Dept. 'sounds the alarm' for behavioral health workers

SANDUSKY — As the national behavioral health professional shortage continues, the Erie County Health Department is sounding the alarm on the urgent need for counselors in behavioral health settings. A combination of factors is contributing to the shortage. This would include high rates of burnout, an aging workforce and inadequate reimbursement for services. At the Erie County Health Department and Erie County Community Health Center, we're actively addressing this gap by expanding our services and creating clear career pathways for those interested in this vital field. "The behavioral health workforce shortage is a reality we face daily," said Stephanie Salyer, a registered nurse and the health department's chief behavioral and mental health officer. "Our goal is not just to provide excellent care today but to build a sustainable system for the future," Salyer said. "By expanding our services and creating a clear pipeline for new professionals, we are investing in the long-term well-being of our community." Career opportunities abound In Erie County, a growing number of individuals and families are seeking mental and behavioral health services. To address these issues, we've made a significant addition to our mental and behavioral health services by introducing residential treatment options. In October, the Kaptur-Rogowski House — located on the health department's campus, 420 Superior St., Sandusky — will become Kaptur Treatment & Recovery. This completes our circle of care for individuals and families struggling with mental and behavioral health challenges. The health department/community health center offers a full spectrum of services, including detox on campus, mental health counseling, residential treatment, intensive outpatient programs and medically assisted treatment. This comprehensive approach allows us to guide individuals through every step of their recovery journey: from initial treatment to long-term stability. Our continuum of care is further strengthened by our on-site women-only recovery housing facility, Becky's House, and our continued partnership with an off-site male-only recovery house. All of this reflects our ongoing commitment to providing holistic, accessible health care for all of Erie County. "These aren't easy jobs, but they are essential," county health commissioner Pete Schade said. "Our providers are the front line of healing for many people in our community. We need to support and grow this workforce, not just for our facilities, but for the public good." For those with a heart for pediatric mental health, we also operate three school-based health centers, providing a unique opportunity to help the youngest members of our community thrive. These new services reflect our ongoing commitment to providing holistic, accessible health care for all of Erie County. Career training For those passionate about a fulfilling career helping others, the field of behavioral health offers immense opportunity. The path to becoming a licensed behavioral health counselor is rigorous but deeply rewarding. It typically requires a master's degree in counseling or a related field, followed by supervised post-graduate clinical hours and a state licensing exam. The health department even has education policies and loan reimbursement programs that can assist or completely pay for your additional education expenses. While this journey requires a significant investment of time and resources, the chance to positively impact lives is unparalleled. By building a strong local workforce, we can ensure that every resident of Erie County has access to the care they need. Why behavioral health? Behavioral health counselors play a critical role in helping patients manage mental illness, withdrawal and addiction symptoms, and emotional distress. The work is challenging but deeply rewarding. Interested applicants or students exploring this field can visit eriecohealthohio.com/careers to learn more or apply. The Erie County Health Department offers competitive pay, meaningful work, and the opportunity to make a lasting impact on the community. Behavioral health counselors work in dynamic, team-based environments where their expertise is valued, and needed every hour of every day.