One of the most pressing issues in the healthcare industry is the shortage of qualified professionals, especially in rural areas. In Central Oregon, the need for behavioral health practitioners is particularly acute. To tackle this challenge, the Central Oregon Behavioral Health Consortium has developed novel strategies to address workforce shortages in the region. In this blog, we will explore the unique approach taken by the Central Oregon Behavioral Health Consortium and how it is making a difference in the community.
An Introduction to the Consortium
The Central Oregon Behavioral Health Consortium is a program sponsored by the Oregon Health Authority and the Central Oregon Health Council. Its primary aim is to train and retain the local behavioral health workforce in the region. The program focuses on supporting the needs of the three counties in Central Oregon: Deschutes, Jefferson, and Crook.
The consortium was formed through a collaborative effort between healthcare professionals, community partners, and East Cascade Works, a workforce investment board. The goal was to develop a comprehensive workforce training program that addresses the specific mental health needs of the region.
The Unique Challenges of Central Oregon
Central Oregon is a region characterized by its rural and frontier spaces. While the cities of Bend and Redmond have a larger population, the neighboring towns and counties are more sparsely populated. This presents unique challenges in terms of access to healthcare services, especially behavioral health services.
According to a study conducted by the consortium, there is less than one therapist per 1,000 people in the rural areas of Central Oregon. This limited access to mental health professionals has a significant impact on the community’s well-being. It also creates a need for local clinicians who understand the unique challenges faced by rural communities.
Innovative Solutions for Workforce Shortages
The Central Oregon Behavioral Health Consortium has implemented several innovative strategies to address workforce shortages and improve access to care in the region. These strategies include:
- Next-Generation Collaboration: The consortium adopts a collaborative approach, involving healthcare professionals and community members in identifying the specific needs of the region. By gathering input from those directly involved in providing healthcare services, the consortium can allocate resources more effectively.
- Apprenticeship Model: Unlike traditional internships, the consortium’s program offers paid apprenticeships for master’s level students. By providing financial support during their training period, the consortium aims to reduce burnout and increase retention rates among new clinicians.
- Focus on Stigma and Cultural Competence: The consortium recognizes the importance of addressing stigma and promoting cultural competence in the delivery of behavioral health services. By training clinicians to be sensitive to the unique cultural contexts of rural communities, the consortium aims to improve the quality of care provided.
The Impact of the Consortium
Since its formation, the Central Oregon Behavioral Health Consortium has made significant progress in addressing workforce shortages and improving access to care in the region. By bringing together 26 agencies and fostering collaboration among healthcare professionals, the consortium has created a united front in tackling the challenges faced by the community.
Through their training program, the consortium has provided essential knowledge and skills to a new generation of behavioral health practitioners. These clinicians are now better equipped to serve the specific needs of rural and frontier communities. The consortium also focuses on expanding the network of supervisors, ensuring that there are enough qualified professionals available to mentor and support new clinicians.
Additionally, the consortium has developed a range of evidence-based training opportunities for clinicians in the region. These trainings cover various areas, including cognitive processing therapy for PTSD, gender-diverse youth therapy, motivational interviewing for co-occurring disorders, and pain care management. By equipping clinicians with the necessary tools and knowledge, the consortium aims to improve the quality of care provided to the community.
The Future of the Consortium
The Central Oregon Behavioral Health Consortium has ambitious plans for the future. One of their goals is to establish a PTSD-focused clinic in Central Oregon. This clinic would provide specialized care and evidence-based treatments for individuals with PTSD, addressing a significant need in the community.
Another exciting prospect is the establishment of an APA-accredited psychology internship program in the region. Currently, most psychology internships are concentrated in urban areas, such as Portland. By creating internship opportunities in Central Oregon, the consortium aims to attract and retain the next generation of psychologists who are specifically interested in working in rural settings.
By continuing to prioritize collaboration, innovation, and community involvement, the Central Oregon Behavioral Health Consortium is paving the way for improved access to behavioral health services in the region. Their holistic approach to addressing workforce shortages serves as a model for other communities facing similar challenges.
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Life Support Podcast: Transforming Mental Health in Central Oregon
We speak with Dr. Adam Dickey to explore the innovative solutions transforming mental health in Central Oregon! Discover how the Central Oregon Behavioral Health Consortium is reshaping mental health with groundbreaking strategies to address workforce shortages, dive into the unique mental health needs of Central Oregon, navigating rural spaces and limited resources, and explore the Consortium’s impactful initiatives, quarterly training sessions, and their exciting plans for the future, including a PTSD-focused clinic and the dream of an APA-accredited psychology internship.