Press Release  Governor Healey- Launches Campaign to Help More People Enter Mental Health Careers

BOSTON — Governor Maura Healey today announced a new statewide campaign to connect job seekers, students, career changers and people with lived experience with opportunities to build careers in mental health services.

 The “Turn Your Compassion Into Your Career” campaign highlights the many ways people can enter the behavioral health field and provides them with information about jobs, education and training, financial assistance and career support available across Massachusetts.

“We recognize the critical role that mental health plays in our communities, and we want to make sure Massachusetts has the best trained professionals to support people and families,” said Governor Maura Healey. “That’s why we’re investing in our behavioral health workforce and creating more opportunities for people to get the training and experience they need to enter this field.

“Massachusetts is committed to building a behavioral health workforce that is strong, skilled and ready to meet the needs of our communities,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “There are so many ways to build a rewarding career in this field, and we’re making it easier for people to find the training, financial support and opportunities they need to get started and succeed.” 

The campaign launched this summer and will continue through September, reaching people across Massachusetts through billboards, digital and social media, streaming video and community partnerships. Campaign materials are available in seven languages: English, Spanish, Brazilian Portuguese, Vietnamese, Arabic, Haitian Creole and Simplified Chinese.

The campaign drives traffic to Mass.gov/YourBHCareer, where they can explore behavioral health careers based on their interests and experience, learn what education or training they may need and find resources to help them get started.

Behavioral health professionals help people address mental health and substance use challenges and support individuals, families and communities. The field includes a wide range of careers, including peer support specialists, community health workers, substance use counselors, mental health counselors, social workers, psychologists and psychiatrists.

“Many people are drawn to work that helps others, but they may not know how many career pathways exist within behavioral health or where to begin,” said Funmi Aguocha, Assistant Commissioner of the Office of Behavioral Health Promotion and Prevention. “This campaign gives people a clear starting point and connects them with information that can help them turn their compassion, skills, cultural knowledge, and lived experience into impactful work.”

There is no single path into a behavioral health career. Some jobs draw on lived experience or community-based work, while others require a certificate, training program, college degree or advanced clinical education. The campaign helps people understand different career options and find a path that works for their goals and experience.

The campaign also connects people with scholarships, grants and state financial aid programs that can help cover the cost of education and training. Those ready to enter the workforce or take the next step in their careers can find job-search resources and connect with workforce support services across Massachusetts.

The Healey-Driscoll Administration has made strengthening the behavioral health workforce a priority as part of its work to improve access to mental health and substance use care. Building a larger and more diverse workforce will help more residents get care from professionals who understand the communities, cultures and experiences of the people they serve.

To explore behavioral health career pathways, education and training opportunities, financial assistance, available jobs, and career support, visit www.mass.gov/turn-your-compassion-into-your-career.

About the Office of Behavioral Health Promotion and Prevention

The Office of Behavioral Health Promotion and Prevention (OBHPP) is a key office within the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health (DMH). In coordination with the Executive Office of Health and Human Services, OBHPP supports positive population-level impacts across Massachusetts through upstream behavioral health promotion and prevention initiatives. The office advances innovative, evidence-informed, data-driven, and trauma-informed strategies that promote behavioral health and wellness, prevent mental health conditions and substance use disorders, reduce stigma and inequities, and strengthen communities across Massachusetts.

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