Valparaiso-based HealthLinc is starting a behavioral health residency program with funding from Indiana's Family and Social Services Administration.
Tailored for graduates with clinical master's degrees in social work, psychology or counseling, the program takes cues from medical and nurse practitioner residencies. Residents will work toward clinical licensure while receiving weekly time for training, research, projects and rotations.
“HealthLinc is committed to developing the next generation of compassionate and skilled behavioral health professionals focused on whole-person health and wellness,” said Melissa Mitchell, HealthLinc CEO, in a press release.
The inaugural cohort of eight residents will begin in June and last about 30 months to allow for supervision, practice hours and licensure preparation.
In July 2023, the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration – Division of Mental Health and Addiction launched the Behavioral Health Workforce Recruitment and Retention Innovation Grant Program to address behavioral health workforce challenges. Awardees, like HealthLinc, will participate in a professional development initiative to enhance collaboration and improve mental health care access and quality statewide.
“We are helping to make access to quality behavioral health care for everyone a reality,” Mitchell said.
HealthLinc serves as a continuity clinic for family medicine residencies and offers residencies for nurse practitioners and clinical pharmacy. HealthLinc has plans for a dental residency and existing training programs for medical and dental assistants.
“By investing in the development of new behavioral health professionals, HealthLinc is not only addressing the current shortage but also laying the foundation for a healthier, more resilient society,” said Devon Jones, HealthLinc's chief behavioral health and addictions officer.
Learn more about HealthLinc’s Behavioral Health Residency Program is here.
HealthLinc is a nonprofit health center that provides medical, dental, optometry and behavioral health services to people of all ages regardless of a patient’s ability to pay. In 1996, HealthLinc began as Hilltop Neighborhood House, a neighborhood clinic and childcare center in Valparaiso. Since then, HealthLinc has expanded to 12 clinics and one mobile medical/dental clinic.
