Growth through Professional Development
Offer clear growth opportunities to boost retention and morale. Learn how to support lifelong learning across behavioral health careers.
Professional development is one of the most valued—and underutilized—tools for attracting and retaining behavioral health staff.
In a high-stress field with ongoing workforce shortages, creating a learning-forward environment shows employees they’re seen and supported to grow. From licensure support to leadership training, investing in people’s development improves not only morale and performance, but also long-term commitment.
Practical Ways to Support Staff Development
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Here are several ways your organization can build a strong culture of growth:
Support Certification, Licensure, and Credentialing
- Cover exam or application fees when possible
- Provide release time or flexible schedules for continuing education
- Celebrate credentials and milestones publicly
- Offer guidance for navigating complex licensure requirements
Offer Ongoing Education and Skill-Building
- Include a mix of learning formats (asynchronous, live, on-the-job)
- Host both internal and external trainings
- Prioritize onboarding and role-specific learning
- Emphasize lifelong learning as a core cultural value
Encourage Interdisciplinary and Interorganizational Learning
- Facilitate training across teams and roles
- Learn from adjacent disciplines (e.g., social work, peer support, clinical care)
- Collaborate with partner agencies on shared learning opportunities
Provide Targeted Training on Special Topics
- Offer ongoing education on complex areas like:
- Trauma and suicidality
- GLBTQIA+ inclusive care
- Cultural humility and equity
Tailor offerings based on staff feedback and emerging needs.
Strengthen Supervision and Leadership Skills
- Invest in training for current and future supervisors
- Focus on trauma-informed and ethical leadership approaches
- Use coaching models to support performance and team health
Build Mentoring and Coaching Opportunities
- Formal mentorship: Long-term support, role modeling, and shared learning
- Coaching: Short-term, goal-specific development
- Highlight peer support, especially for early-career staff
Sources
- Continuing professional development across the workforce (NCBI)
- Recruiting & retaining behavioral health professionals (SHC Cares)
- Retention Toolkit – NAADAC & SAMHSA
- Beyond salary: Compensation strategies for behavioral health talent (SimiTree)
