The University of South Florida in Tampa has launched an interactive online dashboard designed to visualize the state’s behavioral health workforce gaps, according to an Oct. 21 report from NPR affiliate WUSF.
The dashboard, developed by the Florida Center for Behavioral Health Workforce, allows users to explore shortages by county and occupation. The tool aims to inform decision-making among hospitals and policymakers, according to the report.
It also highlights geography disparities — with some rural counties, such as Baker and Hamilton, having no licensed psychologists.
The initiative is operated within the Louis de la Parte Florida Mental Health Institute and receives $5 million annually in state funding. A recent retention survey of about 330 licensed professionals across Florida found 36% planned to leave the field within a year and 48% reported feeling burned out, according to the report
