The San Diego Workforce Partnership (SDWP) is partnering with the LAUNCH Apprenticeship Network and the Foundation for California Community Colleges. to develop a Behavioral Health Apprenticeship Network to expand SDWP’s ongoing efforts to increase access and grow the region’s behavioral health workforce. As part of this effort, SDWP—working with the San Diego/Imperial Counties Community Colleges Regional Consortium (SDICCC-RC) and in partnership with community-based organizations— will provide wraparound support that helps individuals overcome barriers to education and employment, ensuring equitable access to behavioral health careers.
This initiative builds on the San Diego Workforce Partnership’s existing programs that expand equitable career pathways in healthcare and behavioral health fields—preparing residents for in-demand roles that both improve lives and strengthen the region’s economy. It also aligns with findings from SDWP’s Behavioral Health Workforce Report (2022), which highlights the urgent need to grow and diversify San Diego County’s behavioral health workforce through sustainable training pipelines, employer partnerships, and supportive services.
The San Diego Behavioral Health Apprenticeship Network will recruit, enroll, place, and support 700 apprentices in registered apprenticeship programs across the county by June 30, 2029. Apprentices will receive on-the-job training and education in high-demand occupations, including:
- Substance Use Disorder Counselors
- Community Health Workers
- Social and Human Service Assistants (e.g., case managers)
- Additional behavioral health roles identified by employer committees
The program is part of the $75 million ELEVATE Behavioral Health Workforce Fund by the San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency’s BHS, created via California MHSA Innovation funds. It aims to address the shortage of behavioral health professionals serving those with severe mental illnesses, emotional disturbances, and substance use disorders. Managed by the Policy & Innovation Center (PIC) in partnership with Trailhead and Social Finance, the Fund supports programs to help behavioral health professionals start, advance, and succeed in public service careers.