From 57% to 54%: More Therapists Crossing the Finish Line, But Not Nearly Enough
More than half of future therapists still leave the field before licensure. Our new research shows a modest step forward from 57% to 54%—but the pipeline remains fragile. This white paper explores the barriers holding clinicians back and the strategies proving most effective in closing the gap.
GET THE WHITE PAPERWhere Are We Losing Future Therapists—And What Can Be Done About It?
Our latest white paper takes a closer look at the licensure pipeline: why more than half of graduates never reach licensure, where the system is showing signs of progress, and the proven strategies that can keep early-career clinicians in the field.
GET THE WHITE PAPERUnderstand where the licensure pipeline breaks down
More than 54% of master’s-level graduates in counseling, social work, and marriage & family therapy never make it to licensure. The workforce shortage begins here—long before burnout or retirement.
Learn what’s helping—and what’s still holding us back
Progress has been made through virtual supervision, interstate compacts, and employer investment, but new state-level regulations in places continue to add barriers.
Explore solutions that are already working
From stipends to structured associate roles, programs like Kaiser Permanente’s Workforce Accelerator and Elevance Health’s supervision grants are showing what it takes to retain early-career clinicians.
Get clear strategies to strengthen the pipeline
The white paper highlights four priorities—ease financial burden, simplify licensure, design for retention, and treat supervision as infrastructure—all proven ways to keep more clinicians in the field.
“The workforce shortage remains a major hurdle for employers and the clients they serve.
While this important new research from Motivo provides a glimmer of hope that we have made some progress to convince graduates to complete the licensing process and enter the field, it’s plainly obvious that we must continue efforts to encourage and inspire the next generation of behavioral health workers.
This is an amazing time to enter the field of behavioral health. Graduates need to know how much opportunity exists so they take that final step and become licensed therapists.”
Chuck Ingoglia
President and CEO
National Council for Mental Wellbeing
We solve
clinical supervision