A recent study by the University of Maryland School of Social Work (UMSSW) reveals that almost 90% of graduates from the Behavioral Health Fellowship stay in the field. They often work in areas with high demand and most obtain professional licensure. This fellowship is making a significant impact on the behavioral health workforce.
The Behavioral Health Workforce Education and Training (BHWET) program, launched over a decade ago, has proven to be effective at training social workers and counselors. The local version, called the Behavioral Health Workforce Integration Service and Education (BHWISE) Fellowship, was created to address workforce needs in Maryland.
To assess the long-term effects of the fellowship, Dr. Paul Sacco, a principal investigator at UMSSW, led a study involving graduates from Maryland and two partner programs in Missouri and Kansas. The results are promising: nearly 90% of graduates still work in the field, and an impressive 95% hold professional licensure. “Ten years out, our students consistently say the fellowships make a big difference,” said Sacco.
These findings are part of a larger trend. A 2022 report by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) indicates that many communities still face shortages in mental health professionals. This challenge highlights the importance of programs like BHWET, which was initiated in response to a national push for improved mental health services following the Sandy Hook tragedy.
Dr. Sacco recently shared these insights at the Council on Social Work Education Annual Conference in Denver, underscoring the fellowship’s importance. With ongoing support from HRSA, initiatives like BHWISE help build a stable and effective behavioral health workforce, contributing to better mental health outcomes across the nation.
For more on the impact of this fellowship, you can check out the full article on the [University of Maryland website](http://www.umaryland.edu/news/archived-news/november-2025/behavioral-health-fellowship-shows-lasting-workforce-impact.php).
