The .gov means it's official. Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information,
make sure you're on a federal government site.
The site is secure. The
https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any
information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.
Strong growth projected in mental health-related employment
January 09, 2024
Each year, millions of Americans receive support for their mental health. Counselors, social workers, and psychologists are among the specialists who provide this care in settings such as doctors’ and counselors’ offices, outpatient centers, hospitals, and residential facilities. Employment in mental health-related occupations and industries has grown over the past decade. Strong growth is projected to continue through 2032.
Employment (2022 and projected 2022–32) in selected occupations providing mental health services
Occupations
Employment growth, projected 2022–32
Employment, 2022
Occupational openings, projected 2022–32 annual average
Substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors
18% (Much faster than average)
388,200
42,000
Marriage and family therapists
15% (Much faster than average)
71,200
5,900
Community health workers
14% (Much faster than average)
67,200
8,000
Clinical and counseling psychologists
11% (Much faster than average)
67,500
4,100
Psychiatric technicians and aides
9% (Much faster than average)
139,600
15,200
Social and human service assistants
9% (Much faster than average)
415,100
47,400
Social workers
7% (Faster than average)
728,600
63,800
Psychiatrists
7% (Faster than average)
28,600
1,000
Educational, guidance, and career counselors and advisors
5% (Faster than average)
342,400
26,600
From 2022 to 2032, employment for many mental health-related occupations is projected to grow faster than the 3-percent average for all occupations. Employment of substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors is projected to grow 18 percent over the period. These counselors work with clients seeking help for addictions, anxiety, stress, and other problems. This occupation is projected to average 42,000 openings annually over the decade.
Employment in selected industries providing mental health services, 2012–22 and projected 2032
Occupation
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2032 (Projected employment)
Offices of physicians, mental health specialists
47,900
48,800
50,300
51,400
53,400
54,900
55,800
58,300
58,000
63,900
70,100
*
Offices of mental health practitioners (except physicians)
65,900
66,800
71,100
76,000
82,400
91,100
102,000
116,800
129,200
145,800
166,400
201,600
Outpatient mental health and substance abuse centers
191,200
197,500
203,700
213,500
223,900
234,600
243,000
256,000
257,400
264,400
275,400
331,000
Psychiatric and substance abuse hospitals; private
121,400
121,100
126,100
137,900
141,800
140,400
150,100
152,000
152,800
149,400
150,100
168,300
Residential mental health and substance abuse facilities
199,900
204,300
209,600
214,300
220,800
228,000
233,800
236,800
233,600
231,100
237,800
263,100
Note: BLS does not project specific data for each of the interim years to the 2032 projection point.
* Projections data are not available for offices of mental health physicians.
Employment increased from 2012 to 2022 in many industries that provide mental health care. Offices of mental health practitioners and outpatient mental health and substance abuse centers had especially strong growth over the decade. BLS projects that employment will continue to rise rapidly in many mental health care industries through 2032.
Industry data include workers who are directly involved with providing mental health services and those, such as medical secretaries or janitors and cleaners, who perform other tasks that help to keep facilities operating smoothly.
United States Department of Labor
