Vibrant, in partnership with The National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors (NASMHPD), recently released a revised version of the Workforce Challenges and Barriers Analysis and Recommendations, a report outlining public policy recommendations for ensuring a robust crisis services workforce that builds on the framework developed by the National Conference of State Legislators (NCSL). This resource guide shares specific workforce strategies gathered from mental health leaders in the US, its territories, Pacific jurisdictions, and the District of Columbia. It is designed to promote idea sharing, help replicate strategies, and encourage the development of new solutions to combat the workforce crisis.

Twenty-two crisis contact centers participated in a focus group to better understand workforce challenges and opportunities. There are over 200 crisis contact centers in the Lifeline network, and this focus group tried to capture the assortment of centers, including large centers, small centers, CCBHCs, non-profit organizations, etc.