Bill O’Connell, EdD and Brenna Renn, PhD recently visited the University of Texas (UT) in Austin where they presented information about the department’s Behavioral Health Support Specialist Workforce Development Project (a Ballmer Group funded project). 
 
In Washington state, a Behavioral Health Support Specialist (BHSS) is a person certified to deliver brief, evidence-informed interventions under the ongoing supervision of a state credentialed provider with the ability to assess, diagnose, and treat identifiable mental and behavioral health conditions. A BHSS does not make diagnoses but does track and monitor treatment response and outcomes using measurement-based care. The WA Department of Health (DOH) approves education programs to deliver BHSS curriculum. PBSCI currently partners with 12 WA colleges and universities that have been approved by DOH or are in the process of applying for BHSS program approval. Approximately 50 students will apply for a BHSS certification in summer 2026.
 
At the summit in Austin, the University of Texas convened statewide industry partners including insurance, government, and academic professionals to develop a pilot protocol that will prepare a bachelor’s-level mental health specialist working within the UT Austin Health System. After launching the pilot and evaluating outcomes, UT intends to scope the role for use throughout Texas.
 
To learn more, watch this video introduction to the BHSS role.