Arkansas recorded 83 total providers in the latest CMS NPI registry weekly update, representing a 1% share of the national weekly total. This indicates a modest but consistent contribution to the national behavioral health workforce. The state saw 1 new provider added this week, contributing to a year-to-date total of 43 new providers, signaling ongoing, steady growth in its behavioral health sector.
Credentialing and Supervision Capacity
Within the ABA specific credentials, Arkansas registered 2 BCBAs and 19 RBTs. It is important to note that one individual holds both BCBA and RBT credentials. This ratio of RBTs to BCBAs, approximately 9.5 to 1, highlights a workforce structure with a significant number of direct service providers. This reliance on RBTs underscores the critical need for a robust supervisory framework, implying that increasing the number of BCBAs will be essential for expanding high-quality ABA services in the state. Beyond ABA, the data also includes 9 LCSWs, 6 LPCs, 5 LACs, and 5 QBHPs, reflecting a broader spectrum of behavioral health professionals. Furthermore, 18 providers hold multiple taxonomies, indicating diverse service offerings.
Workforce Demographics
The individual provider demographic in Arkansas is predominantly female, with 62 female providers making up 83% of the total, while 13 male providers account for 17%. No specific organizations appeared multiple times in this week's data. Major cities like Little Rock, Fort Smith, and North Little Rock show concentrations of providers, suggesting these urban centers are key hubs for behavioral health services.
This data suggests a developing, largely female-led behavioral health workforce in Arkansas, where strategic growth in supervisory roles will be crucial for enhancing access to ABA services and ensuring comprehensive care statewide.
