December 4th, 2024 by WCBC Radio

Across the nation, states are facing a shortage of behavioral healthcare workers. A new report to the Maryland Medicaid Advisory Board shows that Maryland needs at almost 20,000 healthcare workers to meet current needs. Even more workers will be needed in the future to cover attrition, retirement, and an expanding number of clients. Jamie Freeny of Mental Health America says the shortage puts a further strain on those seeking help…

   

“Some families will have to travel one or two hours just to meet in person with a mental health professional which means there are other barriers and challenges that they have to overcome such as childcare, taking off work, it could be transportation.”