UAMS Hosts Conference to Address Behavioral Health Careers for College Students

Arkansas is facing a critical shortage of mental health professionals, with almost every county classified as a Mental Health Professional Shortage Area by the Health Resources and Services Administration. In response, the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) aims to encourage students to explore pathways into this vital field.

Titled “Learn, Connect, Serve: Cultivating Arkansas’ Next Generation of Behavioral Health Leaders,” the conference will take place from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the I. Dodd Wilson Education Building. Complimentary breakfast, lunch, and snacks will be provided, funded by a UAMS Chancellor’s Circle Grant.

Laura Dunn, M.D., chair of the UAMS Department of Psychiatry and director of the Psychiatric Research Institute, emphasized the need for more behavioral health providers in Arkansas. She believes that showcasing the diverse career opportunities can inspire students to enter the field. "We wanted this day to be fun, not just informative, because when students enjoy learning about these careers, they’re more likely to see themselves in them,” Dunn stated.

The conference will feature an academic and career fair to connect students with various colleges, employers, and community organizations. Following this, interactive workshops will address career paths in counseling, social work, psychiatry, psychology, neuropsychology, behavioral health research, and public health and policy. Participants will also view a live demonstration of a clinical treatment team in action. Afternoon sessions will focus on graduate school preparation and professional communication.

Isis Pettway, LPC, who organized the event, noted that the conference is designed to support students at all stages of their career exploration, helping them build confidence and see the plethora of opportunities available in behavioral health.

To apply for the conference, interested students can visit psychiatry.uams.edu/learn-connect-serve/.

UAMS is Arkansas's only health sciences university, offering a range of colleges and institutes, including Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Health Professions, and Public Health, among others. It serves as the state's largest public employer with around 12,000 staff members, including 1,200 physicians.