New Data from LexisNexis Risk Solutions Highlight Regional Imbalance in Mental Health Provider Availability

Rhea-AI Summary

LexisNexis Risk Solutions (NYSE:RELX) has released a comprehensive analysis of mental health provider distribution trends in the United States from 2020 to 2024. The study reveals an overall 11.4% increase in mental health providers nationwide, but with significant regional disparities.

Key findings show Montana leading with a 209.6% increase in providers, while Nevada experienced the largest decline of -45.2%. The analysis also found that 24% of providers with prescribing privileges had changes in their license or contact information during Q1 2025, highlighting the importance of maintaining current provider data for effective patient care access.

Positive

• Overall 11.4% increase in mental health providers nationwide from 2020 to 2024
• Montana achieved significant provider growth of 209.6% following mental health care system reform
• Montana's ratio of mental health providers per capita improved by 65.6%

Negative

• 9 states experienced decreases in mental health providers, with Nevada worst at -45.2%
• Nevada's ratio of mental health providers per capita deteriorated by 96.2%
• 24% of providers had information changes in Q1 2025, potentially affecting patient access to care

Findings emphasize the need for up-to-date provider data to improve access

ATLANTA, July 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- LexisNexis^® Risk Solutions, a leading provider of data and analytics, published new findings on national and regional mental health provider density trends in the United States.

The analysis leverages data from LexisNexis^® Provider Data MasterFile™ and population data from the U.S. Census to reveal the states with the greatest change in volume of mental health providers, the states with the best and worst ratios of mental health providers per capita and the frequency of changes to prescriber data. The insights were derived from contact and license information of psychiatrists, psychologists, advanced practice nurses and general counselors.

Key Finding: Overall Increase, but Unequal Distribution of Mental Health Providers

The total number of mental health providers in the U.S. increased by 11.4% between January 2020 and January 2024. Montana saw the highest increase (209.6%), following a law the state passed in 2023 to revamp its mental health care system. However, 9 states experienced a decrease in the number of mental health providers. The states with the largest decrease were:

1. Nevada: -45.2%
2. Louisiana: -21.7%
3. Vermont: -18.6%
4. Oklahoma: -7.9%
5. Hawaii: -5.9%

Key Finding: Significant Patient-to-Provider Ratio Variation

Increases and decreases of providers can impact a community's ability to deliver accessible care, and amid the ongoing demand for mental health care, it's important to understand the ratio of mental health providers per capita. The analysis shows which U.S. states experienced the largest deterioration in mental health providers per capita and those with the greatest improvement, comparing January 2020 to January 2024.

• Montana's ratio of mental health providers per capita improved the most (+65.6%)
• Nevada's ratio of mental health providers per capita deteriorated the most (-96.2%).

"As demand for mental health services continues to rise, disparities in provider availability are putting some communities at a disadvantage," said Adam Mariano, president and GM of healthcare, LexisNexis Risk Solutions. "States that have implemented strong mental health policies are seeing positive movement in provider ratios which can help reduce burnout for clinicians and improve access for patients. Expanding the provider base and improving per capita ratios are essential to getting patients the care they need, when and where they need it."

Key Finding: Frequent Changes to Prescriber Data

From January 1^st to March 31^st of 2025, nearly a quarter (24%) of all providers with prescribing privileges had at least one element of their license or contact information change. These changes can impact where and how providers practice and the services available to patients.

"When provider data is outdated or inaccurate, it creates unnecessary friction for patients already struggling to find care," said Mariano. "Inconsistent license and contact information not only delays treatment but also increases system inefficiencies. Keeping this data current is vital to ensuring patients can connect with the right care, especially in underserved areas."

To view the full data brief and learn more about how reliable provider data can improve operational efficiencies and patient experience visit risk.lexisnexis.com/healthcare.

About LexisNexis^® Risk Solutions
LexisNexis^® Risk Solutions harnesses the power of data and advanced analytics to provide insights that help businesses and governmental entities reduce risk and improve decisions to benefit people around the globe. We provide data and technology solutions for a wide range of industries including insurance, financial services, healthcare and government. Headquartered in metro Atlanta, Georgia, we have offices throughout the world and are part of RELX (LSE: REL/NYSE: RELX), a global provider of information and analytics for professional and business customers. For more information, please visit www.risk.lexisnexis.com and www.relx.com.

Media Contact: 
Syed Shabbir
Sr. Manager, Corporate Communications
LexisNexis Risk Solutions
816-572-7709
syed.shabbir@lexisnexisrisk.com

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SOURCE LexisNexis Risk Solutions

FAQ

What was the overall increase in mental health providers in the US from 2020 to 2024?

According to LexisNexis Risk Solutions, there was an 11.4% increase in the total number of mental health providers in the United States between January 2020 and January 2024.

Which state saw the largest increase in mental health providers?

Montana saw the highest increase of 209.6% following a law passed in 2023 to revamp its mental health care system.

Which states experienced the largest decrease in mental health providers?

Nevada had the largest decrease at -45.2%, followed by Louisiana (-21.7%), Vermont (-18.6%), Oklahoma (-7.9%), and Hawaii (-5.9%).

How many mental health providers experienced data changes in early 2025?

During Q1 2025, 24% of all providers with prescribing privileges had at least one element of their license or contact information change.

How did Nevada's mental health provider ratio change?

Nevada experienced the most significant deterioration in its ratio of mental health providers per capita, with a 96.2% decline between January 2020 and January 2024.