Chicago's behavioral health sector saw 35 new providers registered in the latest CMS update, representing 1% of the national weekly total. This influx indicates Chicago's continued role as a significant regional hub for behavioral health services. Of these, 27 are individual practitioners and 8 are organizations, reflecting a diverse mix of practice structures.
ABA Credential Breakdown
Focusing on Applied Behavior Analysis credentials, the data shows 11 new RBTs (Registered Behavior Technicians) in Chicago this week. Notably, there were no new BCBAs (Board Certified Behavior Analysts) or providers with dual BCBA and RBT credentials among this week's registrations. This means the newly registered RBTs will rely on existing BCBAs in the Chicago area for the required supervision, highlighting a potential need for more supervisory-level professionals to support the growing RBT workforce. Beyond ABA, other behavioral health professionals include 4 LCSWs, 3 LCPCs, 1 MA, LCPC, 1 QMHP, 1 LSW, CADC, 1 BA, and 1 BT.
Workforce Demographics
The individual provider workforce exhibits a clear gender distribution, with 19 female providers accounting for 70%, 7 male providers at 26%, and 1 nonbinary provider at 4%. No single organization appeared multiple times in this week's new registrations. The addition of numerous RBTs, without corresponding BCBA registrations this week, suggests that while the direct care workforce is expanding, the supervisory capacity for ABA services will depend on the existing BCBA infrastructure in Chicago.
