Mental Health Providers
Mental health providers are in short supply in many Southern and Midwestern states. Alabama, Texas, and West Virginia have fewer than 140 providers per 100,000 people.
Mental health providers per 100,000 population, 2021
Registered mental health providers
Source: County Health Rankings & Roadmaps and Census Bureau Vintage 2020 PEP Notes: Mental health providers include psychiatrists, psychologists, licensed clinical social workers, counselors, marriage and family therapists, advanced practice nurses specializing in mental health care as well as those treating alcohol and other drug abuse.
In December 2021, nearly 2 years after the Covid crisis began, Americans continue to experience anxiety and depression at rates nearly triple what they were in 2019 (Symptoms of anxiety or depression) but aren’t able to find the care they need. The majority of psychologists have seen their waiting lists grow since the pandemic hit.1 And many Americans are turning to crisis hotlines, which are also seeing ballooning demand.2
Too often, police are called upon to intervene when Americans experience mental health crises. But police are rarely well-equipped to respond to these challenges and, although many incidents are non-violent, too many individuals experiencing mental health crises are incarcerated.3 Some communities are adopting innovative approaches, such as mobile crisis response services, funded by American Rescue Plan and Medicaid dollars, to reduce reliance on law enforcement.3 Still, many Americans need ongoing care, and most states have few plans for expanding the supply of mental health providers.3
“Worsening mental health crisis pressures psychologist workforce”. American Psychological Association. October, 2021. https://www.apa.org/pubs/reports/practitioner/covid-19-2021
“With the mental health system strained, here’s how some people are coping during the pandemic”. Chatlani. WWNO - New Orleans Public Radio. January, 2022. https://www.wwno.org/news/2022-01-05/with-the-mental-health-system-strained-heres-how-some-are-coping-during-the-pandemic
“Building a sustainable behavioral health crisis continuum”. Frank, WAchino. Brookings. January, 2022. https://www.brookings.edu/blog/usc-brookings-schaeffer-on-health-policy/2022/01/06/building-a-sustainable-behavioral-health-crisis-continuum/