Behavioral Health

Investing in the Future of Behavioral Health in San Diego

San Diego County faces a critical shortage of behavioral health workers, limiting access to vital mental health and substance use services and impacting individuals, families, and communities. The ELEVATE Behavioral Health Workforce Fund is a bold initiative to address this challenge by investing $75 million to grow and strengthen the local behavioral health workforce.

The ELEVATE Behavioral Health Workforce is now accepting proposals for the San Diego Behavioral Health Apprenticeship Network Training Program (Download the RFP) and the Peer Support Training and Place Grant Program (Download the RFP).

The Policy and Innovation Center leads the strategic implementation of ELEVATE—a bold, five-year initiative to expand and diversify San Diego County’s behavioral health workforce. In partnership with Social Finance and Trailhead Strategies, PIC is advancing innovative strategies to create sustainable career pathways across the region.

ELEVATE was launched in response to the County of San Diego’s 2022 report, Addressing San Diego’s Behavioral Health Worker Shortage, which called for urgent action to meet growing community needs. In alignment with this vision, the County allocated $75 million in Mental Health Services Act Innovation funding to drive this transformative effort. Through education, training, and financial support, ELEVATE invests in current and aspiring professionals committed to serving in San Diego County’s behavioral health system—advancing critical roles such as Substance Use Disorder Counselors, Peer Support Specialists, Licensed Clinicians, and Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners.

Our Vision

The goal of The ELEVATE Behavioral Health Workforce Fund is to attract and retain workers in the public behavioral health field by deploying funding to support individuals seeking a variety of training, tuition support, upskilling, and incentive opportunities.

Our Approach

The ELEVATE Behavioral Health Workforce Fund will support individuals entering or advancing in behavioral health careers through the following programs:

San Diego Pay It Forward Loan Program

Offers zero-interest loans to learners pursuing behavioral health degrees and certifications.

More Information and Application

Nurse Practitioner (NP) Expansion Grant Program

To launch and expand local Nurse Practitioner programs, supporting NP students in getting didactic and clinical experience in public BH settings.

Draft Program Framework

Behavioral Health Apprenticeship Network Program

To start and expand apprenticeships to help individuals become SUD Counselors, case managers, community health workers, and other in-demand occupations.

Peer Support Training Grant Program

To train, place, and retain peer support specialists in San Diego County.

Social Work, Therapy, and Counseling Internship Program

To support paid, high-quality internships to master’s level students in public Behavioral Health settings.

Draft Program Framework

Historical Resources

From Insight to Impact: Why County Leaders Launched ELEVATE

Why It Matters:

Growing Demand: The need for behavioral health services is increasing, with a projected 20% rise in demand by 2025.

Workforce Crisis: San Diego County currently lacks the workforce to meet this demand, with significant shortages in key professions.

Equity and Access: Workforce shortages disproportionately impact underserved communities, limiting access to essential care.

San Diego County is facing a significant behavioral health (BH) worker shortage. Our 2022 Workforce Report estimates 17,000 BH professionals were employed in 11 key occupations in 2022. This is 8,000 workers short of the 25,000 needed.