Santa Clara County is struggling to retain its behavioral health workforce.

A recent report from the University of California, San Francisco examines the gaps in the county’s Behavioral Health and Services Department. It shows that between February 2024 and February 2025, 28% of behavioral health workers employed by the department and contracted agencies are no longer working for the county. The reports points out that patients are struggling to get appointments due to a shortage of psychiatrists. In addition, workers are dealing with burnout due to staffing shortages. But the county has made improvements since it declared a mental health crisis in 2022.

The report recommends the department focus on recruitment and retention, in addition to partnering with educational institutions to imp

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