![](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
![Marley Doyle, MD.](https://www.unmc.edu/bhecn/_images/01_31_2023_marleydoylecropped.jpg)
Listening sessions being held with support groups that received grant funds
Read a Nebraska Public Media story about BHECN's summer gatherings with ARPA awardees.
![The BHECN and BeHERE NV team at the BHECN offices in Omaha.](https://www.unmc.edu/bhecn/_images/beheregroupshot900.600.jpg)
Nevada BH workforce development center team visits BHECN
Read about our recent visit from the team from BeHERE NV, a workforce development center in Nevada that was largely modeled after BHECN.
![Photo of BHECN's inaugural BHOP co-hort](https://www.unmc.edu/bhecn/_images/bhop_kearney_9_8_2023_25.jpg)
BHECN Scholars pathway program taking applications
An application cycle for the BHECN Scholars program – formerly known as the Behavioral Health Opportunities Program (BHOP) – is open.