Date of Conferral

2022

Degree

Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.)

School

Psychology

Advisor

Mark Arcuri

Abstract

Behavioral health clinician shortages are a significant and ongoing problem in the United States, especially in rural areas, which have higher rates of homelessness, suicide, substance use, and violence rates than urban areas. The purpose of this qualitative case study was to explore factors contributing to the behavioral health clinician shortage in a rural midwestern U.S. public health department. The goal was to gain a better understanding of this shortage and explore strategies and solutions for recruiting and retaining behavioral health clinicians at the agency’s facilities. The Baldrige excellence framework undergirded the investigation. Data sources included interviews with three administrative staff, archival data from the organization, agency websites, and data from a review of scholarly literature. Results indicated several factors impacting clinician recruitment and retention, including salary, qualifications, credentials, distance, and lack of applicants. Recommendations included developing and implementing a phased recruitment and retention strategic plan over a 1-year period. Study findings may contribute to positive social change by suggesting approaches for recruiting and retaining behavioral health clinicians in rural areas. Implementing these approaches could reduce clinician burnout from high caseloads, billing demands, and complex clients and promote retaining these health care providers. This could foster better access to clinical services, which could lead to reductions in mental health hospitalizations, incarcerations, homelessness, and suicides, which continue to be increasing concerns in rural areas.

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