Workforce & Training · Texas behavioral health news
Texas Continues To Face Shortage Of Mental Health Professionals As Demand Rises - Yahoo
Behavioral Health Workforce (Google News) · March 29, 2026
In plain language
Texas is currently facing a significant shortage of mental health professionals, with over 13 million residents living in areas without enough providers. Rural and border counties are hit the hardest, as many lack a single psychiatrist or psychologist. This gap makes it difficult for families to find timely care, especially for children in crisis who may need to travel long distances for help. Experts predict this workforce shortage will continue to grow through 2036 unless more practitioners are hired.
AI-generated summary of the source article. Not medical advice.
Key takeaways
- Texas leads the nation in designated mental health professional shortage areas.
- More than 13.4 million Texas residents currently live in areas with insufficient mental health services.
- In 2023, 170 out of 254 Texas counties had no licensed psychiatrists available.
- The state's mental health workforce deficit is projected to reach over 33,000 unfilled positions by 2036.
- Texas schools often exceed the recommended ratio of 250 students per school counselor.
- A lack of staff has forced some hospitals to take psychiatric beds offline, limiting care for patients in crisis.
Texas Continues To Face Shortage Of Mental Health Professionals As Demand Rises Yahoo
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