Arkansas added 55 behavioral health providers in the latest CMS NPI registry weekly update, representing 1% of the national total. This consistent, albeit smaller, influx of new professionals suggests ongoing efforts to address behavioral health needs across the state.
ABA Workforce Composition
Within the applied behavior analysis sector, the update includes 23 providers identified with the Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) taxonomy. Notably, there were 0 Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) or individuals with dual BCBA and RBT credentials added this week. The absence of new BCBAs, who are responsible for supervising RBTs, indicates a potential bottleneck in supervision capacity. While the growth in RBTs expands direct service delivery potential, a lack of new supervisors could strain existing BCBAs and limit the overall expansion of comprehensive ABA services. Other behavioral health professionals added include 6 Licensed Associate Counselors (LAC), 2 Qualified Behavioral Health Professionals (QBHP), 1 Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), and 1 Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC).
Provider Demographics
Among the 48 individual providers, the workforce is predominantly female, with 39 individuals (81%) identifying as female. Male providers account for 9 individuals (19%). This week saw the addition of 7 organizations, with no single entity appearing multiple times, suggesting a diverse entry of new practices rather than significant expansion by multi-state chains. The top cities for new providers include Siloam Springs, Little Rock, Russellville, Bryant, and Nashville.
This week's data highlights a growing RBT workforce in Arkansas, but the critical need for new BCBAs remains to ensure adequate supervision and sustainable growth in ABA service access.
