Date of Conferral
2023
Degree
Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.)
School
Psychology
Advisor
Derek Rohde
Abstract
During the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a high need for mental health services, which resulted in a shortage of mental health clinicians. This shortage of mental health clinicians then resulted in a high burnout rate due to client intake. This doctoral case study was grounded in the Baldrige Excellence Framework and focused on how a behavioral health organization in South Texas managed burnout in clinicians during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to help behavioral health leaders find a solution to preventing burnout during a high demand pandemic. This doctoral study had several data sources, including semistructured interviews with three organizational leaders, a review of administrative archival records, and an academic literature review. Thematic content analysis revealed that (a) clinicians experienced a higher workload during the pandemic, and (b) clinicians struggled with the quick transition from in-office to teletherapy. Strategy, workforce, and client-focused recommendations are provided to address study findings. Finding new ways for organizational leaders to address burnout in the clinical setting contributes to positive social change since it helps encourage a healthy workplace culture.
Recommended Citation
De la Torre, Claudia P., "A Leadership Perspective on Preventing Counselor Burnout in a Behavioral Health Setting During COVID-19" (2023). Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies. 12097.
https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/12097
