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 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.

The Nebraska Model for Behavioral Health Workforce Development

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

06-01-2025 - 06-15-2025

Lifelong Learning Fund Application Cycle

All Day

Statewide

06-01-2025 - 07-01-2025

PMHNP Clinical Education Stipend Program Application Cycle

All Day

Statewide

06-13-2025

BHECN ARPA Awardee and Community Stakeholder Conference

All Day

Younes Conference Center North, Kearney

Recent News

People attend a conference.

News

Project Peace conference aims to better prepare physicians to treat behavioral health problems

Read about BHECN's recent in-person Project PEACE workshop.

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.

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