Triad and Kaiser Permanente Join Forces to Enhance Mental Health Workforce in the US
In a bold initiative to strengthen the mental health workforce in the United States, Triad, operating under the Level Education Group, is partnering with the Kaiser Permanente Mental Health Career Accelerator. This collaboration aims to assist master-level mental health graduates in navigating the often-complex path to professional licensure.
According to recent reports by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), a staggering 137 million Americans resided in areas lacking sufficient mental health professionals last year. This figure reflects a 12% increase from the previous year, underscoring the urgent need for enhanced support for mental health practitioners. Moreover, a concerning study by Motivo Health revealed that over half of the newly trained therapists and social workers never obtain their licenses, partly due to the overwhelming challenges they face during this transition.
The Kaiser Permanente Mental Health Career Accelerator, which received funding from Kaiser Permanente and is administered by the National Council for Mental Wellbeing, has already assisted more than 160 graduates since its inception in 2023. The program is currently operational in nine states, including California, Colorado, Georgia, Hawaii, Maryland, Oregon, Northern Virginia, Washington, and Washington, D.C.
Participants in this program benefit from various forms of support, including milestone-based financial assistance, coverage for exam fees, mentorship programs, and peer support networks. This comprehensive approach aims to mitigate both financial barriers and logistical challenges that often hinder clinicians from achieving licensure. The program's ambitious goal is to support 1,000 licensed mental health professionals by the year 2028.
Through this partnership, Triad’s AATBS brand offers invaluable resources for licensure exam preparation, ensuring that participants are well-equipped to succeed in their examinations and further their careers in mental health.
The program accepts applications from associate social workers, counselors, and marriage and family therapists who hold a master's degree from an accredited program, are at an early stage in their licensing journey, demonstrate financial need, and are currently employed by eligible community mental health organizations. The next application period is set to open on May 4 and will close on May 27, 2026. Interested candidates can find more information and apply at aatbs.com/kaiser-permanente-accelerator.
Kaiser Permanente’s Executive Vice President and Chief Health Officer, Dr. Bechara Choucair, emphasized the importance of this program: "Many talented graduates wish to contribute to their communities, yet the path to licensure can be the most challenging part. Our career accelerator provides crucial assistance to these candidates."
Chuck Ingoglia, President and CEO of the National Council for Mental Wellbeing, also highlighted the critical need for this initiative. "With the current workforce shortage, securing treatment has become increasingly difficult for individuals seeking support. The Kaiser Permanente Mental Health Career Accelerator is one of our most vital initiatives aimed at addressing this challenge in the behavioral health field."
Jamie Harper, CEO of Level Education Group, remarked on the transformative impact of this partnership: "We at Triad and our family of brands are committed to supporting the clinicians who will stand at the frontline of mental health care. Too many capable professionals face hurdles that prevent them from crossing the finish line into licensure — not due to a lack of skill, but because the process is riddled with obstacles. By collaborating with resources like AATBS and CE4Less, we are making this professional journey clearer and more accessible, ensuring that communities receive the care they desperately need."
Level Education Group provides a range of education, community, and career solutions aimed at mental health and substance use professionals through its various trusted brands. Meanwhile, Triad connects partners, employers, and institutions with essential workforce development solutions focused on exam preparation and career pathways.
As part of their commitment to improving mental health services, AATBS has been a leader in behavioral health licensure exam preparation for over 45 years, helping countless professionals achieve their dream of licensure.
Kaiser Permanente stands as a prominent not-for-profit health plan and provider, serving millions of members while focusing on high-quality, affordable healthcare. The National Council for Mental Wellbeing has long driven policy and social change to foster greater access to mental health resources across the nation, successfully educating millions on the importance of mental health literacy.
Through these concerted efforts, Triad and Kaiser Permanente aim to nurture a more robust mental health workforce, ultimately improving mental health care access for all Americans.
Addressing the Mental Health Professional Shortage
According to recent reports by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), a staggering 137 million Americans resided in areas lacking sufficient mental health professionals last year. This figure reflects a 12% increase from the previous year, underscoring the urgent need for enhanced support for mental health practitioners. Moreover, a concerning study by Motivo Health revealed that over half of the newly trained therapists and social workers never obtain their licenses, partly due to the overwhelming challenges they face during this transition.
Program Details and Scope
The Kaiser Permanente Mental Health Career Accelerator, which received funding from Kaiser Permanente and is administered by the National Council for Mental Wellbeing, has already assisted more than 160 graduates since its inception in 2023. The program is currently operational in nine states, including California, Colorado, Georgia, Hawaii, Maryland, Oregon, Northern Virginia, Washington, and Washington, D.C.
Participants in this program benefit from various forms of support, including milestone-based financial assistance, coverage for exam fees, mentorship programs, and peer support networks. This comprehensive approach aims to mitigate both financial barriers and logistical challenges that often hinder clinicians from achieving licensure. The program's ambitious goal is to support 1,000 licensed mental health professionals by the year 2028.
Through this partnership, Triad’s AATBS brand offers invaluable resources for licensure exam preparation, ensuring that participants are well-equipped to succeed in their examinations and further their careers in mental health.
Eligibility Criteria
The program accepts applications from associate social workers, counselors, and marriage and family therapists who hold a master's degree from an accredited program, are at an early stage in their licensing journey, demonstrate financial need, and are currently employed by eligible community mental health organizations. The next application period is set to open on May 4 and will close on May 27, 2026. Interested candidates can find more information and apply at aatbs.com/kaiser-permanente-accelerator.
Voices Supporting the Initiative
Kaiser Permanente’s Executive Vice President and Chief Health Officer, Dr. Bechara Choucair, emphasized the importance of this program: "Many talented graduates wish to contribute to their communities, yet the path to licensure can be the most challenging part. Our career accelerator provides crucial assistance to these candidates."
Chuck Ingoglia, President and CEO of the National Council for Mental Wellbeing, also highlighted the critical need for this initiative. "With the current workforce shortage, securing treatment has become increasingly difficult for individuals seeking support. The Kaiser Permanente Mental Health Career Accelerator is one of our most vital initiatives aimed at addressing this challenge in the behavioral health field."
Jamie Harper, CEO of Level Education Group, remarked on the transformative impact of this partnership: "We at Triad and our family of brands are committed to supporting the clinicians who will stand at the frontline of mental health care. Too many capable professionals face hurdles that prevent them from crossing the finish line into licensure — not due to a lack of skill, but because the process is riddled with obstacles. By collaborating with resources like AATBS and CE4Less, we are making this professional journey clearer and more accessible, ensuring that communities receive the care they desperately need."
About the Organizations Involved
Level Education Group provides a range of education, community, and career solutions aimed at mental health and substance use professionals through its various trusted brands. Meanwhile, Triad connects partners, employers, and institutions with essential workforce development solutions focused on exam preparation and career pathways.
As part of their commitment to improving mental health services, AATBS has been a leader in behavioral health licensure exam preparation for over 45 years, helping countless professionals achieve their dream of licensure.
Kaiser Permanente stands as a prominent not-for-profit health plan and provider, serving millions of members while focusing on high-quality, affordable healthcare. The National Council for Mental Wellbeing has long driven policy and social change to foster greater access to mental health resources across the nation, successfully educating millions on the importance of mental health literacy.
Through these concerted efforts, Triad and Kaiser Permanente aim to nurture a more robust mental health workforce, ultimately improving mental health care access for all Americans.
Topics Health）
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