Behavioral healthcare is more than systems—it’s about people: their struggles, resilience, and capacity for connection. In a field driven by metrics, it’s vital to remember the humanity of those we serve and the workforce that makes it possible. This belief has shaped my work in behavioral health for decades, and one story stands out as a profound reminder of why this matters.
A Lesson in Humanity
When I was working in the field, I met the most memorable person. She was a woman written off by many—a long-time resident of state institutions, known more for her symptoms than her story. When I picked her up to move her to a new home in Grand Rapids, the institution staff told me, “You won’t keep her long; she’ll just wind up back inpatient.”
But for the first time in years, she had her own room—a space to call hers. She often sat in my office, quietly watching me work. Then one day, she asked me a question that stopped me cold: “What year is it?”
That moment began a cascade of lucidity. She asked her age, requested a mirror, and made a life-changing request: to call her children. That day, we contacted all four of them—some waking in the night or stepping away from work—for an emotional, tearful reunion. Not long after, her lucidity faded again, but the lesson she taught me remains. Beneath every diagnosis is a person with a story, history, and a spark of humanity waiting to be acknowledged.
The Workforce at the Heart of Behavioral Health
Moments like these remind us that meaningful change isn’t just about the systems we create but about the people who sustain them—particularly the dedicated behavioral health workforce whose compassion makes these transformations possible. These direct care workers see beyond diagnoses and connect with people on a deeply human level. Yet, our workforce faces challenges that threaten their ability to preserve humanity in care.
Direct care workers are often the backbone of behavioral health systems, but many face struggles themselves, including housing insecurity, food insecurity, and limited access to transportation and healthcare. How can we ask our workforce to bring their whole selves to care for others when their own basic needs are unmet?
At its heart, every behavioral health professional has a desire to see the person, not only their diagnosis or needs. These professionals are often bogged down with fidelity models, paperwork, and an endless list of “must-dos.” When we invest in what matters to our workforce, we free them to focus on the humanity at the center of their work, creating moments of connection that can transform lives.
We must do better as employers and leaders in behavioral health. Supporting our workforce means treating them with the same dignity and care we offer to those we serve. It means investing in fair compensation, training, and support. also It also means giving staff the time and space to not just perform their duties but to truly know and understand the individuals they serve.
All too often, as leaders, our focus becomes diffused by external events beyond our control while our workforce continues to struggle and wane. It’s time to shift our attention to what we can influence: prioritizing our workforce in a meaningful and productive manner. Collaboration is key, by coming together as employers we can address the daunting workforce challenges and create lasting solutions.
Workforce Development and Collaborative Solutions
Addressing the challenges facing behavioral health care requires a united effort among employers to prioritize workforce development and implement effective care models. By working together, we can address shared challenges, amplify our impact, and create sustainable solutions that strengthen our workforce and enhance the quality of care. Collaboration allows us to leverage collective resources, advocate effectively, and implement sustainable solutions. Here are some recommended collaboration-focused opportunities.
Collaborative Workforce Development:
Implement Effective Models Together:
What actions can we take, together as employers, to transform how we treat the caregivers who sustain our systems?
The woman I worked with taught me that preserving humanity in behavioral health is a shared responsibility. It begins with the workforce—those who give their time, energy, and compassion to support others. By investing in our workforce, we not only honor their humanity but also create the conditions for transformative care.
As leaders, we must critically assess how we allocate resources. Investing in direct care staff through fair wages, support, and opportunities for connection, drives greater impact than administrative expansion. When we invest in the people who provide care, we build stronger, more compassionate systems that uplift everyone involved.
At TBD Solutions Inc, we stand ready to help behavioral health organizations meet this challenge. Now is the time to prioritize people. Together, we can create systems that empower caregivers, inspire hope, and restore dignity to care.
