Oklahoma saw the addition of 91 behavioral health providers in the latest CMS NPI registry weekly update, representing 1% of the national total. This consistent, albeit smaller, influx of new providers signals ongoing growth in the state's behavioral health sector, crucial for expanding access to care.
ABA Workforce Composition
Within the applied behavior analysis (ABA) field, the data shows 4 individuals hold a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) credential, while 26 individuals hold a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) credential. It is important to note that these categories are not mutually exclusive, as 2 individuals hold both BCBA and RBT credentials, often reflecting a career progression from direct service provider to supervisor. Additionally, one of the BCBAs also holds an Oklahoma state LBA license. The ratio of RBTs to BCBAs, at 6.5 RBTs per BCBA, highlights a strong workforce for direct service delivery but also indicates a significant need for more BCBA supervisors to ensure adequate oversight and support for RBTs across the state.
Provider Demographics
Of the 82 individual providers registered this week, 67 (82%) are female, 13 (16%) are male, and 2 (2%) identify as nonbinary. This gender distribution aligns with broader trends in the behavioral health workforce. No specific organizations appeared multiple times in this week's new registrations. The continued growth, particularly in the RBT workforce, suggests an increasing capacity for direct ABA service delivery, but the state must focus on cultivating more BCBA-level professionals to maintain quality supervision and expand access effectively.
