The Florida Center for Behavioral Health Workforce (FCBHW) brought together professionals from across the state to address challenges facing Florida’s behavioral health workforce at its inaugural summit, From Research to Action: Florida Behavioral Health Workforce Summit.
Over two days, researchers, practitioners, policymakers, educators, providers and community partners exchanged ideas, strengthened connections and explored strategies to support the recruitment, retention and development of behavioral health professionals throughout Florida.
Turning research into action
The summit was designed to bridge the gap between research and practice by creating opportunities for attendees to examine emerging workforce trends and translate evidence into practical solutions.
USF School of Social Work faculty present "From Knowing to Doing: Simulation-Based Learning as a Workforce Development Strategy" during the From Research to Action: Florida Behavioral Health Workforce Summit.
The statewide event, sponsored in part by the College of Behavioral and Community Sciences (CBCS), featured presentations, discussions and interactive sessions focused on strengthening Florida’s behavioral health system through education, practice, programming and policy. Attendees explored issues affecting the workforce while identifying opportunities for collaboration across organizations, professions and communities.
The summit also provided a space for researchers and behavioral health professionals to share their work with those positioned to put findings into practice, supporting FCBHW’s goal of moving beyond identifying workforce challenges to developing strategies that can create meaningful change.
Strengthening Florida’s behavioral health workforce
Established by the Florida Legislature in July 2024, FCBHW was created to strengthen the state’s behavioral health workforce and help ensure Floridians have access to timely, high-quality behavioral health services.
Housed within the USF CBCS, the center serves the state through research, education, policy and collaboration. Its mission centers on growing, retaining and innovating Florida’s behavioral health workforce while bringing together partners who can help address workforce needs across the state.
CBCS researchers share their work
CBCS faculty and researchers contributed to the summit through presentations highlighting research, programs and strategies addressing behavioral health workforce needs. View the full presentation list here.
Courtney Whitt, PhD
Kherry Rigg, PhD
Emilie Ellenberg, PhD, LMHC-QS
Roxann Taormina, PhD, MSW