The nation faces a persistent shortage and maldistribution of primary care physicians (PCPs). A better understanding of PCP career typologies could help policy makers target interventions toward certain subgroups, rather than using a “one-size fits all” approach to improving PCP supply and distribution across settings and in rural areas. This article discusses findings from a…
As many as 1 in 5 women will experience a behavioral health condition during their perinatal period, yet the availability of services specifically designed and delivered for individuals who experience perinatal mental health and substance use conditions remains unclear. This article uses the National Substance Use and Mental Health Services Survey (NSUMHSS) to explore the…
A shortage of behavioral health clinicians is limiting access to mental health care across the United States, particularly in areas designated as Mental Health Professional Shortage Areas (mHPSAs). Retaining clinicians in these high-need areas is essential to improving access. This article examines behavioral health clinicians’ assessments of various job and workplace factors associated with their…
During the COVID-19 pandemic, telemental health—including video and phone visits—became essential for delivering mental healthcare as in-person visits declined and demand increased. Regulatory and payment changes at both federal and state levels in the US enabled its rapid expansion, with usage rising from under 1% pre-pandemic to 39% of behavioral health visits between March and…
In 2023, nearly 25% of the US population aged 12 or older used illicit drugs, and over 17% met the criteria for a substance use disorder (SUD), with synthetic opioids and excessive alcohol use driving a sharp rise in drug-related deaths. Despite the growing need for SUD treatment, significant access gaps remain—especially for individuals from…
To address the behavioral health workforce crisis in the United States, it is essential to support students who are interested in pursuing careers in behavioral health. Exploring the various educational pathways into these professions is a critical step, as it can reveal opportunities to expand the supply of qualified, culturally, and linguistically representative providers. This…
The United States is grappling with a behavioral health crisis worsened by workforce shortages, which restrict access to treatment. States are responding by creating new roles and expanding existing ones within the behavioral health workforce. However, misalignment in training, regulation, and payment policies undermines the effective deployment of these roles to address needs. This article…
Community health workers are an important workforce for health care systems to achieve health equity and reduce health disparities in vulnerable communities. However, because CHWs are a non-licensed workforce who work across system settings with various job titles, it is difficult to estimate and characterize this workforce. This article discusses the estimated size and state…
Issues of workplace violence in health care have garnered increasing attention due to its impact on health care worker’s well-being and retention. Information on whether and how workplace violence rates vary between health care facilities and occupations is limited, particularly regarding growth over time. This article investigates trends in workplace violence for a variety of…
Amid a growing behavioral health crisis in the US, less than half of individuals who need services for mental health or substance use concerns receive care. Multiple factors impact access to behavioral health services, including payment, stigma, and the availability of a positioned behavioral health workforce in areas with the greatest need. Recent work demonstrates…
