Tennessee recorded 97 behavioral health providers in the latest CMS NPI registry weekly update, representing 1% of the national total. This week alone, 59 new providers were added in the state, signaling a consistent, albeit moderate, expansion of the behavioral health workforce to meet ongoing demand across Tennessee.
ABA Workforce Composition
Within the Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) sector, the data shows 8 BCBA credentials and 30 RBT credentials. It is important to note that no individuals were reported with dual BCBA and RBT credentials in this update. The ratio of nearly four RBTs for every BCBA (30 RBTs to 8 BCBAs) indicates a potentially high caseload for supervising BCBAs, which is a critical factor in maintaining service quality and ensuring adequate supervision capacity for direct care providers.
Provider Demographics
Of the 76 individual providers, the gender breakdown shows 86% female, 9% male, and 5% nonbinary, reflecting typical demographic trends in the behavioral health field. No specific organizations appeared multiple times in this week's data to indicate a dominant employer footprint.
This weekly snapshot suggests a steady influx of behavioral health professionals in Tennessee, with a particular emphasis on direct service providers like RBTs. While growth is positive for access, the supervisory ratio for ABA services highlights an area for continued workforce development to ensure sustainable and high-quality care.
