Projected State Shortage of Mental Health Professionals July 13, 2018 General Misc California is expected to face a shortfall of 729 to 1,848 psychiatrists by 2025, compared to 336 psychiatrists in 2016. The calculation was made based on federal regulations that stipulate a population-to-mental health provider ratio of 30,000 to 1. A study released in February by the Healthforce Center at UC San Francisco cites current and expected retirement levels as a leading cause of the shortage, as those older than 60 make up 45 percent of psychiatrists. Other reasons for the shortage include low rates of reimbursement, burnout, and burdensome documentation requirements. It is estimated that 20 percent of the US population needs treatment for mental illness or substance use and/or dependence but do not receive any care. Physician workforce is a major advocacy issue for the ACCMA and the California Medical Association (CMA). To read more, go to https://www.sacbee.com/news/local/health-and-medicine/article214019489.html.