BOISE, Idaho — As Idaho’s population continues to grow, some mental health professionals are having trouble keeping up with the demand, said Dr. Charles Rice – who owns Living Hope Clinic.
Rice said when he started as a licensed psychologist in Boise over 30 years ago, there were only about 200 psychologists in the area. Now – those numbers have grown – but with Idaho’s population growth, he said, it’s still not enough.
“I had people knocking on the door wanting to come in and there was a waiting list,” Rice said. “What am I gonna do?
Idaho ranks the lowest in the United States for number of psychiatrists per capita – with one psychiatrist for every 16,264 residents, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. The next lowest state is Montana, and they have one psychiatrist per 11,576 residents.
When it comes to psychologists – Idaho is also low – but not the lowest. Idaho has lower than 15 psychologists per 100,000 residents – and only six other states rank that low, according to the American Psychological Association.
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor to treat underlying mental health issues, and a psychologist is a mental health therapist – to help patients work through mental health struggles.
Ross Edmunds, the division administrator for the Department of Behavioral Health in Idaho, said it’s been a challenge to keep up with the demand for mental health professional because several of those experts left the industry during the pandemic.
“We have roughly a little over 100 psychiatrists in the state, and our estimated need is probably somewhere around 250,” Edmunds said.
He also said fewer people are entering the industry, in comparison to previous years.
“It's pretty hard sometimes to attract them to the field, but we're doing our very best,” Edmunds said.
However, he said there has been improvement, and it’s not just a shortage in Idaho. Nationwide, Edmunds said there is a mental health professional shortage.
“As a country, we probably are short by about 15,000 psychiatrists,” Edmunds said.
Rice said he is doing everything he can to help with the waiting lists at his clinic. He hired a new doctor and three doctoral students to start hosting sessions – but he’s worried even those sessions are already filling up.
“In order to handle the overflow, I've had to hire others to help me,” Rice said.
While Rice wants to help everyone, he said it’s hard because there’s just not enough capacity to keep up with the demand. He said it’s always been his mission to provide therapy to any Idahoan that needs it – but he’s not sure how to keep accommodating the high demand of patients.
“We are here to help people who still suffer,” Rice said. “Our goal is to reduce human suffering and life is kind of tough. We can help them deal with that better.”
Edmunds said the state has also opened Crisis Centers in every county in Idaho. Those are open and available 24/7 for anyone who needs immediate help.
If you are in crisis, you can also call 988, which is the Suicide Hotline, or text TALK to 741741.