The current Florida behavioral health workforce has insufficient capacity to meet the needs of Florida’s existing and growing population. In 2023, the population to provider ratio was 490:1, significantly lower than the broader U.S.’s ratio of 320:1.
In recognition of this and in commitment to the behavioral health needs of Floridians, the Florida Center for Behavioral Health Workforce was commissioned by the State through the 2024 Senate Bill 330.
"The legislature finds that there is a critical shortage of behavioral health professionals and recognizes the urgent need to expand the existing behavioral health workforce, prepare for an aging workforce, incentivize entry into behavioral health professions, and train a modernized workforce in innovative integrated care."
Through this call to action from the State, the newly established Center will work to grow, retain, and innovate Florida’s behavioral health workforce through research, training, policy and collaboration.
