Strengthening North Carolina’s Mental Health, Substance Use, IDD and TBI Workforce

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NCDHHS is committed to integrating mental health into every aspect of the health care system, including prevention, early intervention, crisis care and ongoing support. To accomplish this, NCDHHS is working on initiatives to recruit, train and retain qualified professionals to serve individuals with mental health conditions, substance use disorders, intellectual and developmental disabilities and traumatic brain injury.

Side by Side with DMH/DD/SUS: Strengthening North Carolina’s MH, SU, IDD & TBI Workforce Innovations in Recruitment, Training and Retention

Qualified Professional Initiative

Simplifies and strengthens the pathway into mental health, IDD, and substance use service delivery by expanding the education criteria

Building the Social Work Pipeline: Public Service Leadership Program

High school, community college and university pipelines for social work professionals in North Carolina

Licensed Workforce Loan Repayment Program

Incentives for rural mental health, substance use, intellectual and developmental disabilities and traumatic brain injury service providers

Peer Support Specialist Initiative

Expanding and investing in peer support services through training, certification, and deployment of individuals with lived experience

Direct Support Professional Initiative

Workforce development programs for Direct Support Professionals serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities