Landscape Analysis Report

Workforce shortages continue to challenge South Dakota’s behavioral health system. While data on professional shortage areas is well-documented, a better understanding of the “why” behind recruitment and retention struggles was needed.

In recognition of these challenges, the Division of Behavioral Health developed and launched a comprehensive workforce development effort in 2023. The Division selected Sage Project Consultants, LLC to conduct a multi-year, phased landscape analysis and create a plan to address workforce development needs.

The analysis included regional research across SAMHSA Region 8 and neighboring states, examining workforce development strategies, educational support programs, and financial incentives like loan repayment and scholarships.

Stakeholder interviews with agency leaders, clinical staff, faculty, and students were conducted with the goal to understand what drives individuals to enter, stay, or leave the behavioral health field. Over 50 stakeholder interviews and multiple listening sessions were held.

The multi-year phased approach supporting this work was designed to ask and understand the root causes of “why” an individual works in community behavioral health first, which would ultimately lead to deeper, more informed strategic planning on the issues at hand.