Abstract: Mapping and Analyzing the Impact of a Behavioral Health Workforce Development Program for BSW Students In Indiana (Society for Social Work and Research 31st Annual Conference)

Schedule:

Sunday, January 24, 2027

Union Station 24 (Hilton San Francisco Union Square)

* noted as presenting author

Jessica Lee, PhD, Associate Professor, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN

Virgil Gregory, PhD, Associate Professor, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN

Renee Betts, MSW, Clinical Associate Professor, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN

Amanda Craft, MSW, LCSW, BSW/MSW Clinical Professor, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN

Katherine McCarthy, PhD, LCSW, Associate Professor, Senior BSW Program Director, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN

Stephanie Lyons, MSW, Clinical Associate Professor, Director of Field Education, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN

Background and Purpose: Indiana faces increasing rates of behavioral health conditions, particularly among youth, and a lack of access to services (Indiana Youth Initiative [IYI], 2025). The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of a behavioral health workforce development program that implements training for BSW students to increase the workforce in medically underserved areas (MUAs) (Health Resources & Services Administration [HRSA], 2026). The BSW-level training program includes two certificate pathways for students related to substance use disorder or child abuse and neglect. Indiana experiences “training deserts” in certain areas, which limit the state’s ability to develop a sustainable workforce (IU School of Medicine Bowen Center, 2024).

Methods: This mixed methods study used geographic information system (GIS) mapping and qualitative and quantitative data gathered from program participants to analyze the impact of the BSW-level behavioral health workforce training program in MUAs in Indiana (HRSA, 2026). The researchers utilized health indicator data through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Data Warehouse, Health Data Release, and Social Explorer in a GIS-based map overlay method to examine training data. This presentation also reports qualitative and quantitative outcome data of trainees’ post-completion employment, and knowledge, skills, and competencies related to child abuse and neglect, substance use disorder, and intervention gained through the certificate trainings (N=111). The child welfare and substance use disorder curricula outcome data consists of pre- and post-test data of a 42-item survey of certificate learning objectives.

Results: GIS mapping illustrates that experiential learning sites are in HRSA-designated Health Provider Shortage Areas, Medically Underserved Areas, Medically Underserved Populations, and rural areas (HRSA, 2025). GIS data show a correlation between training sites and post-graduation employment sites in locations with high Mental Health Provider Shortage Area scores and high social vulnerability indices (SVI). Outcome data demonstrates a high rate of graduates going onto behavioral health employment and continuing education in MUAs, and a high rate of competencies and knowledge gained through the training program.

Conclusions & Implications: Medically underserved communities correlate with shortages of mental health and healthcare providers, unmet substance use needs, and high poverty rates (HRSA, 2025). Training and employment sites are in counties with social vulnerability indices higher than 58% and are among Indiana counties with the highest SVIs (IYI, 2025). Behavioral health workforce development programs aim to fill these gaps by increasing opportunities for students to train in integrated practice in Medically Underserved Areas (MUAs). This BSW-level behavioral health training program promotes behavioral health workforce development and increased services in historically underserved and high-needs communities.