By 2033, California is projected to face a severe behavioral health workforce shortage, with an estimated 171,413 additional nonprescribing licensed clinicians needed to meet demand — nearly double the current statewide supply, according to a report from the California Department of Health Care Access and Information.
The shortfall in this category alone is expected to exceed 42%, up from a projected 40.6% shortage in 2025 that would require 55,298 more providers.
All 58 California counties are projected to face shortages across behavioral health roles by 2025, with the most severe deficits in Northern California and Sierra County, as well as the Inland Empire and San Joaquin Valley regions, according to the report.
Severe shortages are also expected among associate-level clinicians. In 2025, the statewide gap is projected at 33.6%, or 13,175 providers. Although this deficit is forecast to shrink to 17.7% by 2033, 43 counties are still expected to face shortfalls of 5% or more, while 11 counties are projected to reach a surplus of 5% or more.
Psychiatrists are in critically short supply statewide. In 2025, all counties are projected to face shortages, with 39 counties expected to see gaps of 50% or more. The state estimates a need for 3,782 additional psychiatrists in 2025 — a figure expected to climb to more than 6,200 by 2033, according to the report.
