As California’s Behavioral Health Workforce Buckles, Help Is Years Away

California has put a greater focus on behavioral health workers, but a huge spike in demand, an aging workforce, and employee burnout continue to hamper mental health and substance use treatment. The state is tapping Medicaid funds to train, recruit, and retain workers, but it will be a long time before the impacts are evident.

• Published date: 06-08-2025 09:00 AM