A new resource from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) explores solutions for behavioral health care deserts – areas with severe shortages of mental health providers, long wait times, high costs, and other barriers. Research shows that the number of behavioral health clinicians in rural areas is significantly lower than in metropolitan areas. One promising way to fill in the workforce gap is to add trusted individuals who are not clinical providers but come from the communities they serve:
- Community Health Workers (CHWs) act as a liaison between providers and health care consumers to help navigate local health and social services.
- Peer Support Specialists are individuals with lived experience of substance use disorders who go through specialized training for recovery mentorship, emotional support, and assistance with practical needs such as paperwork and transportation.