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Summary
To address the mental health and substance use treatment workforce shortage and increase the number and diversity of licensed clinicians, the National Council for Mental Wellbeing, with funding from Kaiser Permanente, has launched the National Mental Health Workforce Acceleration Collaborative (NMHWAC) program.
The NMHWAC program aims to increase the number of qualified licensed mental health and substance use treatment clinicians, while increasing anti-racism, diversity, equity, and inclusion (ADEI) considerations in patient-facing mental health and substance use treatment positions. The Thompson School of Social Work & Public Health at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa launched the Hawaiʻi Mental Health Workforce Accelerator Program in April 2024.
Background
Over 50 million Americans are experiencing a mental illness, but there is only one mental health provider for every 350 individuals in the U.S. This shortage of providers has contributed to nearly 55% of adults with mental illness receiving no treatment. 1 An important component of the workforce shortage is that 57% of people who earn master’s degrees in mental health face financial, time and regulatory barriers to clinical licensure that force them to abandon licensure.
To address the mental health and substance use treatment workforce shortage and to increase the number and diversity of licensed clinicians available to serve clients, the National Council for Mental Wellbeing launched the NMHWAC program through grant funding provided by Kaiser Permanente.
Goals
1. Increase the percentage of master’s degree graduates who become licensed in target states.
2. Increase the number of clients served by partially qualified pre- and post-master’s associates.
3. Increase the diversity (in terms of race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, language, and culture) of fully licensed master’s-level mental health professionals in participating states.
4. Improve Heath Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) health professional shortage area scores in identified communities.
Candidates must meet the criteria below. Please also see the FAQ page.
Note that the Hawai'i Mental Health Workforce Acceleration Program is giving preference to rural Kanaka Maoli candidates.
Please review the FAQ page before applying. See the home page for the application link.
Register Here for info sessions
Jump to a question:
How competitive is the program?
Do I have to pay for supervision?
What about clinical license study materials and the fees associated with testing and licensure?
What is a candidate? What is a fellow?
What is the goal of this program?
Can I work part-time or on call?
What if I just got a job offer or just started employment?
Who gets priority? How do candidates/fellows get selected?
How do I know if the tasks I am doing at my job qualify for hours for my LCSW?
How competitive is the program?
Our goal is to recruit 20 candidates/fellows over the course of the two (2) year grant.
What is a cohort?
We will accept small groups of candidates/fellows every July and January, starting in July 2024 through January 2026.
Do I have to pay for supervision?
No! Our funder, Kaiser Permanente, covers the cost of clinical supervision and supplements the candidates' salaries.
What about clinical license study materials and the fees associated with testing and licensure?
All costs are covered by Kaiser and the grant!
What is a candidate? What is a fellow?
Candidates are those with a MSW and who are not clinically licensed yet. Fellows are currently a MSW student, planning to graduate soon. Fellows will not be recruited until the second year of the grant.
What is the goal of this program?
We aim to expand the pool of diverse post-masters licensed clinicians in Hawaiʻi by reducing barriers to clinical licensure. The goal is to increase access to advanced degree mental health professionals who are skilled in providing culturally-competent clinical services.
Can I work part-time or on call?
No, this program is for full-time employment and is designed to help candidates achieve licensure in 2 years.
What if I just got a job offer or just started employment?
This would be a possibility - please explain your situation in the application.
Who gets priority? How do candidates/fellows get selected?
Candidates need to start employment in alignment with our cohort recruitment schedule (July/January). Priority categories are as follows:
How do I know if the tasks I am doing at my job qualify for hours for my LCSW?
Please see the NASW Hawai'i website and reach out to them directly with specific questions about hours or licensing requirements.
Please email: clinical@hawaii.edu
National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Hawai'i chapter's website
National Council for Mental Wellbeing
Hawaii's Licensing Requirements
Learn about Hawai'i’s Licensing Requirements for LCSW, LMHC, and LMFT
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