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Abstract: 

As the field of behavioral child and youth healthcare struggles with closing the research-to-practice gap and implementing evidence-based practices (EBPs) and treatments with proven efficacy in practice environments, concern has arisen as to whether clinicians entering the workforce are suitably trained to take on the challenge of delivering EBPs. A handful of reports have suggested that practitioners are not prepared to work in EBP-focused environments. We have a mental health workforce dilemma. Institutions of higher learning and professional development training are the main sources of workforce preparation for child and youth clinicians. However, evidence from the health field suggests that few educational programs transfer EBP knowledge into the educational curriculum at a pace needed to meet the demand. Educational content that misses the mark is an added concern. There are significant and widespread concerns about the capability of the behavioral healthcare workforce to provide quality care. The Annapolis Coalition on the Behavioral Health Workforce noted that “there is overwhelming evidence that the behavioral health workforce is not equipped in skills or in numbers to respond adequately to the changing needs of the American population.” This article focuses on the improvements in formal education and training needed to ensure a workforce that can function and deliver care of proven effectiveness.

Keywords: staff competency

Affiliations:  1: Hospital for Sick Children Community Health Systems Resource Group.