Mental Health Professionals in the US
There are about half a million mental health professionals in the us. That includes psychiatrists, psychologists, counselors, and nurses.
But there are still chronic shortages of mental health providers across the country. This shortage affects the availability of mental health services and increases the risk of suicide, depression, and other mental health issues.
1. Psychiatrists
Psychiatrists are physicians who diagnose, treat, and help prevent mental illnesses. They often provide care in hospitals and clinics.
According to the American Psychiatric Association, there are more than 28,000 psychiatrists in the us today.
But this number is shrinking because the majority of practicing psychiatrists are aging and retiring.
And that is a problem, experts say.
They say a growing demand for mental health services is leaving people struggling to find access to help.
To combat the shortage, a number of organizations are offering trainings and support for primary care providers (PCPs) and other health professionals who treat patients with mental health problems. Some even offer call lines that allow PCPs to connect with a mental health expert for guidance.
2. Psychologists
A new study from the American Psychological Association finds that mental health professionals aren’t nearly enough to meet demand in the us. In fact, there aren’t enough psychiatrists, psychologists or social workers to treat every person with a mental health issue in the country.
The APA says there’s a shortage of clinical psychologists in most states, though they vary from state to state. Licensed clinical psychologists assess, diagnose and treat clients with emotional and mental health issues.
Psychologists may work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, private practice and academia. Those with doctoral degrees can expect better career prospects than those with master’s degrees.
3. Counselors
According to a report from USAFacts, there are more than half a million mental health professionals in the us. These professionals include psychiatric nurses, psychologists, counselors and social workers.
They all work with a wide range of people who have a mental health condition, or a substance abuse disorder. These individuals are trained, certified and prepared to help their patients set goals, develop strengths and navigate recovery.
Psychologists and psychiatrists typically require a doctorate in their field, while many counselors have a bachelor’s degree. Licensure laws in every state regulate how and when they can practice their professions.
4. Social Workers
There are many different types of social workers, each with their own unique set of skills and specialties. Regardless of the field, social workers typically work with people in need of emotional, behavioral or mental health care.
They can also help clients with substance abuse and trauma issues. These professionals often work with hospitals, nursing homes or community-based organizations to ensure clients have access to the right medical care, housing and other resources they need to heal.
Some social workers are involved in policy making and research at the macro level, helping develop programs and policies to address broader societal issues like homelessness, poverty and mental health. These social workers may work with communities or schools to implement these initiatives and improve the quality of life in their neighborhoods.
5. Nurses
Nurses are the largest component of the healthcare workforce and are the primary providers of patient care in hospitals, delivering the majority of long-term care. They are in demand in private practices, health maintenance organizations, public health agencies, primary care clinics, home healthcare, nursing homes, minute clinics, outpatient surgicenters, insurance and managed care companies, schools, mental health agencies and hospices, among other places.
Psychiatric nurses or mental health nurses work with people who have a wide variety of problems, often at the time of highest distress, and usually within hospital settings. These professionals evaluate patients, assess their psycho-social and physical state, create treatment plans and continually manage their care.
