Behavioral Health

Building a Stronger Behavioral Health Network in Oregon.

Northwest Oregon Works (NOW) took the initiative in creating Oregon’s first-ever apprenticeship-based behavioral health career pathway—a groundbreaking endeavor designed addressing critical workforce shortages in allied and behavioral health across Benton, Lincoln, Tillamook, Columbia, and Clatsop Counties.

This innovative program took shape in 2021 through the formation of the Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee (JATC), made possible with funding from the Higher Education Coordinating Commission. Focused on rural and underserved communities, NOW has been empowering professionals through upskilling, workforce development initiatives, and fostering strategic partnerships to drive lasting change.

Northwest Oregon Works’ Behavioral Health Program Manager uses AI two-way language translator earpieces for all languages, during all meetings with participants and partners.

Program Videos

Upskilling Behavioral Health Professionals.

The behavioral health apprenticeship program is designed to support professionals at all stages of their careers, offering a clear and progressive pathway for advancement:

Level 1: Early Career Roles

Kickstart your career with certifications required to take on positions such as:

Level 2: Mid-Level Roles

Advance to mid-level roles that require Associate or Bachelor’s degrees, including:

Level 3: Advanced Clinical Roles

The program also includes scholarships for a third level of training to clinicians completing Masters-level credentials as:

NOW’s apprenticeship program is a workforce training solution that is building towards a robust healthcare system rooted in inclusivity and opportunity. For more information on the Behavioral Health Career Pathway Program contact Kortnie Williams at Kortnie@nworegonworks.org.

“I feel as though this has been extremely beneficial for my peace of mind, going into my masters program.“

“I feel as though this has been extremely beneficial for my peace of mind, going into my masters program. Going into school and having to take out loans to live off of and also pay tuition was really stressful for me and made me feel like I was already going to be behind financially leaving my masters program. With this program, I get the opportunity to not only be supported mentally and emotionally throughout the program, but I get to leave the masters program knowing that I can start my life without the financial burdens of debt payback, and I can actually move forward with looking into buying a home and starting my family. I look forward to continuing to attend support groups and receive support one on one! Thanks so much for everything you all do!”

Jackie

MSW

“I can’t express the amount of gratitude I have for the program at NW Oregon Works.“

“I can’t express the amount of gratitude I have for the program at NW Oregon Works. Not only have I been supported financially providing me the opportunity to access trainings and text books to add to my education, I feel supported in the skills I am learning to better the services I provide for the population I work with. The women respond promptly and are available. I have enjoyed my time in the program so far and look forward to the future and what it brings.”

Merideth

QMHA

“I am incredibly grateful that this grant has been made available."

“I am incredibly grateful that this grant has been made available, especially for those of us who are members of traditionally marginalized communities. There are a lot of benefits that this has provided for me personally. Of course, covering the cost of the additional courses I needed in order to pursue licensure as an LPC is undeniably a big part of this grant. Equally as important to the financial aspect, is being provided direct and open access to mentors, support groups, and other professionals in this field working in various regions across Oregon. Folx who are BIPOC, LGBTQIA2S+, or disabled frequently struggle to find experienced and qualified individuals who are willing to mentor us and having this built into the grant has helped me feel connected and supported in this work. Along with this, I’ve really enjoyed the ability to connect with others working in the field who are following a similar trajectory that I did to apply for the LPC. Prior to being selected for the grant, I believed that I must be the only one out there who was following a non-traditional course to licensing. I have found that it is actually not an uncommon process at all, which is both validating and encouraging. This grant is absolutely the reason I am able to pursue this professional pathway and I really hope it continues to be available to support others who need it!”

Destinie

QMHP

“I can’t express the amount of gratitude I have for the program at NW Oregon Works."

Christopher

CADC/MSW

“This program has helped me stay afloat."

“This program has helped me stay afloat. Thus far I have utilized $600.00 of my grant towards gasoline for my vehicle and groceries. Without the help I’m not sure what we would have done. Knowing I can reach out for some type of assistance has prevented me from applying to other jobs, where I will make a little less of an income in a different field. I don’t qualify state or federal assistance, so the helping hand is greatly appreciated. Also having the space to communicate with others who understand this journey is unmatched. ”

Miranda

QMHA

Amplifying Community Impact Through Strong Partnerships.

InterCommunity Health Network CCO (IHN-CCO) has been a pivotal partner in advancing our behavioral health initiatives since 2022. This collaboration has strengthened our ability to serve the community and empowered us to develop a highly skilled and diverse workforce in the behavioral health sector.

Program Partnerships

Join Our Discord Channel.

This will be an awesome way for us to all stay connected! We have created Text Channels for all the programs we are supporting and a general space for all who wish to offer encouragement or who have questions. This space is intended to be a way to connect in between support groups or if you cannot attend a support group!

If you’d like to join the discord channel and are part of the Behavioral Health Program, please email Kortnie here and she will send you the invite link.

Dynamic Self Recovery

Sarah Soric, Owner, and Her Amazing Team at Dynamic Self Recovery, Albany: Northwest Oregon Works 2024 Apprenticeship Employer Recognition Program Winner!

E-news Sign Up

Stay inspired, informed, and connected! Subscribe to our e-newsletter for the latest on workforce solutions, community partnerships, and opportunities impacting our region.

By clicking Sign Up you’re confirming that you agree with our Terms and Conditions.