Ohio’s HB 718: A New Credential to Solve the Behavioral Health Workforce Crisis

Ohio is facing a behavioral health workforce crisis—and HB 718 credential just might be the solution we’ve been waiting for. Sponsored by Representative Karen Brownlee and Senator Terry Johnson, this bipartisan bill aims to create a qualified mental health credential that could dramatically expand the addiction treatment workforce across the state. Here’s the thing: wait times for care in Ohio have stretched to weeks, sometimes months. In our experience at Recovery Institute of Ohio, we see the consequences every day. People who are ready for help often can’t get it fast enough. That’s where HB 718 comes in.

What HB 718 Actually Does

So what does this bill do, exactly? In plain terms, HB 718 establishes a new credential—a “qualified mental health professional” designation—that allows individuals with a bachelor’s degree and supervised experience to provide certain mental health and addiction services. Right now, many roles require a master’s degree, which creates a bottleneck. We just don’t have enough advanced-degree clinicians to meet demand. Representative Brownlee called the bill “a common-sense step” that has been “praised for its potential to address behavioral health care shortages” in Ohio.

But let’s be clear: this isn’t about lowering standards. It’s about creating an on-ramp. Under the bill, these professionals would work under supervision while gaining the hours needed for full licensure. Think of it as a fellowship model, already proven in medicine and nursing. It lets people start contributing sooner, while still climbing the career ladder.

Why This Matters for Ohio’s Addiction Crisis

Ohio has been hit hard by the opioid epidemic—and now fentanyl is driving an even deadlier wave. As we discussed in our article on The Rise of Fentanyl in Ohio: What Families Should Know, overdose deaths remain stubbornly high. Treatment centers need staff. Not just any staff—skilled, compassionate people who understand addiction and recovery. The HB 718 credential could help fill those gaps.

Senator Johnson, who chairs the Senate’s Addiction and Community Revitalization Committee, has been a vocal advocate. In his view, this bill “gives Ohio a powerful new tool.” It’s not just more bodies—it’s more trained bodies. The credential would ensure that workers meet state standards, including coursework in addiction studies, mental health assessment, and crisis intervention. That’s a game-changer for rural counties like Scioto or Noble, where recruiting a master’s-level clinician is nearly impossible.

How We Got Here: The Workforce Shortage in Numbers

The numbers are stark. According to the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (OhioMHAS), the state has seen a 15% decline in the behavioral health workforce since 2020. Meanwhile, demand for services is up—way up. In 2023, nearly 1 in 5 Ohio adults reported needing mental health or substance use treatment, but many didn’t receive it. The primary barrier? Not enough providers.

This isn’t just an Ohio problem—it’s national. But Ohio is acting. The May 8, 2026 Behavioral Health Bulletin from OhioMHAS highlighted HB 718 as a key initiative. “We’re committed to innovative solutions,” the bulletin stated. And the ADAMHS Board of Cuyahoga County has also voiced support, noting that the credential could especially help urban areas like Cleveland, where safety-net clinics are overwhelmed.

What Providers and Policymakers Are Saying

We’ve talked to dozens of treatment providers across Ohio. At a recent convening in Columbus, the feedback was overwhelmingly positive. “It’s about time,” one clinical director told us. “We have talented bachelor’s-level staff doing great work, but we can’t bill for their services. This credential would change that.”

Representative Brownlee echoed that sentiment. In her press release, she said the bill “expands the pipeline” and “makes fiscal sense.” It’s not just a workforce bill—it’s a recovery bill. Let’s be real: every day a person waits for treatment is a day they’re at risk. And with the opioid crisis still claiming lives, we don’t have time to waste. Senator Johnson added, “This isn’t a silver bullet, but it’s a critical piece of the puzzle.”

What This Means for Ohio Families

For a family in Dayton or Akron struggling to find a counselor for a loved one, HB 718 could mean the difference between getting help this month—or next year. Shorter wait times. More options. And a pathway for local residents to enter the behavioral health field. Think about it: a recent college graduate from Youngstown could get trained, start working in their community, and eventually become a fully licensed professional. That’s how you rebuild the workforce from the ground up.

But it’s not just about numbers. It’s about quality of care. When professionals reflect the communities they serve, outcomes improve. And for individuals in recovery, seeing someone who “gets it” can be transformative. We see this firsthand in our treatment programs at Recovery Institute of Ohio.

What’s Next and How You Can Help

HB 718 is still working its way through the legislature. It passed the House with strong bipartisan support and now awaits action in the Senate. You can track its progress at the Ohio Legislature website. If you’re a provider, educator, or someone with lived experience—your voice matters. Contact your state senator. Tell them this bill matters.

In the meantime, if you or someone you love needs help now, don’t wait. Recovery is possible, and it starts with reaching out. At Recovery Institute of Ohio, we offer evidence-based treatment for drug and alcohol addiction in a compassionate, supportive environment. Our team is here 24/7 to take your call. Let’s start the conversation today.