UNMC_Acronym_Vert_sm_4c
University of Nebraska Medical Center

Developing Nebraska's behavioral health workforce

BHECN was created by the Nebraska Legislature in 2009 and housed at the UNMC. BHECN was charged with leading state behavioral health workforce development efforts including the recruitment, training and retention of behavioral health workers.

BHECN’s work is more important than ever as the state faces a critical shortage of behavioral health workers at a time when -- thanks in large part to the COVID-19 pandemic -- the need for behavioral health care is higher than it has ever been.

Introduction and Workforce Overview with Dr. Marley Doyle

Pathways toward a career in behavioral health

Read a brochure and watch videos that explore the various career paths you can take to become a behavioral health professional in the state of Nebraska.

A behavioral health student.

Upcoming BHECN events

04-14-2025 - 05-16-2025

BHECN Scholars Application Cycle

All Day

Statewide

05-30-2025

BHECN Panhandle Annual Conference

8:30 am - 3:30 pm

John N Harms Center, WNCC | 2620 College Park, Scottsbluff, NE

06-13-2025

BHECN ARPA Awardee and Community Stakeholder Conference

All Day

Younes Conference Center North, Kearney

Recent News

BHECN's 2024 Annual Awardees.

News

Nebraska behavioral health champions honored with BHECN awards

Annette Dubas and others are honored during BHECN's Annual Awards Dinner.

Wendy Baumeister and Kimberly Clawson

News

BHECN opens Southeast Site in Lincoln

The opening of the site means BHECN now has locations in all six of the state’s behavioral health regions.

People attend a conference.

News

BHECN starts national alliance of behavioral health workforce centers

Read more about the Behavioral Health Workforce Center Alliance!

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