Illinois Behavioral Health Workforce Center (BHWC) Strategic Plan, FY26–FY28

The Illinois Behavioral Health Workforce Center (BHWC) Strategic Plan, FY26–FY28 presents a statewide roadmap to expand, diversify, and strengthen Illinois’ behavioral health workforce amid growing demand for mental health and substance use services.

Grounded in extensive stakeholder engagement and data analysis, the plan outlines six strategic goals focused on workforce education and training, career pathways, policy development, pre-career awareness, financial accessibility, and provider retention.

Led by Southern Illinois University School of Medicine and the University of Illinois Chicago, BHWC serves as a convener, data resource, and capacity builder, working with state agencies, educators, providers, and communities to ensure that all Illinois residents have access to a skilled, equitable, and sustainable behavioral health workforce.