Analysis
NAICS 621420 is the 2022 national industry for outpatient mental health and substance abuse centers, part of 62142 (Outpatient Mental Health and Substance Abuse Centers). Census lists 10 example activities under it in the official index.
Between 2018 and 2023 the number of establishments grew 36% and employment rose 17%. The 2018 count used NAICS 2017, so part of a large move can come from codes being redefined rather than from businesses opening or closing.
County Business Patterns counts 16,815 US establishments in this code in 2023, employing 321,445 people at an average annual payroll of $54,421 per employee (24th percentile of national industries). 38% of the establishments have fewer than five employees, which is close to the national mix.
Census lists 5 related activities that belong elsewhere, most often in 622210, 623220, 621112 and 621330. Businesses that do several things are classified by their primary activity, the one that generates the most value, so check those boundaries before settling on this code.
Its index entries, the activities Census uses to assign businesses to this code, include alcoholism treatment centers and clinics (except…, detoxification centers and clinics (except hospitals)…, drug addiction treatment centers and clinics (except… and mental health centers and clinics (except hospitals)…, among 10 in all.
For example, businesses known and licensed as hospitals primarily engaged in the inpatient treatment of mental health and substance abuse illnesses with an emphasis on medical treatment and monitoring are classified in 622210 (Psychiatric and Substance Abuse Hospitals) instead.
Official definition
This industry comprises establishments with medical staff primarily engaged in providing outpatient services related to the diagnosis and treatment of mental health disorders and alcohol and other substance abuse. These establishments generally treat patients who do not require inpatient treatment. They may provide a counseling staff and information regarding a wide range of mental health and substance abuse issues and/or refer patients to more extensive treatment programs, if necessary.
Illustrative Examples:
Outpatient alcoholism treatment centers and clinics (except hospitals) Outpatient mental health centers and clinics (except hospitals) Outpatient detoxification centers and clinics (except hospitals) Outpatient substance abuse treatment centers and clinics (except hospitals) Outpatient drug addiction treatment centers and clinics (except hospitals)
Source: US Census Bureau, NAICS 2022 Manual.
Not this code if…
| The business mainly does | Use instead |
|---|---|
| Establishments known and licensed as hospitals primarily engaged in the inpatient treatment of mental health and substance abuse illnesses with an emphasis on medical treatment and monitoring | 622210 Psychiatric and Substance Abuse Hospitals |
| The inpatient treatment of mental health and substance abuse illnesses with an emphasis on residential care and counseling rather than medical treatment | 623220 Residential Mental Health and Substance Abuse Facilities |
| Establishments of physicians primarily engaged in the independent practice of psychiatry or psychoanalysis | 621112 Offices of Physicians, Mental Health Specialists |
| Establishments of independent mental health practitioners (except physicians) | 621330 Offices of Mental Health Practitioners (except Physicians) |
| Providing nonresidential counseling services for substance abuse, mental health, suicide intervention, and other crisis intervention social services to children and youth, the elderly, persons with disabilities, and all other individuals and families | 6241 Individual and Family Services |
Index entries (10)
- Alcoholism treatment centers and clinics (except hospitals), outpatient
- Detoxification centers and clinics (except hospitals), outpatient
- Drug addiction treatment centers and clinics (except hospitals), outpatient
- Mental health centers and clinics (except hospitals), outpatient
- Outpatient mental health centers and clinics (except hospitals)
- Outpatient treatment centers and clinics (except hospitals) for substance abuse (i.e., alcoholism, drug addiction)
- Outpatient treatment centers and clinics for alcoholism
- Outpatient treatment centers and clinics for drug addiction
- Psychiatric centers and clinics (except hospitals), outpatient
- Substance abuse treatment centers and clinics (except hospitals), outpatient