The gap in access to mental health services throughout the United States has been a prevalent problem only further exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a substantial deficit of 74,000 social workers each year for the next decade, highlighting a critical need for solutions.

In an effort to aid and address behavioral health worker shortages and gaps in mental health care access nationwide, legislators in almost 30 states are working toward passing legislation in 2024 to establish a common, multistate license for social workers. Thus far, 28 states (including Pennsylvania) have legislation enacted or pending to adopt the social work licensure compact (the compact). At least six states will need to enact legislation to accept the compact to officially establish a single license. This means only one more state needs to enact legislation for the license to be recognized.