San Joaquin County Behavioral Health Services, in partnership with HealthForce Partners California, released a white paper on Sept. 30 documenting measurable progress in tackling the region’s behavioral health workforce crisis. California faces severe shortages of behavioral health professionals, leaving many families without timely access to care. In San Joaquin County alone, vacancy rates had reached crisis levels, making workforce development an urgent priority.
Through the Behavioral Health Workforce Partnership, the initiative has:
Reduced clinician vacancies at SJCBHS from 36 to 14, leading to improved continuity of care for families.
Placed and supervised 96 paid internships to date; more than double the original goal.
Awarded more than $1 million in scholarships to local students.
Expanded training opportunities through San Joaquin Delta College, University of the Pacific, and Stanislaus State.
Secured $500,000 in new funding from the Modesto City Council to expand the model into Stanislaus County.
“The behavioral health workforce is vital to the health and well-being of our community,” stated Genevieve Valentine, Director of Health Care Services for San Joaquin County. “San Joaquin County is grateful for the collaboration with HealthForce Partners. This innovative partnership is not simply filling a workforce gap, but also positively impacts accessibility, care opportunities, and health outcomes.”
“Our progress shows what’s possible when educators, employers, and communities work together with a shared purpose,” said Paul Lanning, CEO of HealthForce Partners California. “Behind every partnership is a student who can finish their degree, a clinician who chooses to stay and serve locally, and a family who finally receives the care they need. This is the impact we’re building on – not just filling positions, but creating sustainable pathways that strengthen California’s healthcare system and the communities it serves. The model’s success in San Joaquin is now inspiring expansion into neighboring counties, proving that community-rooted solutions can be scaled to meet statewide workforce needs.”
Fay Vieira, Interim Director of San Joaquin County Behavioral Health Services, underscored the impact for local families: “Through our partnership with HealthForce Partners, SJCBHS has significantly reduced clinician vacancies – from 36 to 14 – leading to care for families. By expanding practicum placements and working creatively beyond loan repayment incentives, we’re strengthening our pipeline of culturally competent providers and improving continuity of care and patient outcomes in San Joaquin County.”
Since the advent of the Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) in 2004, SJCBHS has significantly expanded the services and supports that are clinically shown to reduce suffering and help individuals with serious mental illnesses live fuller and more productive lives. The mission of SJCBHS is to partner with the community to provide integrated, culturally, and linguistically competent behavioral health services to meet the prevention, intervention, treatment, and recovery needs of San Joaquin County residents.
HealthForce Partners California brings together top executives and operational leaders from healthcare, education, and workforce development to craft innovative programs and systems-change strategies that address the staffing priorities of employers while expanding career opportunities for community residents. Originally focused on the Northern San Joaquin Valley, the organization has since broadened its reach to additional regions across California. To learn more, visit https://www.healthforcepartners.net
