The Math Doesn’t Work for Most Mental Health Clinicians in St. Louis

The Insight

These estimates exclude expenses such as private practice overhead and caregiving costs. Clinical psychologists are the only group showing a surplus, and they represent a smaller fraction of the mental health workforce.

Why It Matters

When the basic economics of a career don’t work, retention becomes structurally difficult regardless of individual commitment. The gap between earnings and expenses is a necessary starting point for any compensation, loan relief, or reimbursement strategy.

👉 See the full analysis in the Chiron Community Giving Foundation Issue Brief: “Mental Healthcare Access: Economic Factors Contributing to the Mental Healthcare Workforce Shortage in St. Louis, MO,” April 2025