San Diego's behavioral health sector saw 69 providers in the latest CMS update, representing 1% of the national weekly total. This week alone, 36 new providers were added, contributing to a total of 42 new providers this year. The local workforce comprises 61 individual practitioners and 8 organizations, indicating a diverse mix of practice structures.
ABA Credential Breakdown
Within the individual providers, the data highlights a significant presence in Applied Behavior Analysis. There are 6 BCBAs and 26 RBTs. It is important to note that no providers held both BCBA and RBT credentials simultaneously this week. The ratio of approximately one BCBA for every 4.3 RBTs suggests a need for careful supervision planning to ensure adequate oversight for direct care staff. Beyond ABA, the area also saw professionals with credentials like 5 LCSWs, 1 ASW, and 1 CCC-SLP, indicating a broader scope of behavioral health services.
Workforce Demographics
The individual provider workforce in San Diego is largely female, with 42 female providers making up 69% of the total, alongside 12 male providers (20%) and 7 nonbinary providers (11%). Among organizations, the San Diego Unified School District appeared three times in the update, suggesting its role as a significant employer or service provider in the region. This data reflects a growing and diverse behavioral health workforce in San Diego. The influx of new RBTs, coupled with the current BCBA-to-RBT ratio, points to an expanding demand for direct ABA services and a critical need for supervisory capacity to support this growth in San Diego.
