VALPARAISO, IN – HealthLinc has received funding from the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration – Division of Mental Health and Addiction (DMHA) to start a first-of-its-kind behavioral health residency program for graduates of a clinical master’s degree in social work, psychology, or counseling.

The program is modeled after accredited medical and nurse practitioner residency programs and adjusted to fit the unique needs of behavioral health professionals. Residents will work towards clinical licensure while getting time carved out each week to participate in evidence-based didactic training, research and quality projects with additional integrated and specialized rotations.

“HealthLinc is committed to developing the next generation of compassionate and skilled behavioral health professionals focused on whole-person health and wellness,” states Melissa Mitchell, HealthLinc CEO. “This extensive experience and supportive environment allow residents to make a meaningful impact in the lives of those struggling with behavioral health challenges.”

The first cohort of eight residents will begin in June 2024 and will last between 24 and 30 months. This provides enough time for clinical supervision and practice hours in addition to registering and passing the clinical licensure exam.

In July 2023, as part of federal Coronavirus response legislation, Indiana Family and Social Services Administration – Division of Mental Health and Addiction made available a one-time funding opportunity – The Behavioral Health Workforce Recruitment and Retention Innovation Grant Program – to promote innovative, collaborative and sustainable responses to behavioral health workforce challenges, with a strong focus on improving care access, continuity and quality in Indiana. Awardees will participate in a Community of Practice professional development opportunity to help increase statewide collaboration, measure program impact and help scale and replicate promising practices that help grow the workforce, increasing access to quality mental health care for Hoosiers.

“We are helping to make access to quality behavioral health care for everyone a reality,” continues Mitchell.

HealthLinc, a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) located in northern Indiana, currently is a continuity clinic for family medicine residency and has residencies for family nurse practitioners and clinical pharmacy with a future dental residency planned, as well as providing certified training programs for medical and dental assistants, providing a robust, integrated learning model.

“By investing in the development of new behavioral health professionals, HealthLinc is not only addressing the current shortage but also laying the foundation for a healthier, more resilient society,” said Devon Jones, HealthLinc’s chief behavioral health and addictions officer.

To apply for the HealthLinc Behavioral Health Residency, click here. Program participants will receive full-time pay, PTO, health insurance and other benefits.

For more information on HealthLinc’s Behavioral Health Residency Program, click here or email bhresidency@healthlincchc.org.