Recruitment, motivation, and reinforcement of preprofessionals for public sector mental health careers.

The labor intensive public mental health system needs to encourage trainees in mental health professions to consider careers in the public sector. Recent evidence is that younger professionals are choosing other career paths following their training. This paper suggests that the availability of relevant training opportunities, positive role models, financial support while in training, and a supportive group of peers are important components of training for public sector careers.