Growing Recovery Opportunity & Workforce Together in Massachusetts
GROW: Growing Recovery Opportunity & Workforce Together in Massachusetts
GROW Together MA brings apprentices, employers, and community partners together — through outreach, training, coaching, and ongoing support — to build a paid, earn-while-you-learn path into a licensed behavioral health career, while helping close the workforce gap the Commonwealth is facing.
Massachusetts needs more licensed counselors than it has
Massachusetts faces a growing shortage of licensed behavioral health counselors, even as demand for care keeps climbing — more than 3,100 job openings were posted statewide as of July 2026. Apprenticeship closes that gap, giving people a real path to licensure without years of unpaid training.
Read more about the workforce need →3,100+
Behavioral health job openings posted in MA as of July 2026
4,000–6,000
Supervised hours required, depending on pathway and prior education
2–3 years
Typical time to complete on-the-job training — varies by pathway and experience
$0
Cost to apprentices — GROW Together MA is a paid, funded program
For Apprentices
Complete the training, practicum, and supervised hours behind a Massachusetts LADC license.
Already in the program? Track your progress and find forms and support.
I'm looking to grow my teamFor Employers and Partners
Turn staff you already trust into credentialed counselors, with funded training and a structured path.
Already partnering with us? Get quick access to program management and support.
Backed by real organizations, not just good intentions
About AHP
Advocates for Human Potential (AHP) is a nationally recognized workforce development leader, administering GROW Together MA in partnership with the Commonwealth.
18 employer partners
From Boston to the Berkshires, GROW Together MA works with behavioral health employers across Massachusetts — and the list is growing.
Education
HPTC's ACT Program delivers the required 270 curriculum hours through live virtual classes built for working apprentices.