Current issues in continuing education for contemporary behavioral health practice.

The evolving health care system poses a number of challenges for the continuing development of the professional workforce. An overview of continuing education is provided, including typical objectives, format, content, and sponsors. Data are presented on continuing education requirements by discipline and by state. The forces of change that have driven the need for revised approaches to continued professional development are described, including research findings on the apparent lack of effectiveness of didactic learning activities. Current issues in continuing education are discussed, with a focus on educational content, financing, and the use of emerging technologies as a medium for these activities. The authors conclude with five recommendations for improving the process and content of continuing education for the professional behavioral health workforce.