Behavioral Healthcare Workforce Comparison Report

The Michigan Department of Education (MDE) contracted with the MHC Insight team to produce the Behavioral Healthcare Workforce Comparison Report. This report analyzes Michigan's school-based behavioral healthcare (BH) workforce—School Psychologists, School Social Workers, and School Counselors—compared to that of all 51 states (including the District of Columbia), specifically focusing on other Midwest states (Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin). The report aims to assess where Michigan's BH workforce stands and identify the workforce variables, demographics, and environmental conditions that support or hinder school-based BH professionals.

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Key Findings:

1. Of 51 states, Michigan’s overall workforce variable rankings for all three BH occupations fell into the bottom half of the U.S.: 42nd for School Psychologists, 37th for School Social Workers, and 41st for School Counselors.

2. Of 51 states, Michigan has notably low projected growth across all three occupations (45th for School Psychologists, 50th for School Social Workers, and 49th for School Counselors).

3. Michigan is an early adopter of school Medicaid expansion and provides many BH-specific financial aid and loan repayment programs. 

4. Michigan is tied for the Midwest state with the most school social work post-graduate licensure requirements.

5. Michigan is tied for the Midwest state with the fewest BH-focused Career and Technical Education (CTE) courses.

6. Michigan has low participation in BH interstate compacts compared to its Midwest neighbors.

This document summarizes the key findings and promising practices identified by MHC Insight. The full report can be accessed below: