Great Lakes Wire

Ohio is facing a workforce shortage in the behavioral health sector, as reported by Ohio Mental Health and Addiction Services. Governor DeWine has emphasized the state's duty to develop innovative recruitment and retention strategies for this field. OhioGuidestone is addressing this issue by utilizing its current staff and resources to enhance training.

Melissa Romain, Regional Director of Operations at OhioGuidestone, described their approach as a "win-win" situation. She explained that many staff members are already dedicated care providers but lack the means to advance to licensed counselors or therapists. By providing education and credentialing opportunities, OhioGuidestone aims to meet the increasing demand for these professionals.

Two employees, Caroline Healey and Susan Wentz, exemplify this initiative's success. Both have advanced from peer support roles to licensed counselors with the organization's help. Caroline Healey manages an OhioGuidestone Residential Recovery facility for women and has received the Athena Young Professionals Leadership Award. Her journey began as a client seeking recovery, inspired by her team at OhioGuidestone to pursue counseling.

Susan Wentz works as a substance use disorder therapist at OhioGuidestone, conducting intensive outpatient programs and individual psychotherapy sessions. Like Caroline, Susan transitioned from peer support to a licensed professional through the training provided by OhioGuidestone.

Both women credit OhioGuidestone for offering opportunities that enabled them to grow professionally while giving back to others in recovery. They plan to continue their education within the organization to further advance their careers.

Susan encourages those interested in behavioral health careers to contact OhioGuidestone: "Advancement happens at OhioGuidestone," she stated, advising individuals to express their interests with supervisors who will aid in their growth.

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