UO Ballmer Institute begins training a new generation of behavioral health workers

Oregon's Congressional Delegation Pledges Support for School Mental Health Workforce

The University of Oregon (UO) has taken a significant step forward in addressing the growing need for mental health support in schools and communities with the launch of the Ballmer Institute for Children's Behavioral Health. This innovative initiative aims to train a new generation of behavioral health workers, equipped to provide high-quality mental health services to children and adolescents. The institute's mission aligns perfectly with the efforts of Oregon's congressional delegation, who have pledged to build and sustain a robust school mental health workforce.

A New Era in Mental Health Training

Located on the UO's Northeast Portland campus, the Ballmer Institute is part of a broader strategy to transform the youth behavioral health care system. The institute is establishing a new bachelor's degree program in child behavioral health, which will provide students with specialized training that was previously available only at the graduate level. This groundbreaking approach ensures that these future professionals will be ready to enter the workforce sooner, addressing the pressing need for mental health support in Oregon's schools and communities.

Key Components of the Program

1. Early Identification and Intervention

   • The training program focuses on early identification of behavioral health concerns and delivers evidence-based interventions to promote well-being and prevent youth mental health problems from developing or worsening over time.

2. Community Engagement

   • The institute emphasizes community engagement, involving parents, educators, children, and other stakeholders in the development of its training model.

3. Partnerships with Local Schools

   • All Portland public schools will partner with the Ballmer Institute, ensuring that the training received by students is directly applicable and beneficial to local educational settings.

4. Scholarships and Financial Support

   • The institute is supported by a significant donation from Steve and Connie Ballmer, co-founders of Ballmer Group Philanthropy, as well as funding from the state of Oregon and partnerships with local educational institutions.

5. Transfer Pathways for Students

   • Students from UO, Lane Community College, Portland Community College, and Mount Hood Community College can easily transfer into the Ballmer Institute's program once they complete their foundational coursework.

Training Programs at the Ballmer Institute

The institute offers a comprehensive range of courses designed to equip students with the necessary skills to support children and adolescents effectively. The specialized training program includes:

Pre-Major Core Curriculum

• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Courses such as BEHT 350 and BEHT 351 cover diversity equity and inclusion theory.
• Human Development: Students must take courses like BEHT 320 to understand risk and resilience in youth development.

Professional Core Courses

• Ethics and Professional Practice for CBHS: BEHT 412 focuses on ethical considerations essential for mental health professionals.
• Supervised Practicum: BEHT 481 and BEHT 482 provide hands-on experience through supervised practicum sessions.

Knowledge Core Courses

• Risk and Resilience: BEHT 320 explores the dynamics of risk and resilience in youth development.
• Evidence-Informed Decision-Making: BEHT 340 emphasizes the importance of evidence-based practices in decision-making.

Skill Development Core Courses

• Foundational Interviewing and Counseling Skills: BEHT 411 teaches foundational interviewing and counseling techniques.
• Screening and Risk Assessment: BEHT 413 covers essential screening and risk assessment methods.

Community Engagement and Advisory Boards

To ensure that the training model is aligned with community needs, the Ballmer Institute has established community advisory boards. These boards include stakeholders such as parents, educators, mental health professionals, and individuals with lived experience in behavioral health challenges. The institute has been awarded a $50,000 Health Care Workforce funding grant from the Cambia Health Foundation to support these community engagement efforts.

Oregon's Congressional Delegation's Commitment

Oregon's congressional delegation has pledged to support the development of a robust school mental health workforce. This commitment aligns perfectly with the Ballmer Institute's mission to expand access to high-quality behavioral health support. By training a new generation of behavioral health workers, the institute aims to address the growing need for mental health services in Oregon's schools and communities.

Conclusion

The Ballmer Institute represents a significant advancement in the field of child behavioral health. By providing specialized training to undergraduate students and engaging with community stakeholders, the institute is poised to transform the way mental health support is delivered in schools and communities. Oregon's congressional delegation's commitment to this initiative underscores the state's dedication to improving the well-being of its children and adolescents. As the Ballmer Institute continues to evolve, it is clear that it will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of behavioral health care.

References

• Ballmer Institute for Children's Behavioral Health
• UO's Ballmer Institute Introduces New Training Programs
• Co-Creation at the Center of the Ballmer Institute's Efforts
• Ballmer Institute Courses