Behavioral Health Workforce
In 2017, the Coachella Valley formed a Behavioral Health Workforce Alignment Team (A-Team) through OneFuture Coachella Valley, to address a critical shortage in behavioral health professionals and access to services. Our goal is that local students pursue professions in the behavioral health field in order to return their knowledge and skills back to the Coachella Valley.
Let's Get Psyched 2024
Nearly 200 local high school students joined us at CSUSB Palm Desert Campus to explore career pathways in social work, nursing, psychology, and more offered by CSUSB PDC & College of the Desert. They also discovered their ikigai—the intersection of what they love, what they’re good at, and how they can make a difference. A huge thank you to our incredible partners—RUHS-Behavioral Health, CSUSB PDC, and COD—for making this event a success!
Visit our Get Psyched website for more about the event and resources we shared!
Careers in Mental & Behavioral Health
- Addiction Treatment Specialist
- Community Health Worker
- Community Mental Health Educator
- Hospice & Palliative Care Social Worker
- Licensed Professional Counselor
- Marriage and Family Therapist* (Coachella Valley Labor Market Data)
- Mental Health Therapist
- Social Service Program Manager/Director
- Social Worker/Clinical Social Worker
Job Settings
- Community Mental Health Centers
- Correctional Facilities
- Hospitals & Health Systems
- Public Social Service Agencies
- Senior Centers & Living Facilities
- Schools, Colleges & Universities
- Substance Abuse Treatment Programs
- Veterans Services
Data about Local Careers
Undergraduate & Graduate Programs
Social workers help people identify and deal with problems in their day-to-day lives. For individuals with mental illness or substance use disorders, social workers provide counseling and other support services.
Did You Know? Coachella Valley students can now earn their Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Work (BASW) and a Master's in Social Work (MSW) at the CSUSB Palm Desert Campus
Marriage and Family Therapists are behavioral health providers who diagnose and treat behavioral health conditions within the context of marriage and family relationships.
There are many types of counselors, that work in a variety of settings. Examples of this are mental health counselors which work with individuals ans groups to deal with mental and emotional health issues. School counselors work with students through individual and group counseling sessions to help students address academic, emotional, or social problems
Practicing psychologists assess, diagnose, and treat mental disorders and learning disabilities, as well as cognitive, behavioral, and emotional problems. These providers help people deal with a range of problems, from short-term personal issues to severe, chronic conditions
Nurses promote health, prevent disease and help patients cope with illness. They develop and manage care plans and instruct patients and their families in proper care. They help the community by teaching how to take steps to improve or maintain their health
Financial Aid & Scholarships
OneFuture Coachella Valley awards scholarships in partnership with local nonprofit organizations and provides students with financial aid and student support counseling to help them navigate the college going process. With our College and Career Navigator (C2Nav) online system, students complete a profile, submit their scholarship application, and connect to resources to help them succeed.
National Health Service Corps Scholarship Program
The National Health Service Corps Scholarship Program (NHSC SP) awards scholarships to students pursuing eligible primary care health professions training. In return, scholars commit to provide primary care health services in Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs).
Grant Programs
Loan Repayment Programs
Summer Internship Opportunity: OneFuture Health Career Connection
OneFuture Health Career Connection is a national program that connects organizations in all health sectors with talented and diverse future health professionals and leaders. They provide 10-week internships for undergraduate students interested in the health and behavioral health fields.
Mental Health Summer Pipeline Program
Two-week summer program at Loma Linda University to learn about mental health and see if social work is the career for you! $1,000 Stipend Available.
Volunteer Opportunities Available!
CASA stands for Court Appointed Special Advocate. CASAs are volunteers of all backgrounds who make a commitment to advocate for the needs of the child or sibling group with whom they are matched. This is an 18-month commitment in which you can learn about the foster care system and advocate for those who need a voice. Volunteer opportunities are available nation-wide, including Riverside County.
Crisis Text Line is the free, 24/7 text line for people in crisis in the United States. The service is powered by volunteer Crisis Counselors who work remotely—anywhere with a computer and secure internet connection works. Crisis Counselors answer texts from people in crisis, bringing them from a hot moment to a cool calm through active listening, collaborative problem solving, and safety planning.
Credits:
OneFuture Coachella Valley