Virginia saw 119 new behavioral health providers added in the latest CMS NPI registry update, representing 2% of the national weekly total. This consistent influx, while a smaller share compared to larger states, indicates steady growth in Virginia's behavioral health sector, addressing ongoing demand for services across the state.
ABA Workforce Composition
Focusing on the ABA workforce, the data shows 48 RBTs and 3 BCBAs among the new individual and organizational enrollments. It's important to note that these credential counts can overlap, as providers may hold multiple certifications; for instance, 1 individual is listed with both BCBA and RBT credentials, reflecting career progression. The ratio of RBTs to BCBAs suggests a strong base for direct service delivery, though the relatively low number of new BCBAs highlights the critical need for supervisory capacity to support the growing RBT workforce.
Provider Demographics
Of the 91 individual providers, the gender breakdown shows 62 female providers (68%), 15 male providers (16%), and 14 nonbinary providers (15%). This distribution aligns with national trends of a predominantly female behavioral health workforce. Among organizations, EMBARK COUNSELING & CONSULTATION SERVICES LLC appeared twice, indicating its active expansion within the state.
Overall, this week's data points to a continued expansion of the behavioral health workforce in Virginia, particularly in direct service roles, which is crucial for improving access to care, including ABA services, across the Commonwealth.
