New Profile Report: Crisis Services Workforce Shortages And Initiatives 2026

This NRI State Profiles report identifies major workforce shortages in behavioral health crisis settings: 988/Lifeline and other Contact Centers, Mobile Crisis Services, Crisis Stabilization Services, and short-term Crisis Residential settings. The report identifies types of behavioral health crisis workers with the greatest level of shortages at each crisis setting. The report compares reported 2026 shortage levels with 2023 shortages and finds in many states workforce shortages are getting more severe. The report also identifies initiatives in many states to grow, recruit and retain behavioral health workers.

Profiles reports are available at: www.nri-inc.org/profiles. State Mental Health Agency staff have access to detailed accompanying materials through the NRI’s State Profiles restricted access website. Please contact NRI at [email protected] with any questions or comments.