Washington saw 197 new behavioral health providers in the latest CMS NPI registry weekly update, representing 2% of the national total. This consistent contribution indicates a steady, albeit smaller, growth in the state's behavioral health workforce.

ABA Workforce Composition

Focusing on applied behavior analysis (ABA) credentials, the data shows 8 BCBA credentials and 30 RBT credentials. It is important to note that these categories are not mutually exclusive, as 1 individual holds both BCBA and RBT credentials, often reflecting a career path from direct service to supervision. The resulting ratio of nearly four RBTs for every BCBA suggests a robust capacity for direct ABA service delivery, but also underscores the critical need for more BCBA supervisors to ensure comprehensive oversight and facilitate broader access to care.

Provider Demographics and Local Impact

Of the 162 individual providers, 126 (78%) are female, 30 (19%) are male, and 6 (4%) identify as nonbinary, aligning with national trends in the behavioral health field. Notably, PENINSULA COMMUNITY HEALTH SERVICES appeared 12 times in the organizational registrations, indicating a significant footprint in the state's provider landscape. This data suggests continued expansion in Washington's behavioral health workforce, with a particular emphasis on direct service roles, which will be crucial for meeting increasing demand for ABA services.