For Immediate Release
ABHIN and UALR Expand Behavioral Health Workforce Pipeline
Eureka Springs, Arkansas – January 12, 2026
The Arkansas Behavioral Health Integration Network is excited to announce they have been awarded a grant from the Blue & You Foundation for Healthier Arkansas to expand its Behavioral Health Integration (BHI) Bootcamp and Internship Program in partnership with the University of Arkansas at Little Rock School of Social Work.
The expanded program prepares Master of Social Work (MSW) students for integrated care roles through intensive classroom training, supervised clinical placements in primary care settings, and hands-on experience with team-based models of care. Participants gain practical skills in behavioral health screening, population health management, and evidence-based interventions that align with modern healthcare delivery.
In response to critical workforce gaps, the program introduces a targeted emphasis on maternal behavioral health, supporting early identification and treatment of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. Additionally, the expansion provides post-graduation clinical supervision at no cost to the students to support licensure for rural social workers which has been identified as one of the most significant barriers to retaining behavioral health professionals in underserved areas.
“By reducing licensure obstacles and strengthening clinic-based training opportunities, we are growing the behavioral health workforce and building a sustainable pathway for graduates to live and work in the Arkansas communities that need them most,” said Kim Shuler, LCSW, CEO for ABHIN.
This initiative enhances clinic capacity, supports workforce retention, and prepares graduates to practice independently within integrated primary care environments. Ultimately, the program advances access, equity, and behavioral health outcomes across rural and maternal populations statewide.
ABHIN and UALR are grateful to the Blue & You Foundation for its continued investment in innovative workforce solutions that strengthen the health of Arkansas communities.
Interested in hosting a student? Reach out to Caitlyn.Johnson@abhinetwork.org.
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Contact:
Kim Shuler, LCSW
Chief Executive Officer, ABHIN
Email: kim.shuler@abhinetwork.org
Phone: (479) 871-3611
About ABHIN
ABHIN is a nonprofit organization founded in 2019 with the mission of integrating behavioral healthcare into the healthcare continuum to improve accessibility, especially in underserved rural areas. Through partnerships, education, and innovative programming, ABHIN is leading the charge to create healthier communities across Arkansas.
