Washington's total provider count of 199 behavioral health providers in the latest CMS NPI registry weekly update represents 2% of the national total. This consistent contribution to the national pool indicates a sustained growth in the state's behavioral health sector, with 86 new providers registered this week. The majority of these are individual practitioners, totaling 168 individuals, alongside 31 organizations.
ABA Workforce Composition
Within the applied behavior analysis (ABA) sector, the data shows 9 BCBA credentials and 23 RBT credentials. It is important to note that no individuals in this update hold dual BCBA and RBT credentials, which typically signals career progression. The resulting ratio of approximately 2.5 RBTs for every BCBA suggests a foundational capacity for direct service delivery under qualified supervision. While this ratio supports current service models, a higher proportion of BCBAs would further enhance supervisory oversight and expand the potential for more complex case management.
Provider Demographics
Of the individual providers registered, 79% are female, 15% are male, and 5% identify as nonbinary. This gender distribution aligns with national trends observed within the broader behavioral health workforce. No specific organizations appeared multiple times in this week's data to be considered notable, suggesting a diverse landscape of smaller practices or new entries rather than expansion by dominant multi-state employers.
The ongoing registration of new behavioral health professionals, particularly RBTs, indicates a continued effort to address the demand for services, including ABA, across Washington, contributing to the state's overall workforce development.
