Behavioral Health Workforce Education, Training, and Transition to Employed Practice for Professionals Serving the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and Rural Western North Carolina

The Western Carolina University Behavioral Health Workforce Education and Training for Professionals Program (BHWET Pro) addresses behavioral health workforce shortages in rural and Tribal Western North Carolina by training Master of Social Work (MSW) students in integrated, interprofessional, and culturally responsive care. Sustained academic–community partnerships and evidence‑aligned training promote workforce readiness, retention, and expanded access to services in high‑need communities.