Mississippi has the second lowest rate of psychiatrists per population of any state in the country, according to Health Resources & Services Administration. That is of particular concern with the estimate that up to 20 percent of children have a behavioral health disorder, and 15 percent of people 60 and older need mental health services.
âWhen it comes to psychiatric providers, there is a huge need,â said Rep. Donnie Scoggin, who is a family nurse practitioner (FNP) in Ellisville. âIf you look at the ratio of patients per provider, we are very low on the totem pole. Mississippi, through cuts and lack of financial support, has been very unsuccessful in maintaining a good mental health program. We need psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs) desperately.â