Maryland’s Behavioral Health Workforce
Data from an alarming new assessment of Maryland’s behavioral health workforce highlights an escalating crisis in access to mental health and substance use care.
According to the report, completed pursuant to 2023 legislation spearheaded by the Maryland Behavioral Health Coalition, the state’s current behavioral health workforce is 50 percent smaller than necessary to meet today’s demand and 45 percent of the existing workforce is expected to leave the field by 2028.
The report outlines a series of recommendations to combat this crisis, including a funding strategy for Maryland’s Behavioral Health Workforce Investment Fund. Unfortunately, given the state’s nearly $3 billion budget deficit, funding for new initiatives is unlikely in 2025.
But there are modest, fiscally responsible steps the legislature can take this year to bolster the workforce. MHAMD and our coalition partners are urging the General Assembly to pass legislation (SB 174/HB 345) that would enter Maryland into the Interstate Social Work Licensure Compact to increase access to this key sector of the state’s behavioral health workforce.
The House Health and Government Operations Committee is holding an initial hearing on HB 345 this Thursday. The Senate Finance Committee will hear SB 174 next week.
MHAMD 2025 Legislative Briefing and Reception
Join us in Annapolis on February 12 for MHAMD’s annual legislative briefing and reception!
This year’s briefing will spotlight the Open Dialogue model of care delivery – an innovative, recovery-oriented approach to crisis intervention and system design. Attendees will:
- Learn about the Open Dialogue model in a keynote presentation from Dr. Mary Olson, founding director of the Yale-sponsored Institute for Dialogic Practice
- Participate in an interactive keynote response panel and audience Q&A
- Hear directly from members of the Moore Administration and the Maryland General Assembly about policies and legislation impacting Marylanders’ behavioral health
- Celebrate the achievements of our 2025 behavioral health awardees
- Network with friends and colleagues
Seating at this event is limited! Register today to reserve your spot.
This Week in Annapolis
In addition to the priority legislation detailed above, MHAMD will provide testimony this week on the following bills. Click here to see our full updated bill list.
SB 223/HB 158 MHAMD supports this bill establishing a program to provide regular, direct communication with eligible older adults to reduce isolation and promote wellness and purposeful social engagement.
Further information about the material above is available on the Maryland General Assembly website.