Here are five statistics offering an overview of the behavioral health clinician workforce:
1. In the U.S., 24,830 psychiatrists are currently in practice., according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
2. There are 71,730 clinical and counseling psychologists, also according to BLS data.
3. As of 2021, 2,262 psychiatric physician assistants were practicing in the U.S., representing about 2% of the PA workforce, according to an analysis published June 18 by Human Resources for Health.
4. Approximately 25,025 psychiatric nurse practitioners work in the U.S., accounting for 6.5% of the NP population, according to data from the American Association of Nurse Practitioners.
5. The shortage of psychiatrists is forecast to reach between 10,538 and 28,521 by 2030, also according to the Human Resources for Health analysis.