As mental health awareness and need for services increase across the United States, employment in the mental health sector is anticipated to expand at a significantly faster rate than the overall job market. According to a CNN analysis of new data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), job growth in mental health professions—including psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, counselors, psychiatric aides, and social workers—is projected to be three times the rate of all US jobs combined.
Mental health counselors, encompassing substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors, are expected to see particularly rapid growth. The number of these professionals is projected to rise by 19%, from approximately 450,000 workers in 2023 to 534,000 by 2033. This positions mental health counseling among the top 20 fastest-growing occupations in the country. These counselors play a crucial role in assisting individuals dealing with issues such as anxiety, addiction, and stress.
Marriage and family therapists are also expected to experience significant growth, with job opportunities in this field anticipated to increase by 16% by 2033. Additionally, the category of “counselors, all other,” which includes roles such as sexual assault counselors and grief counselors, is projected to grow by 14% over the same period.
The rising demand for mental health services is driven by several factors, including reduced stigma around seeking help and increased stress due to political, economic, and environmental uncertainties. Traci Cipriano, a clinical psychologist and assistant clinical professor at Yale School of Medicine, noted that the modern era’s stressors, including political divisiveness and climate change, contribute to rising mental health challenges. She emphasized that while mental health treatment can manage stress, unaddressed stress can lead to more severe conditions like depression and anxiety.
In addition to traditional mental health roles, the demand for holistic health practitioners is also expected to surge. For instance, employment for massage therapists is projected to grow by nearly 18% by 2033, with an average addition of approximately 23,000 jobs annually. The American Massage Therapy Association reported that more than half of massage clients seek relief from stress and relaxation.
Despite the increase in job opportunities, the US faces a significant shortage of mental health professionals. About 122 million Americans live in areas with inadequate mental health resources, with rural regions particularly affected. The shortage underscores the urgent need for increased mental health services and highlights the importance of addressing this critical sector’s growth.
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