Data are expressed in full-time equivalents (FTEs), defined as working 40 hours a week. Negative values indicate a projected shortage. Positive values indicate a projected surplus.
Percent adequacy is the relationship between the projected future supply and projected future demand. It is the quotient of supply divided by demand.Â
*All physicians (included for comparison):ÌýIncludes physicians from all specialties. Excludes Adult Psychiatrists and Child & Adolescent Psychiatrists. Includes All Primary Care Physicians and Obstetrics & Gynecology Physicians.Â
**Two other scenarios were provided, resulting in even higher shortages: Unmet Need assumes increased demand, and Elevated Need assumes both increased demand and improved access.
Citation formats
Projected shortages of behavioral and mental healthcare workers in the U.S. 2038
There is a predicted shortage of nearly ** psychologists in the United States by 2038, the most needed behavioral and mental health provider. However, when looking at percent adequacy, then countrywide, by 2038, there will be a projected ** percent shortfall in addiction counselors.
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HRSA. (December 18, 2025). Projected shortages of select behavioral and mental healthcare workers in the United States in 2038, by profession/specialty [Graph]. In ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ. Retrieved July 30, 2026, from /statistics/1664210/projected-behavioral-and-mental-healthcare-workers-shortage-in-the-us/
HRSA. "Projected shortages of select behavioral and mental healthcare workers in the United States in 2038, by profession/specialty." Chart. December 18, 2025. ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ. Accessed July 30, 2026. /statistics/1664210/projected-behavioral-and-mental-healthcare-workers-shortage-in-the-us/
HRSA. (2025). Projected shortages of select behavioral and mental healthcare workers in the United States in 2038, by profession/specialty. ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ. ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ Inc.. Accessed: July 30, 2026. /statistics/1664210/projected-behavioral-and-mental-healthcare-workers-shortage-in-the-us/
HRSA. "Projected Shortages of Select Behavioral and Mental Healthcare Workers in The United States in 2038, by Profession/Specialty." ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ, ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ Inc., 18 Dec 2025, /statistics/1664210/projected-behavioral-and-mental-healthcare-workers-shortage-in-the-us/
HRSA, Projected shortages of select behavioral and mental healthcare workers in the United States in 2038, by profession/specialty ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ, /statistics/1664210/projected-behavioral-and-mental-healthcare-workers-shortage-in-the-us/ (last visited July 30, 2026)
Projected shortages of select behavioral and mental healthcare workers in the United States in 2038, by profession/specialty [Graph], HRSA, December 18, 2025. [Online]. Available: /statistics/1664210/projected-behavioral-and-mental-healthcare-workers-shortage-in-the-us/
