Nebraska’s behavioral health workforce has expanded significantly over the past 14 years, according to the Behavioral Health Education Center of Nebraska.
Here are five things to know:
- From 2010 to 2024, the number of licensed behavioral health providers in the state grew from 2,279 to 3,397 — a 49% increase.
- The fastest-growing roles were psychiatric physician assistants (up 267%) licensed independent mental health practitioners (up 225%) and psychiatric nurse practitioners (up 168%).
- Rural access to mental healthcare improved as the number of providers practicing in rural Nebraska rose 24%, helping close gaps in 40 counties.
- Despite progress, provider shortages, long wait times and limited in-person access persist with some residents traveling over an hour for care.
- Nebraska is the only state that longitudinally tracks its behavioral health workforce. Officials credit this approach with guiding data-informed strategies to expand access statewide.
