Mission & History

Mission

The Florida Center for Behavioral Health Workforce stands in service to the state to grow, retain and innovate Florida’s behavioral health workforce through research, education, policy and collaboration. We were created to ensure all Floridians have access to high-quality and timely behavioral health services by strengthening the workforce that provides them.

Vision

To build a future where every Floridian has access to high quality, compassionate behavioral health services and supports — regardless of who they are or where they live.

History

Established by the Florida Legislature in 2024 through Senate Bill 330, the Florida Center for Behavioral Health Workforce (FCBHW) was created in response to the state’s growing mental health and substance use care crisis. With a critical shortage of behavioral health professionals and an urgent need for a coordinated workforce strategy, the University of South Florida’s College of Behavioral and Community Sciences was selected to lead this statewide initiative.

The center officially launched in July 2024 and began building a strong foundation. In October 2024, Dr. Courtney Whitt was appointed as FCBHW’s first executive director. Under her leadership, the center started recruiting a team, consulting with national behavioral health workforce organizations, and engaging stakeholders across Florida to help shape its strategic direction.

In the first year, FCBHW established three core areas of focus: research and dissemination, education and professional development, and policy analysis and implementation. The center also completed a comprehensive analysis of Florida’s behavioral health workforce, identifying workforce capacity and gaps and opportunities by geography and profession.

From the outset, FCBHW has prioritized a collaborative and data-driven approach. The center continues to work across sectors to ensure its strategies are responsive to workforce needs and grounded in real-world application.