All Faiths Children’s Advocacy Center Announces Innovative Measures to Combat Behavioral Health Provider Shortage in New Mexico
Organization Offering Compassionate Work-Life Balance and Competitive Pay
Albuquerque, NM — January 13, 2025 — Amidst the national behavioral health provider shortage, All Faiths Children’s Advocacy Center—a leading behavioral health and advocacy center for children and families in Albuquerque—has announced their innovative hiring practices to ensure access to care for New Mexicans.
According to the Health Resources and Services Association—an agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services—169 million Americans live in an area that experiences mental health professional shortage. The same report indicates that in New Mexico, 1 in 10 New Mexicans lack adequate access to behavioral healthcare, and the state has 19 designated mental health shortage areas, spanning 28 counties.
“Without proper mental health care, many turn to substances, which can lead to substance abuse and addiction, compounding already existing trauma and mental health conditions,” said Krisztina Udvardi, CEO and President for All Faiths. “However, with New Mexico facing a shortage of healthcare workers alongside the rest of the nation, innovative solutions are imperative. At All Faiths, we’re working to close the gap and increase access to care for all New Mexicans in need.”
Meeting the Challenge with Innovative Solutions
All Faiths has implemented forward-thinking hiring and retention practices to attract and support top talent, including:
- Competitive salaries adjusted to meet national market standards.
- Generous and flexible benefits, including PTO starting on day one, personal days, and a robust Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
- A 16-week onboarding period for clinicians to ease transitions, manage workloads, and provide individualized support.
These measures are part of a broader strategy to prioritize the well-being of behavioral health professionals, ensuring they have the resources and support needed to thrive in their roles.
Looking to the Future: The CCBHC Model
In addition to these efforts, All Faiths is in the process of expanding into the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) model to support the growing demand for comprehensive behavioral health services.“For nearly 70 years, All Faiths has provided compassionate, evidence-based care for children and families. Our expansion into the CCBHC model reflects a continuation of this legacy, ensuring we remain at the forefront of innovative, trauma-informed behavioral health services,” said Udvardi.
