Hawaii is taking positive steps toward easing its social worker shortage.
Social work employment is expected to grow by 17%, bringing vital relief to the state’s strained mental health workforce. Yet demand for care continues to outpace supply.
Nearly 80% of residents still face barriers accessing care due to low provider availability, while growing mental health needs among youth and an aging population drive even higher demand. To truly meet Hawaii residents’ health and wellness needs, the state must build on its progress.
The behavioral health professional shortage is felt across Hawaii communities. More than 230,000 adults live with a mental health condition, and for many, accessing treatment is an uphill struggle. Nearly half a million residents live in mental health deserts, with just one provider for every 335 patients. This shortage leaves hundreds of thousands of Hawaii adults, seniors and children without much-needed treatment and support.
At the same time, Hawaii has a rapidly aging population.
Within the next decade, one in four adults will be 65 or older. This significantly increases demand for professionals to help meet a growing pool of older adults’ health needs. Social workers meet those needs by helping seniors access assisted living services, arranging transportation to medical appointments and working alongside their doctors to create comprehensive care plans that support well-being. They are essential, but right now, there aren’t enough social workers to meet the growing demand.
The need for health care professionals touches every Hawaii community, but it’s most urgent among the state’s youth.
Each year, 17,000 Hawaii adolescents experience a major depressive episode, while 14,000 struggle with serious thoughts of suicide. The 2023 Maui and Lahaina fires deepened this crisis, leaving more than half of the youth aged 10 to 17 with depression, 30% with anxiety and nearly 45% showing signs of PTSD. Meanwhile, Maui’s behavioral health providers have dropped from four to just two. Without expanded access, vulnerable youth risk falling further behind.
Social workers make a significant difference by providing counseling, therapy and crisis intervention. They also expand health care access through telehealth services, which are indispensable across Hawaii’s islands. If providers aren’t available locally, virtual appointments ensure residents can receive care at home instead of flying to a neighboring island.
But helping Hawaii communities thrive requires more than just therapy or counseling. Social workers are also bridges that connect communities with resources that support their social and physical well-being. They can connect youth to after-school programs and help older adults access community services, fitness programs or meal delivery services.
Hawaii has made meaningful progress in building its social work workforce. For example, the University of Hawaii has been increasing awareness and expanding pipelines that support social work graduates. These efforts have already made a difference, but demand for training programs remains high. Expanding education pathways and loan repayment options would make it easier for social workers to enter the field and deliver high-quality care.
Social workers are critical agents in closing health care gaps. With continued investment, they can help bring much-needed relief to Hawaii’s residents, ensuring that no one has to face health or well-being challenges alone.
Richard L. Jones, PhD, is the president of the board at Preferra Insurance Co. RRG, a behavioral health liability insurance company overseen by social workers.
