A strong Florida behavioral health workforce is essential to protecting our greatest resource — our people — from the tides of life, nurturing growth, and helping individuals, communities, and our state reach their highest potential.
Grow. Retain. Innovate.
Commissioned by the Florida legislature, the Florida Center for Behavioral Health Workforce (FCBHW) is dedicated to strengthening the state’s behavioral health system through workforce development. Our mission is clear: ensure all Floridians have access to high-quality behavioral health care — when they need it, where they need it.
Through a statewide lens, we work to grow a sustainable pipeline of professionals, retain top talent and innovate new strategies that support providers and communities alike.
A Statewide Call to Action
Florida ranks among the highest in the nation for prevalence of mental health and substance abuse concerns — but near the bottom for access to care. With a population-to-provider ratio of 510:1 and only 24% of current behavioral health workforce needs met, urgent action is needed.
FCBHW was created to address this crisis head-on by:
Analyzing workforce supply and demand
Expanding educational and career pathways
Driving research and innovation
Informing policy through data and stakeholder engagement
Florida adults reported an average of 5.1 poor mental health days per month —1 in every 6 days.
(County Health Rankings & Roadmaps, 2025)
Research & Dissemination
We conduct statewide data analysis, workforce mapping and original research to inform policy and practice. Our reports and interactive dashboards make complex data accessible to decision-makers, educators and advocates.
VIEW INTERACTIVEDATA DASHBOARD
Education & Professional Development
Through collaboration with academic institutions, teaching hospitals and community partners, we support professionals and students at all levels. From high school pipelines to doctoral residencies, we work to reduce barriers and broaden access to behavioral health careers.
EXPLORE EDUCATIONALAND CAREER PATHWAYS
Policy Analysis & Implementation
Our team provides data-driven recommendations to help shape Florida’s behavioral health policy. We work alongside state and local agencies, lawmakers and institutions to build a policy environment that supports workforce retention and access to care for all.
SEE HOW WE AREIMPACTING POLICY
Collaboration
Change doesn’t happen in silos. We actively engage stakeholders across all regions and sectors — health systems, education, law enforcement, businesses and community organizations — to align efforts and amplify impact.
Why It Matters
325,000 Florida youth experienced a major depressive episode in the past year
The Result:
Too many Floridians are suffering alone, untreated and unseen. FCBHW is working to change that.
Why It Matters
2 325,000 Florida youth experienced a major depressive episode in the past year
The Result:
2 Too many Floridians are suffering alone, untreated and unseen. FCBHW is working to change that.
Why It Matters
3 325,000 Florida youth experienced a major depressive episode in the past year
The Result:
3 Too many Floridians are suffering alone, untreated and unseen. FCBHW is working to change that.
In Florida, 16% of adults experience frequent mental distress, and 32% report feeling lonely.
(County Health Rankings & Roadmaps, 2025)
Join the Movement
Whether you’re a behavioral health student, professional, educator, policymaker, advocate or community stakeholder — we want to work with you! Let’s reimagine how Florida supports mental health and substance use care by investing in the people who make it possible.
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