Whether you’re just starting out in a career or thinking of making a change, take note of the research coming out about mental health positions. The demand for mental health care providers in the United States is expected to grow significantly over the next decade, outpacing typical job growth projections. According to new data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in mental health fields like psychiatry, psychology, counseling, and social work is projected to increase at triple the rate of average occupations by 2033.
Mental health counselors, including those specializing in substance abuse and behavioral disorders, are forecasted to see particularly rapid growth of 19% – adding over 80,000 new jobs. Marriage and family therapists are also expected to increase by 16%. This surge in demand is attributed to several factors, including decreasing stigma around seeking mental health treatment and increasing life stressors like political division, economic uncertainty, and climate change.
However, access remains a major barrier, with over 120 million Americans living in areas with shortages of mental health professionals. Rural regions face particular challenges in provider access. As demand continues to outpace the current workforce, expanding mental health services and addressing provider shortages will be critical public health priorities in the coming years.
Keep in mind that there are many ways to become a mental health professional. You can certainly get a Ph.D., a medical degree or a Master’s Degree, but you can also look into various certificate programs. You might become a massage therapist, an acupuncturist, a reflexologist. These require less time studying than do some of the other routes and still allow you to help others with their mental health needs.
