- National Mental Health Provider Shortage:
- Approximately 37% of the U.S. population, or 122 million people, live in areas with shortages of mental health professionals as of March 31, 2024.
- The COVID-19 pandemic worsened mental health struggles, with anxiety and depression symptoms peaking at 42.6% of adults in November and dropping to 30.1% by May 24.
- Rural vs. Urban Shortages:
- Two-thirds of mental health provider shortages occur in rural or partially rural areas.
- Wyoming (96.4%) and Utah (83.3%) have the highest percentages of their populations living in mental health shortage areas.
- Best and Worst States:
- New Jersey (0.4%) and Massachusetts (4%) have the lowest proportion of their populations living in areas with mental health provider shortages.
- Delaware requires 15 more providers to address its shortage, while Texas needs 638 additional providers.
- Mental Health Workforce:
- Over 500,000 people work in mental health professions, with the largest group being substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors.
