The Future of the Behavioral Health Workforce: Optimism and Opportunity

This special issue of the American Journal of Preventive Medicine focuses on a key element of mental health system infrastructure where substantial investment is needed to effect change: behavioral health human resources. Although the supply and demand realities are highlighted within the issue, it also features the positive progress that this field of dedicated professionals has achieved. There is no question that the barriers to strengthening behavioral health workforce capacity and improving service delivery will not be easily overcome, but with challenge comes opportunity. This set of articles collectively proposes strategies and best practices to guide success of the current and future behavioral health workforce.