Authored By: Nikki Boberg, Director, Talbert House
Preparing the next generation of behavioral health professionals begins early. The Behavioral Health School to Work Program was created to introduce high school students to careers in behavioral health while strengthening the workforce pipeline. Developed in alignment with the goals of the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (OMHAS), the program helps bridge the opportunity gap many students face when trying to pursue careers in this critical field.
Launched as a pilot during the 2024–2025 school year and continuing into 2026, the program connects students with real-world learning experiences that help them better understand behavioral health careers and the pathways required to pursue them. For many young people—especially those from communities experiencing health inequities—the path into these professions can feel unclear or out of reach.
One student described her experience in a powerful way. She had always dreamed of becoming a psychiatrist but felt overwhelmed by the journey required to get there. After participating in the Behavioral Health School to Work Program, she shared that the program helped put the “rungs back” on the ladder she thought was broken. What once felt impossible now feels achievable.
A key strength of the program is its emphasis on hands-on learning. Through partnerships with community organizations, students experience behavioral health systems in action. They gain insight into diversion programs within the court system that focus on treatment and recovery, observe how medical professionals provide specialized care to survivors of violence, and learn about crisis response services that support individuals during emergencies.
These real-world experiences have been transformative for students. Community partners consistently express how impressed they are with the students’ professionalism and curiosity, while students report that these interactions are the most engaging part of the program.
The program has also demonstrated measurable success. In its first year, 60 students enrolled and 55 completed the Qualified Behavioral Health Specialist training, earning an industry-recognized credential. Students also received a completion bonus that acknowledged their dedication and achievement.
Like many pilot programs, the Behavioral Health School to Work Program has faced challenges. Coordinating partnerships across schools and community organizations, navigating complex scheduling, and helping students understand the range of careers within behavioral health requires strong collaboration and ongoing refinement. However, these challenges have also provided valuable lessons that will strengthen the program moving forward.
As the program continues through the 2025–2026 school year, its mission remains clear: equip students with the knowledge, confidence, and practical skills needed to pursue meaningful careers in behavioral health. By connecting education with real-world experience, the program is helping students build pathways to opportunity while strengthening the future behavioral health workforce in our community.
Thank you to the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services for funding this project.