Mental Health Workforce Accelerator Collaborative

Mental Health Workforce Accelerator Collaborative is sponsored by Kaiser Permanente. This collaborative addresses the critical need for mental health professionals in Colorado by increasing and diversifying the mental health workforce across the state.

$4. 2 Million Committed to Mental Health Workforce | Kaiser Permanente $4. 2 million committed to mental health workforce Kaiser Permanente grant addresses critical need for mental health workers in Colorado.

Kaiser Permanente media relations MSU Denver media relations DENVER — To address an acute need for mental health professionals in Colorado, Kaiser Permanente and several collaborators are launching the new Mental Health Workforce Accelerator Collaborative. Kaiser Permanente is dedicating $4. 2 million in grants toward the effort.

In collaboration with the National Council for Mental Wellbeing and the Metropolitan State University of Denver , the accelerator will scale through 2024 and 2025, with the goal of increasing and diversifying the mental health workforce across the state. “Kaiser Permanente’s mission is to improve the health of the communities we serve,” said Mike Ramseier , regional president for Kaiser Permanente in Colorado.

“To effectively address the local impacts of the national mental health crisis, we need to develop a communitywide mental health workforce that effectively represents the communities hit hardest. ” Mental health-related conditions have steadily increased for years, including higher rates of depression, anxiety, overdoses, and suicide.

Yet, in 2022, the Colorado Behavioral Health Administration estimated the state had more than twice as many vacant mental health jobs than similar-sized areas across the country, according to its report, Strengthening the Behavioral Health Workforce in Colorado: An Approach to Community Partnership.

To develop a diverse mental health workforce pipeline, the accelerator bridges the gap between degrees and licensure for aspiring mental health workers. Acquiring required clinical hours — as well as the costs of study materials and testing — can present barriers for people on the way to becoming licensed mental health professionals.

For too many graduates in mental health fields, the additional hurdles and costs stop their careers before they start, particularly for underrepresented groups, who may not have established social networks in the industry. While unlicensed mental health workers can treat Medicare patients, a license opens the door to treating more people, which helps providers sustain their practice.

“The Gina and Frank Day Health Institute at MSU Denver is working to address mental and behavioral workforce shortages across Colorado.

In collaboration with organizations like Kaiser Permanente, we are breaking down barriers to get more licensed practitioners in the field that reflect the populations that they serve,” said Emily Matuszewicz, director of development and partnerships at the Gina and Frank Day Health Institute at MSU Denver.

“This innovative initiative comes at a critical time when 1 in 5 individuals in our state are in need of mental health services and less than one-third receive that care. ” Kaiser Permanente’s grants are funding stipends, oversight, operations, and analysis of the program.

The Gina and Frank Day Health Institute at MSU Denver is running the Colorado accelerator, securing clinical-hour placements and supervision for pre- and post-master’s associates who will work in community provider settings serving vulnerable populations. The institute is also establishing a peer cohort and providing study materials.

Placements have been secured for 33 participants in the program’s first cohorts with a preference for nonprofit and public entities serving vulnerable, underserved populations.

Community providers currently hosting participants include: Denver/Boulder/Aurora Metro Aurora Mental Health and Recovery Jefferson Center for Mental Health North Range Behavioral Health Chi’Anne Brieske, a participant in the collaborative’s first cohort, obtained clinical hours through Diversus Health in El Paso County. The collaborative paid Brieske’s stipend via the Kaiser Permanente grants. “The field is fascinating.

It’s a delicate balance between science and art,” she said. Brieske obtained a master’s degree in 2021, but she won’t obtain full licensure until mid-2024. She said MSU Denver helped clear several barriers, providing free study materials, which otherwise cost hundreds of dollars.

The cohort provided participants a critical space to navigate sometimes confusing licensure paperwork and other hurdles. “I had a couple of peers from grad school who gave up because they couldn’t afford to do a clinical internship for free for a year,” she said. “This program is super beneficial.

” Brieske plans to continue toward a doctorate, eventually fulfilling a passion for working with youth in the justice system. This program is part of Kaiser Permanente’s overarching goal to improve the lives of its members by delivering evidence-based, outcomes-driven mental health and addiction care in the right setting at the right time.

It also builds on Kaiser Permanente’s long-standing commitment to support our communities’ social needs, with programs that help provide access to housing, food, and mental health care.

“If we are going to meet our community’s overall health needs, we have to remove as many barriers as we can for the people who want to do those jobs,” said Jeff Krawcek , MD, executive medical director and president of the Colorado Permanente Medical Group. “This community-based approach delivers help to many areas of Colorado with the highest needs. ” Aspiring mental health workers across the country will soon see similar benefits.

The Colorado collaborative is part of a national effort, which will kick off a similar accelerator in Georgia.

About the Gina and Frank Day Health Institute at MSU Denver Housed within Metropolitan State University of Denver’s College of Health and Human Sciences, the Gina and Frank Day Health Institute at MSU Denver is a catalyst for student-centered workforce partnerships, with programming across 10 academic departments developing the next generation of Colorado’s health care professionals.

At the heart of it is improving health access and equity. This happens by embracing an evidence-based, whole-person approach to wellness, empowering individuals to help serve the communities they come from. MSU Denver’s Health Institute is Colorado’s prescription for Change.

Kaiser Permanente is committed to helping shape the future of health care. We are recognized as one of America’s leading health care providers and not-for-profit health plans. Founded in 1945, Kaiser Permanente has a mission to provide high-quality, affordable health care services and to improve the health of our members and the communities we serve.

We currently serve 12. 5 million members in 8 states and the District of Columbia. Care for members and patients is focused on their total health and guided by their personal Permanente Medical Group physicians, specialists, and team of caregivers.

Our expert and caring medical teams are empowered and supported by industry-leading technology advances and tools for health promotion, disease prevention, state-of-the-art care delivery, and world-class chronic disease management. Kaiser Permanente is dedicated to care innovations, clinical research, health education, and the support of community health. Share $4.

2 Million Committed to Mental Health Workforce on Pinterest Share $4. 2 Million Committed to Mental Health Workforce on LinkedIn Share $4. 2 Million Committed to Mental Health Workforce on Twitter Share $4.

2 Million Committed to Mental Health Workforce on Facebook Print $4. 2 Million Committed to Mental Health Workforce Email $4. 2 Million Committed to Mental Health Workforce 30 years later: One therapist’s career dream rediscovered Melandie Smith-Austin paused getting her license.

Decades later, Kaiser … Kaiser Permanente and UH Mānoa expand mental health workforce The Mental Health Career Accelerator helps more Hawaii graduates become … Accelerating growth in the mental health care workforce Policymakers can help expand and diversify the mental health care workforce.

Kaiser Permanente commits $25 million to Martin Luther King Jr. Community … The organization is providing a $25 million grant and the loan of a $7 … Mile High United Way awards our work in the community Mile High United Way named Kaiser Permanente among its 2026 Community Champions … Kaiser Permanente invests $10 million to expand youth mental health peer … The Youth Mental Health Corps increases access, strengthens connections, … Kaiser Permanente invests $150 million in California mental health care The 5-year investment will support community-based programs, expand the … A $5 million grant will expand trauma care for students and staff in Pasadena, … Trust awards $5 million grant to support new cancer center Helmsley Charitable Trust plans to fund infusion bays and patient care … Our bold goal: Help 1,000 therapists get licensed by 2028 The Kaiser Permanente Mental Health Career Accelerator is growing to help … Building confidence and wellness through coaching Kaiser Permanente and the Los Angeles Sports & Entertainment Commission … Buprenorphine saves lives.

Why can’t more patients get it? Policy changes are crucial for better opioid addiction treatment.

Health and housing partnerships create lasting change Victorville, California, has achieved a significant reduction in homelessness … $50,000 grant for homeless and at-risk veterans A Kaiser Permanente grant to U.S.VETS Hawaii will expand veteran housing … Building health connections in Colorado Too many people face barriers trying to achieve good health.

We partner … How the Kaiser Permanente Community Support Hub® call center helped one … A legacy of healing, one plate at a time With Kaiser Permanente’s help, Mama’s Kitchen is creating a quiet yet powerful … Mental health care without borders When clinicians can practice across state lines, more people can get the … Helping youth connect, move, and thrive After the third year of Kaiser Permanente and Los Angeles Football Club’s … Los Angeles area wildfires: How we helped our communities We moved quickly to ensure that people in our communities could still get … Kaiser Permanente strives to support survivors of sexual violence.

3 ways we’re helping build and preserve affordable housing Good health starts with having a safe, affordable place to live. We’re committed to mentorship, mental health, and communities Kaiser Permanente awarded Elevate Your G. A.

M. E. a grant to expand program … Providing care to trauma survivors Kaiser Permanente has been at the forefront of recognizing how trauma impacts … Grant supports Colorado Safe Futures Fund Through public health initiatives, $95,000 will be used to prevent firearm … Health care coverage now accessible to uninsured people Indigenous farmworkers may qualify for new Kaiser Permanente coverage.

Recruitment and retention in behavioral health An expert’s insights on the changing mental health landscape, its impact … Paid internships support future public health leaders Valedictorian uses bilingual-bicultural fluency to connect with community … Our dedication to fostering well-being and equity The 2023 Kaiser Permanente Southern California Community Health County … Study shows new way to prevent suicides Primary care teams can make a big difference in their patients’ lives, … Traumatized children find mental health therapy beneficial A Ventura County community-based nonprofit provides counselors to help … Living longer and better lives Kaiser Permanente in Southern California invests $10 million in Riverside … Increasing resources to house single-parent families Warren Village expands its efforts to transform Denver’s affordable housing … Teacher residency program improves retention and diversity A $1.

5 million Kaiser Permanente grant addresses Colorado teacher shortage … Transforming education and mental health in Watts Our investment in the Watts neighborhood of California, in partnership … Grant to help make school lunches healthier for kids Chef Ann Foundation will use $275,000 grant for Colorado program to convert … Reducing cultural barriers to food security To reduce barriers, Food Bank of the Rockies’ Culturally Responsive Food … Increasing access to mental health care across Hawaii Kaiser Permanente supports three organizations focused on improving behavioral … Donations assure access to affordable health care Kaiser Permanente grant and challenge spark $18.

7 million for Denver Health’s … A legacy of life-changing community support and partnership The Kaiser Permanente Watts Counseling and Learning Center started as a … Proposition 1 would bolster mental health care in California Kaiser Permanente supports the ballot measure to expand and improve mental … Expanding medical, social, and educational services in Watts Kaiser Permanente opens medical offices and a new home for the Watts Counseling … Empowering minds to help others thrive Supporting behavioral and mental health in communities where needs are … Solutions for strengthening the mental health care workforce Better public policies can help address the challenges.

We encourage policymakers … Addressing the shortage of mental health workers There aren’t enough mental health professionals in the U.S. to meet the … Funding solutions to end gun violence Researchers and organizations are exploring inventive ways to reduce gun … Safe, secure housing is a must for health We offer housing-related legal help to prevent evictions and remove barriers … Bridging the mental health gap Kaiser Permanente’s partnership with Fontana Unified School District brings … 10 school districts receive next round of RISE grants The Thriving Schools program helps educators and students in Colorado integrate … Grants improve the total health of our communities Kaiser Permanente increases access to mental health services in Southern … Expanding access to high-quality mental health services Highlighting our community health work in Southern California The Kaiser Permanente Southern California 2022 Community Health Snapshot … Joining forces to improve community health The Kaiser Permanente and 211 LA partnership makes strides in improving … Making waves to empower young girls Kaiser Permanente and the San Diego Wave Fútbol Club host a second Wave … Honored for commitment to people with disabilities The Achievable Foundation recognized Kaiser Permanente for its work to … Policy recommendations from a mental health therapist in training Changing my career and becoming a therapist revealed ways our country can … Kaiser Permanente commits up to $10 million to Denver Health Funding comes as Denver Health provided $120 million in uncompensated care … Addressing mental health trauma in a local community Trauma-informed outreach efforts in Orange County are being recognized … Managing trauma does not need to be traumatic Expanded access to high-quality, affordable mental health care supports … Addressing social isolation in the Northwest Kaiser Permanente invests $3.

3 million to build healthy social connections … It’s time to rethink health care quality measurement To meaningfully improve health equity, we must shift our focus to outcomes … Grant to Aloha Harvest supports food security Grant of $50,000 will provide 1,000 healthy meals to individuals with low … News and views from one of America’s leading health care providers and not-for-profit health plans.