Date of Conferral

7-16-2026

Date of Award

July 2026

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Psychology

Advisor

Denise Horton

Abstract

COVID-19 changed the methods in which therapy was traditionally delivered. Mental health therapists switched from in-person to virtual sessions during the pandemic. There was a gap in research related to stress levels of mental health therapists in the telehealth field. Adaptations were made by mental health therapists to provide services and as a result virtual platforms were used to connect with the community served. This qualitative research study was an exploration of mental health therapists perceived responses to stress or burnout in relation to a global pandemic. The theoretical foundation used to assess perceived stress is the Stress Theory. The Stress Theory by Selye supports the presentation of stress on a biological level such as fatigue or burnout in some circumstances. There were two research questions and seven to eight guided questions. Seven participants were included in the study, and each was interviewed and asked to share their experience as mental health therapists working with patients through a global pandemic. Social change was explored through providing additional support to clinical therapists and provides insight from the interviewer’s experiences. Emergent themes from this study support mental health therapists returning to work in a hybrid environment, remotely, or an in-person capacity. This emergent theme also influences the quality of life for the provider. Mental health therapists were able to establish a level of professional freedom as well as increase caseload professionally. Additionally, mental health therapists appeared to improve their quality of life personally through the pandemic. The study’s recommendations can be used by providers during future pandemics.

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