work Census. This initiative combines a practice analysis and the largest-ever workforce survey of social workers. Developed in partnership with Rutgers University, the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB),
- [Executive Committee Members](https://illinoisbhwc.org/executive-committee-members/) - Executive Committee Members [table id=1/]
- [Contact Us](https://illinoisbhwc.org/contact-us/) - Contact Us Last Name Last Name Email Phone Comment/Question Send
- [Equity, Diversity and Inclusion](https://illinoisbhwc.org/about/equity-diversity-and-inclusion/) - Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Equity, Diversity and Inclusion StatementWe believe all Illinoisans deserve access to high-quality mental and behavioral health care regardless of age, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, beliefs, social status, ability or disability.The BHWC’s goal is to have its workforce reflect the rich diversity in Illinois’ communities. Through coordinated initiatives to recruit,
- [Evidence-Based Practice Resources](https://illinoisbhwc.org/resources/evidence-based-practice-resources/) - Evidence-Based Practice Resources The Illinois Behavioral Health Workforce Center reviewed programs nationwide to identify best practices that might be helpful for behavioral health providers throughout the state. The purpose of the following links to best practices is to inspire other organizations to develop innovated practices based on their workforce needs. General CA Evidence-Based Practices Clearinghouse
- [Resources](https://illinoisbhwc.org/resources/) - Resources mental health resources Access a list of various mental health resources and hotlines available across the state of Illinois. Learn More Mental Health Awareness Month The National Council for Mental Wellbeing provides a “Four Ways Forward” toolkit with resources and information on ways to use your voice, prioritize self-care, celebrate mental wellbeing and assist
- [Blog](https://illinoisbhwc.org/blog/) - Blog News/Event Page Example Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, Read More Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet elit eiusmod dolor sit smet Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, Read More Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet elit eiusmod
- [BHWC Newsletter Sign-Up](https://illinoisbhwc.org/bhwc-newsletter-sign-up/) - BHWC Newsletter Sign-Up BHWC NEWSLETTER SIGN-UP Stay informed and up-to-date with everything happening at the Illinois Behavioral Health Workforce Center. By signing up for our newsletter, you will receive information regarding regular news updates, upcoming events, recent blog posts, website updates and more. First Name *Last Name *Email (required) *Company Job Title Select list(s) to
- [News & Events](https://illinoisbhwc.org/news-events/) - News & Events News/Event Page Example Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, Read More Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet elit eiusmod dolor sit smet Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, Read More Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet
- [Privacy Policy](https://illinoisbhwc.org/privacy-policy/) - Privacy Policy The Illinois Behavioral Health Workforce Center (BHWC) maintains a variety of web servers under the IBHWC.org and IllinoisBHWC.org domains. This notice serves to inform visitors and users of BHWC websites about specific web privacy practices employed by BHWC. BHWC uses its web presence to further its mission and is committed to respecting the
- [Sitemap](https://illinoisbhwc.org/sitemap/) - Sitemap PagesPrivacy PolicyHomeAboutEquity, Diversity and InclusionLoan Repayment ProgramsEmployment OpportunitiesExecutive Committee MembersResourcesEvidence-Based Practice ResourcesFinancial ResourcesContact UsSitemapNews & EventsMeet the TeamMental Health ResourcesAdvisory Council MembersBlogFunding OpportunitiesData & ReportsBHWC Newsletter Sign-UpTraining OpportunitiesBHWC ReportsStrategic Plan

## Categories

- [News & Events](https://illinoisbhwc.org/category/news-events/)
- [Blog](https://illinoisbhwc.org/category/blog/)
- [Equity, Diversity and Inclusion](https://illinoisbhwc.org/category/blog/equity-diversity-and-inclusion/)
- [CRSS Program](https://illinoisbhwc.org/category/blog/crss-program/)