National Mental Health Workforce Acceleration Collaborative (NMHWAC) program overview

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.

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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.

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Over 50 million Americans experience mental illness

350 to 1: there is only one mental health provider for every 350 individuals in the U.S.

55% of Americans do not receive treatment

57% of individuals who earn master’s degrees in mental health do not go on to get their licensure

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.

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Recruitment

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.

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Candidates & Fellows

Interest Form here

Organizations

Register Here for info sessions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a cohort?

We will accept small groups of candidates/fellows every July and January, starting in July 2024 through January 2028.

Do I have to pay for supervision?

Yes, however candidates are given stipends to help cover supervision costs.

What about clinical license study materials and the fees associated with testing and licensure?

Candidates are eligible for up to $480 in licensure-related expenses

What is a candidate?

Candidates are individuals who hold an MSW or an equivalent degree in a mental health field and are not yet clinically licensed.

What is the goal of this program?

To increase the percentage of master’s degree graduates who become licensed in Hawai'i. Increase the number of patients served by partially qualified pre- and post-master’s associates. Increase the number of fully licensed master's level mental health professionals who represent the communities being served in targeted states. Improve Heath Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) health professional shortage area scores in identified target communities.

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?

Congratulations! The program is intended to help individuals that are early in their licensure journey.

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:

• Kanaka Maoli and those of indigenous ancestry in Maui (to address the high unmet need for clinical services post-Maui fires).
• Kanaka Maoli and those of indigenous ancestry on neighbor islands.
• Persons of color in Maui and the neighbor islands.
• Kanaka Maoli and persons of color on Oʻahu.

How do I know if the tasks I am doing at my job qualify for hours for my LCSW, LMFT, or LMHC?

For LCSW, please visit the NASW Hawai'i website for guidance.

For LMFT, consult the Hawaiʻian Islands Association for Marriage and Family Therapy website with specific questions about hours or licensing requirements. See Licensing Requirements here. Also see our Pathway page for more resources!

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Please email: clinical@hawaii.edu

Learn more:

National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Hawai'i chapter's website

National Council for Mental Wellbeing

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About Licensing

Hawaii's Licensing Requirements

Learn about Hawai'i’s Licensing Requirements for LCSW, LMHC, and LMFT

Find more information on:

• Licensing requirements and procedures
• Forms and documents
• Fees and payment details
• Instructions

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Resources from the ASWB

• Get a FREE Exam Preparation Book
• Find additional resources, including practice tests and other helpful study materials.

NASW Hawai'i Chapter

• Become a member of the Hawai'i Chapter.
• Learn about upcoming CE opportunities.
• Free practice Exam
• Online Test Prep Course

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