According to the BHA, the mental health workforce projects a shortage of over 4,400 workers in Colorado by 2026. And considering 34.6% of adults in Colorado had an unmet need for mental health services in 2022 (6.9% higher than the national average, according to KFF), industry leaders are designing innovative solutions to help close this gap.
The new Pathways in Technology Early College High School (P-TECH) behavioral health program in Aurora, CO, is a step to bolstering the workforce while also guiding students in underserved communities to complete a stackable QBHA credential with work-based learning experiences, providing a solid foundation for a successful career in mental health services.
The Colorado Providers Association (COPA) is proud to assist in the development and implementation of the BHA’s P-TECH program in Aurora. If your organization is interested in participating in P-TECH’s work-based learning by providing internships, please reach out to Lydia at lydia@coprovidersassociation.org.
Read more about “back to school” youth services from the BHA here.