WV HB2166

Establishes the Behavioral Health Workforce Education Initiative within the Higher Education Policy Commission to study workforce supply and demand for behavioral health professionals across West Virginia, including psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, counselors, and related fields

Provides funding for two additional psychiatry residency positions per year in West Virginia, with recipients required to practice in underserved areas for one year per year of support received

Creates stipend programs for doctoral-level psychology clinical training placements and master's-level psychology, social work, and counseling internships in underserved areas, with practice commitments required

Funds pipeline programming to interest elementary, secondary, and postsecondary students in behavioral health careers, and supports new graduates in obtaining licensure through increased access to supervision by licensed practitioners

Expands the definition of "underserved area" to include dental care and mental health professional shortage areas, and adds "behavioral health practitioners" to the list of eligible training programs for health sciences service awards