A Mixed-Method Examination of Multi-Level Contributors to Community Mental Health Provider Burnout

Abstract

Community mental health providers (CMHPs) face high risk of experiencing burnout – an occupational syndrome characterized by emotional exhaustion, depersonalization and decreased personal accomplishment. CMHP burnout can lead to thwarted evidence-based practice efforts, staff turnover, worse quality care for clients, and poor provider well-being. However, it remains unclear what the full range of factors CMHPs’ perceive to be contributing to their burnout and which CMHPs are at most risk for burnout. Thus, the aim of the current study was to use qualitative and quantitative methods to examine multi-level factors that may contribute to CMHP burnout. Qualtrics surveys were completed by 197 CMHPs across 36 organizations across Washington State participating in a state-funded cognitive behavioral therapy training initiative for common youth mental health disorders. CMHPs reported on a 1-item measure on burnout, provider- and organization-level characteristics, and answered an open-ended question on perceived contributors to burnout. Using thematic analysis, large caseloads, role overload (i.e., excessive responsibilities without sufficient time and resources), and poor provider well-being emerged as the most salient contributors perceived by CMHPs. Furthermore, multilevel random-intercept logistic regression revealed that CMHPs with 1-3 years of clinical experience were most at risk of experiencing burnout compared to CMHPS with other experience levels within their organization. Findings highlight key areas for targeted intervention to address CMHP burnout and suggest that organizations may need to especially support CMHPs with 1-3 years of clinical experience to mitigate burnout.