University of South Florida and Appleton Partner to Expand Access to Crucial Behavioral Health Workforce Data

Understanding the Need for Behavioral Health Workforce Data

The University of South Florida’s Florida Center for Behavioral Health Workforce (USF FCBHW) is addressing one of Florida’s most pressing challenges: strengthening the behavioral health workforce that serves individuals, families and communities across the state. Established to grow, retain and innovate Florida’s behavioral health talent pipeline, the Center serves as both a research hub and a resource for professionals shaping the future of care.

When USF FCBHW set out to create a digital platform that could unify data, research and professional development opportunities, Appleton was honored to craft a customized website design and development solution to bring the vision to life. Under the leadership of Dr. Courtney Whitt, the bright minds leading the Center’s initiative worked closely with Appleton’s team to create bespoke website with interactive features that demonstrate the supply and demand ratios for the provider-patient population in all 67 counties throughout Florida.

About the Center for Behavioral Health Workforce

The USF FCBHW operates within USF’s College of Behavioral and Community Sciences, serving as a statewide leader in addressing workforce shortages in mental health, substance use and related disciplines. The Center plays a pivotal role in supporting data-driven planning and policy development through research, education and cross-sector collaboration.

Its work helps stakeholders across Florida understand workforce trends, identify areas of need and strengthen recruitment and retention strategies in the behavioral health field. As the Center’s mission expanded, so did its need for a digital presence capable of delivering complex data and resources to a wide audience with clarity and credibility. Access the legislative reports driving the initiative here.

How a Customized Website Can Change the Behavioral Health Landscape

Appleton developed a fully customized website that reflects the Center’s forward-looking mission while maintaining alignment with USF’s brand standards. The site was designed to unify three essential functions:

Sharing statewide workforce data
Housing behavioral health workforce research and resources
Showcasing educational initiatives that support behavioral health professionals at every stage of their careers

The result is a clean, intuitive platform that allows users to access key information without technical barriers. Every design element, from layout to navigation, was crafted to balance sophistication with simplicity. The homepage introduces visitors to the Center’s mission and directs them to priority content, including publications, career pathways and the new Interactive Data Dashboard.

One State, 67 Counties, Infinite Data Possibilities

At the heart of the website is the Interactive Data Dashboard, a dynamic tool that visualizes real-time insights about Florida’s behavioral health workforce. Developed through collaboration between Appleton’s web development team and USF’s research experts, the dashboard transforms large-scale datasets into clear, interactive graphics that highlight workforce supply, demand and geographic trends.

Visitors can explore data by profession, county and timeframe, making it easier for policymakers, researchers and educators to interpret workforce patterns and plan for the future. Behind the scenes, Appleton’s team ensured the dashboard’s performance, scalability and compliance with accessibility standards, creating a user-friendly experience across devices, no matter a user’s viewing preferences.

Impactful Research and Custom Storytelling Unity to Strengthen Data

Since its inception, the project was defined by strong collaboration between Appleton and USF FCBHW. Working closely with Dr. Whitt and the Center’s team, Appleton translated complex requirements (such as thousands of data points across more than a decade) into a website that feels approachable and authoritative. The full result is a public resource that reflects the importance of behavioral health workforce development across Florida, including areas still in significant demand for professional behavioral healthcare providers.

The new site not only improves access to critical data but also strengthens communication between the academic, professional, and policy communities. Through its structure and functionality, it positions USF FCBHW as a model for how higher-education institutions can use digital platforms to support large-scale, statewide initiatives. As the Center continues to expand its research, partnerships, and training opportunities, its digital home will evolve to serve an even broader audience.

How Can Your Data Tell A Story?

Are you seeking customized website development for your business or university? Appleton is an award-winning, full-service Orlando marketing agency that works with local, national and international clients to deliver impressive custom website solutions, ad campaigns, branding, print, web, public relations, social media and video services — all in-house. At Appleton, we want to learn about your business, empower your marketing team and be your creative resource. Your website goals are worth a conversation: contact us at 407-246-0092 or info@appletoncreative.com.