As the need for mental health services surges across the United States, employment in the mental health sector is anticipated to grow at three times the rate of the overall job market over the next decade, according to a CNN analysis of new data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Positions within mental health, including psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, counselors, psychiatric aides, and social workers, are expected to experience substantial growth. Specifically, mental health counselors, encompassing roles such as substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors, are projected to increase by 19%, from about 450,000 workers in 2023 to 534,000 by 2033. This growth places these roles among the top 20 fastest-growing occupations in the US. Similarly, marriage and family therapists are anticipated to see a 16% rise in employment, while the broader category of “counselors, all other” is expected to expand by 14% by 2033.
Traci Cipriano, a clinical psychologist and assistant clinical professor at Yale School of Medicine, attributes this surge in demand to reduced stigma around mental health care and increasing societal pressures. Factors such as political divisiveness, economic instability, gun violence, and the climate crisis contribute to heightened stress and mental health challenges, Cipriano explains.
The rise in mental health-related occupations parallels an expected increase in holistic health roles. For instance, employment for massage therapists is forecasted to grow by nearly 18% by 2033, adding approximately 23,000 jobs annually. A 2023 survey by the American Massage Therapy Association found that over half of massage therapy clients seek services primarily for relaxation and stress relief.
Despite the growing demand for mental health professionals, access to care remains a significant barrier. Approximately 122 million Americans live in areas with a shortage of mental health providers, with rural regions, such as Wyoming and Utah, particularly affected. A 2021 analysis by USA Facts highlights this disparity, noting that many individuals still lack adequate mental health support despite increased awareness and demand.
The escalating need for mental health services underscores the urgent requirement to address these access issues and support the expanding workforce necessary to meet the growing demand.
