Share This Publication

Policy Brief - Who Will Do the Work? Strengthening the Children’s Behavioral Health Workforce to Meet Families’ Increasing Behavioral Health Needs

Rising rates of anxiety and depression among children have exacerbated longstanding strains on the behavioral health system and its workforce. Connecticut and many other states are addressing this by funding an expansion of direct care services, especially among the state’s most vulnerable children. Services, however, cannot be implemented and sustained without a proportional investment in the behavioral health workforce.

CHDI's Policy Brief, Who Will Do the Work? Strengthening the Children’s Behavioral Health Workforce to Meet Families’ Increasing Behavioral Health Needs, explores Connecticut’s behavioral health workforce crisis and presents recommendations for recruiting, retaining, and diversifying the workforce to fully meet the needs of the state’s children. The brief was co-authored by Aleece Kelly (CHDI), Jason Lang (CHDI), and Alice Forrester (Clifford Beers Health Partnership). 

Download Policy Brief (pdf)

Update: In November 2023, CHDI and our partners released a strategic plan to strengthen Connecticut's behavioral health workforce for children, youth, and families. Read the strategic plan here.