Texas House Committee on County Affairs

Dr. Keller covered shortages in the mental health workforce in Texas with the data such as

• 207 of our 254 counties are designated, in whole or in part, as Mental Health Professional Shortage Areas (MHPSAs).
• 241 counties have some level of shortage, both prescribers and core professionals. Over 80% are rural counties.
• The vast majority of providers live in five counties.
• Texas has a dramatic lack of diversity, resulting in a shortage of culturally and linguistically competent professionals.

Dr. Keller provided a comparison of behavioral health practitioners in major Texas counties with other cities nationally. He also highlighted concerns over the lack of state reciprocity and endorsement for physician licenses, a potential barrier in addressing state workforce needs.