![](https://www.unmc.edu/bhecn/_images/index-hero-large1.jpg)
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.Recent News
![Riley Machal, MD.](https://www.unmc.edu/bhecn/_images/rileymachal071124cropped.jpg)
Psychiatry’s Dr. Machal wins ADMSEP award
Riley Machal, MD, won the 2024 ADMSEP Devneil Vaidya Award, which spotlights her work at all levels of medical education.
![Kati Cordts, PhD.](https://www.unmc.edu/bhecn/_images/headshots/cordts-kati.jpg)
May Lifelong Learning Fund awards addressing key workforce issues
Read about the latest round of Lifelong Learning Awards.
![Photo of Mike Myers and Mariah Seim.](https://www.unmc.edu/bhecn/_images/mentors2023.jpg)
Behavioral health professionals and students sought for BHECN Mentoring Program
BHECN seeks licensed behavioral health professionals and college students on pathways toward behavioral health careers to participate in our Mentoring Program for the 2024-2025 academic year.