Over the past several decades, mental health has gained more and more importance in the United States. Therefore, there are more mental health professionals now than ever before, but why? The causes of this rise of mental health professionals in the United States and what it means for the provision of mental health care are discussed below.
The increased understanding of mental health is one of the main causes of the rise in mental health practitioners in the US. Those with mental health concerns frequently experience stigma and discrimination because, for a long time, mental health was not given the same amount of attention as physical health. The demand for mental health services has increased in recent years due to a growing understanding of the impact that mental health can have on general health and wellbeing.
Another reason for the rise of mental health professionals in the United States is the increasing prevalence of mental health issues. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, nearly one in five adults in the United States (approximately 51.5 million people) experienced a mental illness in 2019. As more people seek treatment for mental health issues, there is a greater need for mental health professionals to provide care.
Changes in healthcare policies have also contributed to the increase in mental health professionals. For instance, the Affordable Care Act required that all insurance plans provide coverage for mental health and drug abuse services. As a result, more people seek mental health treatments, which has increased the number of work prospects for mental health specialists.
The rise in mental health practitioners has additionally been influenced by the development of technology. Mental health experts can now treat patients from anywhere in the nation because of the growth of telehealth services. This has improved access to mental health care for those living in distant or underserved locations and opened new work opportunities for mental health professionals.
Lastly, there is a larger need for trained mental health professionals because of the rising demand for mental health services. A greater pool of qualified mental health workers has been made possible thanks to the creation of new programs and certifications such as psychiatric nurse practitioner programs and mental health counseling programs.
Behavioral Health Technicians: Behavioral health technicians (BHTs) work with individuals who have mental health or substance abuse issues. They provide direct care, including monitoring patients, administering medication, and implementing treatment plans. The demand for BHTs has increased due to the growing need for mental health services and the recognition of the importance of providing comprehensive care to individuals with mental health and substance abuse issues.
Licensed Professional Counselors: Licensed professional counselors (LPCs) are trained to diagnose and treat mental health conditions. They typically hold a master's degree in counseling or a related field and are licensed by the state in which they practice. LPCs provide individual and group therapy, crisis intervention, and other mental health services to clients. The demand for LPCs has increased due to the growing need for mental health services and the recognition of counseling as an effective treatment for mental health conditions.
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners: As the demand for mental health services grows, so does the need for mental health professionals with advanced training. Psychiatric nurse practitioners (PNPs) are registered nurses who have earned a master's or doctoral degree in psychiatric-mental health nursing. They are licensed to prescribe medications, diagnose, and treat mental health conditions, and provide therapy to individuals and families. PNPs are in high demand due to their ability to provide a range of mental health services and their flexibility in providing care in various settings, including clinics, hospitals, and private practices.
Social Workers: Social Workers work with individuals, families, and communities to address social and emotional issues. They provide counseling, case management, and advocacy services, and often work with vulnerable populations, such as children, the elderly, and those experiencing poverty or homelessness. The demand for social workers has increased due to the growing need for mental health services and the recognition of the importance of social determinants of health.
Psychologists: Psychologists hold a doctoral degree in psychology and are licensed to diagnose and treat mental health conditions. They provide a range of services, including individual and group therapy, psychological testing, and research. The demand for psychologists has increased due to the growing need for mental health services and the recognition of the importance of evidence-based treatments for mental health conditions.
These are just a few examples of the mental health positions that we place that are currently in high demand. As this demand continues to grow, it is likely these and many more positions will continue to increase in demand in the future.
Our team has a wide network of mental health facilities and practices looking for new mental health professionals today. If you are interested or looking for a role in the mental health field, contact us at info@medicalrecruitmentstrategies.com.