Tennessee registered a total of 125 behavioral health providers in the latest CMS NPI registry weekly update, accounting for 1% of the national total. This consistent, albeit smaller, influx of new providers suggests a steady expansion within the state's behavioral health landscape, reflecting ongoing demand for services.
ABA Workforce Dynamics
Within the applied behavior analysis (ABA) field, the data shows 19 BCBA credentials and 37 RBT credentials. It is important to note that these figures are not mutually exclusive, as 4 individuals hold both BCBA and RBT credentials. This dual credentialing often indicates career progression from direct service to supervisory roles, demonstrating a commitment to advanced practice. The ratio of approximately two RBTs for every BCBA (37 RBTs to 19 BCBAs) suggests a manageable supervision capacity, which is vital for maintaining quality and expanding access to ABA services across the state. The presence of state-level LBA licenses among some BCBAs further strengthens the regulatory framework for ABA practice in Tennessee.
Provider Demographics
Of the 112 individual providers, the gender breakdown reveals that 85% are female, 10% are male, and 5% identify as nonbinary. This distribution is consistent with national trends in the behavioral health sector. The provided data does not indicate any specific organizations appearing multiple times in this week's update.
The continued addition of both supervisory and direct service ABA professionals, alongside other mental health providers, signals a strengthening workforce poised to improve access to essential behavioral health care in Tennessee.