At the federal level, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and its Bureau of Health Workforce, aims to advance health equity and strengthen national access to high-quality behavioral health services by cultivating a well-prepared, adaptable workforce.1 In alignment with this mission, the Western Carolina University (WCU) Department of Social Work administers the Behavioral Health Workforce Education and Training for Professionals Program (BHWET Pro), an initiative designed to expand the supply, distribution, and readiness of behavioral health practitioners trained in team-based integrated care. This focus is vital in rural and Tribal areas of Western North Carolina, including the Qualla Boundary, home to the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI), where behavioral health needs remain high and workforce shortages impede access to care. Concentrating placements within Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs), Medically Underserved Communities (MUCs), and Medically Underserved Populations (MUPs), the program addresses gaps in mental health and substance use services across the region.

The current BHWET Pro funding cycle (2025–2029) builds upon three prior HRSA-funded cycles during which the program established a foundation of community-engaged, culturally responsive, regionally embedded training infrastructure. WCU has cultivated robust partnerships with the EBCI, the Center for Native Health, Vaya Health, and numerous health care organizations across Southern Appalachia. These relationships support a coordinated training pipeline that aligns academic preparation with regional workforce needs.

The program’s rural emphasis is reflected not only in its geographic focus but also in the commitments articulated by its scholars. As one scholar shared, “The BHWET program has helped me realize that working in rural communities is my passion and is what I want to pursue in future opportunities.”2 Such reflections illustrate the transformative impact of immersive, community-based training on emerging professional identities and long-term career trajectories.

Each year, the program recruits a cohort of Master of Social Work (MSW) students dedicated to behavioral health roles in high-need rural areas. Scholars engage in rigorous coursework, advanced field training, and structured professional development tailored to integrated care, rural practice, and culturally informed service delivery. Upon graduation, participants transition into behavioral health positions within the service region, contributing to workforce stability and expanded access to care.

Continuous quality improvement has informed the development of a comprehensive, evidence-aligned approach to preparing BHWET Pro Scholars for rural behavioral health practice. Evaluation findings demonstrate that most graduates obtain professional licensure, and many pursue additional behavioral health credentials, indicating preparation and sustained commitment to service in rural and Tribal communities.3–5

Key components of BHWET Pro Scholar training include:

  • Completion of an Integrated Health Care course and an online interprofessional education module aligned with the Interprofessional Education Collaborative (IPEC) Core Competencies and grounded in rural, Native, and Appalachian cultural contexts.

  • Up to 700 hours of advanced clinical field placement in integrated care settings within HPSAs and MUCs.

  • Specialized training in health and safety protocols, validated clinical tools, and evidence-based practices.6

  • Structured interprofessional learning experiences with students and professionals across health disciplines.7,8

  • Participation in an Integrated Care Learning Community focused on whole-person care.

  • Ten professional development seminars addressing competency-based practice, licensure pathways, rural employment trends, and self-care.

  • Collaborative resume development supported by career services and program staff.

  • Acquisition of a National Provider Identifier (NPI).

  • Development of individualized professional development plans integrating short- and long-term career goals.

  • Engagement with National Association of Social Workers (NASW)–North Carolina and participation in professional identity-building activities.

  • Access to job-readiness tools, career fairs, and structured employment navigation supports.

  • Ongoing clinical supervision, workforce coaching, and job placement assistance.

More than a decade of program implementation has yielded several best practices for preparing MSW students for rural and integrated behavioral health practice, consistent with national research and HRSA workforce priorities.9,10 Effective strategies include:

  • Anchoring training in social work values, ethics, and evidence-based practice.

  • Integrating interprofessional education that fosters team-based, culturally humble practice.

  • Providing comprehensive licensure preparation, career development, and employment navigation.

  • Maintaining strong academic–community partnerships that enhance clinical education and expand regional workforce capacity.

As the WCU Department of Social Work’s BHWET Pro initiative continues to evolve, the program remains committed to preparing a culturally responsive behavioral health workforce capable of addressing disparities in rural and Tribal communities across Western North Carolina. Through rigorous training and sustained collaboration with regional partners, the program expands access to high-quality integrated behavioral health care. Ultimately, the initiative’s impact is reflected in the voices of its scholars. As one noted, “The BHWET program has prepared me to continue working in behavioral health with underserved and rural populations by strengthening my clinical foundation and reinforcing my commitment to advocacy and access to high-quality care.”11 This reflection underscores the capacity of the BHWET Pro model to translate academic preparation into sustained contributions to the rural behavioral health workforce.

Acknowledgments

The BHWET project is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) as part of an award totaling $600,000.00 with 0% financed by non-governmental sources. The contents do not represent official views of HRSA or DHHS.

Correspondence

Address correspondence to Emma Miller (emiller@wcu.edu).