Accessibility
Shortage of Providers
Overview.
The U.S. faces a severe shortage of mental health providers, with over 160 million Americans living in designated Mental Health Professional Shortage Areas. Wait times for appointments often stretch weeks or months. This shortage is especially acute in rural areas and low-income urban communities. The pipeline for training new therapists cannot keep pace with growing demand.
At the center of our national mental health crisis is a severe shortage of behavioral health providers. We need to expand the availability of evidence-based community mental health services for the people that need them most.
Challenge.
Limited access to licensed therapists means people in crisis cannot get timely care, leading to worsening symptoms, emergency interventions, and preventable suffering.
Our Work.
Expand alternative care models including peer support, group interventions, community-based programs, and evidence-based practices that can be delivered by trained facilitators rather than requiring licensed clinicians.
Potential Impact.
Increase access to timely mental health support
Reduce burden on clinical system
Scale community-based solutions
More issues.
Ready to help? Here are additional focus areas that need your support.
