Oregon Sees Growing Demand for Mental Health Professionals

OED Employment Economist Luke Coury analyzed data from online job postings and noted that, unlike the general decline in online ads across the economy returning to pre-pandemic levels, the volume of job postings for mental health professionals in Oregon remains high. This trend follows a minor dip during the pandemic and a significant rise during the economic recovery.

A report from the Governor’s Behavioral Health Talent Council (BHTC) highlights that current employment levels for mental health professionals are insufficient to meet growing demand, which had already been rising before the pandemic intensified the need.

In response to this workforce shortage, Governor Kotek instructed the Higher Education Coordinating Commission to consolidate efforts through a Behavioral Health Talent Assessment, which led to the formation of the BHTC. The council's final report offers 74 recommendations focused on expanding the workforce, streamlining licensing and credentialing, and improving recruitment and retention statewide. The first legislative measure stemming from the council's recommendations, known as the Cutting Red Tape for Behavioral Health Workers bill, was passed in 2026.

Chair of the BHTC, First Lady Aimee Kotek Wilson, stated, "The Behavioral Health Talent Council developed strategies to address the workforce shortage. Supporting the workforce and strengthening pathways into the field helps Oregon to retain workers, attract new talent, and ensure more Oregonians can access care when they need it."

Coury’s analysis revealed a particular demand for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors, aggregating 7,190 online job postings from June 2025 to June 2026, making these positions the most sought after in the mental health field.

The demand for mental health professionals is expected to remain strong over the next decade, with many roles projected to exceed the Oregon Employment Department's overall job growth forecast of 6.4% through 2034. For example, psychiatric technicians are anticipated to see a growth rate of 28.1%, while marriage and family therapists and counselors for substance abuse and behavioral disorders are projected to grow by 24.9% and 23.5%, respectively.

Coury remarked, "For those interested in a career built around helping others, becoming a mental health professional could be a great option. Demand is still high for those occupations and is projected to remain that way over the next decade."

Individuals in recovery and those with lived experience of behavioral health conditions play a vital, yet often overlooked, role in the workforce. Supporting them throughout their recovery can significantly impact the mental health and recovery professions.

The Oregon Employment Department's Workforce and Economic Research division provides various tools for students and job seekers at qualityinfo.org, including occupation data, wage information, career exploration resources, and job postings.

The Workforce and Economic Research Division develops and shares vital economic and workforce information to help Oregonians make informed decisions and foster a thriving economy, utilizing data collected from state and federal records and surveys.