---
title: Many States Face Shortage of Mental Health Providers
description: "- **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…"
url: "https://bridges4mentalhealth.org/hub/access-to-mental-health-services/many-states-face-shortage-of-mental-health-providers-2-2/"
updated: "2026-07-31"
category: Access to Mental Health Services
tags:
  - Article
  - Audience
  - Mental health professionals
---

# Many States Face Shortage of Mental Health Providers

- **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.

 

[Read More](https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/articles/2021-06-10/northeastern-states-have-fewest-mental-health-provider-shortages)

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