Date of Conferral

8-22-2024

Date of Award

August 2024

Degree

Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.)

School

Management

Advisor

Kristen Chesser

Abstract

Adequate staffing in behavioral health treatment is essential to delivering safe, timely, and quality care. Frequently void of adequate staffing, treatment providers are eager to find solutions to overcome the negative impacts of the workforce shortage. The workforce shortage is a multifaceted issue with substantial negative consequences for treatment providers, clients, communities, and the county. This study partnered with a behavioral health organization (BHO) to examine the experienced impact of the workforce shortage and explore innovative solutions for leadership in overcoming the workforce shortage. This study employed a qualitative case study design, in combination with the Baldrige Excellence Framework, to guide this study. The participants in this study included the partnering BHO and three respective leadership staff, who functioned as study participants for semistructured interviews. This study analyzed primary data produced by the semistructured interviews and secondary data sources of organizational data, existing research, and literature, as well as government and public records. Through this analysis, four themes were identified: staffing, challenges, reactive leadership, and burnout. The findings of this study indicate a need for reform in multiple areas of organizational operation, including policy and procedures, employee benefits, leadership style, and strategic planning. This study may contribute to positive social change for behavioral health organizations by increasing awareness of the implications of inadequate staffing, while promoting innovative strategies to increase recruitment, retention, and quality of care.

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