US is Short 2,707 Psychiatrists

Merritt Hawkins recently released its 2015 Review of Physician and Advanced Practitioner Recruiting Incentives. Here are key findings from the report regarding mental health practitioner shortages:

·         Merritt Hawkins conducted more searches for psychiatrists in the past year than any other time in 27 years.

·         3,968 U.S. counties are Health Professional Shortage Areas (less than one psychiatrist per 30,000 people).

·         2,707 psychiatrists are needed to remove the HPSA designations for mental health from these counties.

·         In Texas, 185 of 254 counties have no general psychiatrist.

·         Massachusetts has 18 psychiatrists per 100,000 population and Idaho has 5.

·         48% of practicing psychiatrists are likely to retire over the next five years.

Source: Merritt Hawkins, July 15, 2015