Health care worker burnout has gotten significant press since the pandemic. According to the CDC, health care workers have been facing a mental health crisis with nearly half reporting often feeling burned out in 2022, up from 32% in 2018. More than double the number of health workers reported harassment at work in 2022 than in 2018, and nearly half of health workers intended to look for a new job in 2022, up from 33% in 2018.
What about mental health caregivers specifically?
While the world is struggling, the mental health crisis is having a significant impact on therapists, affecting them personally and professionally. The surge in demand for mental health services has led to an increased workload for therapists, an increase in more complex and acute mental health cases, limited resources, and financial stress.
As co-founder and Chief Wellness Officer at The Psyched Group, I am focused on bringing about change for therapists.
I used to be a solo practitioner and would think, “Who is supporting me?” Therapists need care, too. We carry a heavy load, listening to the mental burden weighing on clients every day. We take that burden on in many cases, and it weighs on us.
Years ago, long before health care burnout was recognized, I designed and delivered workshops in partnership with Hospice of Dayton, including, "Storytelling with C.A.R.E." and "Psychosocial & Emotional Aspects of PTSD: Processing Psychodrama," to support health caregivers with mitigating burnout and compassion fatigue. So, it’s not new for me.
Back in 2014, it all got me thinking. I love to positively support other therapists. I wanted to help affect change in the industry so therapists can be more effective for their clients, leading to happier people and a better world. So, The Psyched Group was born on the principle that I would be the “therapist of the therapists.”
I am still working at it at The Psyched Group. There is much work to be done. Today, I am proud to provide various benefits so therapists can build a lifestyle of care. Here are some of them:
- Better pay: In many cases, many therapists have to see 10 clients a day because of the increasing cost of living. I have been an advocate for better pay for therapists, important for bringing sustainable change in the industry. With better pay comes time for self-care, allowing therapists to rest, rejuvenate, and be their optimal selves to best serve their clients. The current, outdated mental health care model breeds therapist burnout and compassion fatigue. Both therapists and clients deserve better.
- Fitness and wellness membership: We pay for your yoga, gym, or wellness membership. We want you healthy and body health is mental health.
- Free “Weekend Wellness” Get-aways: Once per year, you have a free weekend getaway stay for you and a significant other at The Psyched beach house in Narragansett, RI or The Psyched mountain home in Brenton Woods, NH. Enjoy the relaxation of the ocean or clear your mind while hiking in the White Mountains of NH.
- Professional Coaching: If you’re not growing, your clients aren’t growing. Personal blocks at times will inhibit professional progress, and we don’t want that. You’re human. A Psyched Wellness Counselor/Coach ensues your growth every step of the way on your private practice journey so you can model your best self. (1 hour/month)
As therapists, we are only as effective with our clients as we are living effectively.
For more information on joining The Psyched Group team, including more benefits and support for therapists, go to: https://www.becomepsyched.com/careers