Even as the field of behavioral health grows, retaining skilled providers can prove challenging for growing practices. While competitive wages are of course crucial, innovative incentives beyond pay can play a pivotal role in provider retention. A more holistic approach can help to attract and retain therapists, focusing on comprehensive benefits packages, flexible work arrangements, professional development, recognition programs, a supportive work culture, and employee wellness initiatives. The Behavioral Health Education Center of Nebraska (BHECN), which has studied benefits for therapist retention in depth, identified three key factors that impact whether providers stay or leave:
- Support
- Involvement
- Innovation
After interviewing a range of providers and professionals across the industry, these were the common themes they uncovered. Behavioral health professionals report wanting to have good relationships with their colleagues and their community; a feeling of ownership in their practice; and the flexibility required to provide their patients with quality care. Clearly, wages aren’t the only factor providers consider.
Competitive Benefits Packages
A comprehensive benefits package can go beyond the basics of health insurance and retirement plans—providers want practices that invest in their well-being. Professional development opportunities are one common addition to benefits packages. Wellness programs, pet insurance, and other offerings can address a broad range of employees’ needs.
Robust benefits packages demonstrate a commitment to the health, security, and growth of providers, which can contribute significantly to their job satisfaction. It’s important to understand what your providers need so that you can be sure those needs are addressed. Consider that early-career professionals may have different needs than those approaching retirement.
“Be a trailblazer and offer benefits that might not be mainstream to set your company apart from others,” the Society for Human Resource Management recommends. Some of the possibilities they suggest include:
- Ergonomic evaluations and equipment
- Quiet rooms for meditation or prayer
- Employee resource groups
- Student loan repayment assistance
Flexible Work Arrangements
Acknowledging the importance of work-life balance is crucial. Flexible work arrangements, such as remote work options, part-time opportunities, or letting therapists set their own schedules, empower behavioral health providers to balance their professional commitments with their personal lives. This more flexible approach not only reduces burnout but also fosters a work environment that prioritizes the well-being of providers. Behavioral health can be an emotionally taxing field, even for experienced professionals. Flexibility is one of the keys to provider retention.
When providers are more satisfied with their jobs, their own mental health is improved and they can provide a higher quality of care. This drives your reputation as well as referrals—for clients and providers. Practices that embrace flexibility not only attract top talent but also cultivate a culture of trust and mutual respect. Flexible work arrangements are not concessions; they are strategic investments that provide benefits for therapist and practice alike. Creating an environment where providers can thrive professionally and personally ultimately contributes to the long-term success of your behavioral health practice.
Professional Development and Training
The shift toward telehealth redefined how providers can deliver care, emphasizing the need for training in virtual modalities. This is just one reason to place a renewed focus on professional development and training. Comprehensive training programs that address the nuances of telehealth can not only enhance the skills of therapists but also elevate their job satisfaction and commitment to the practice. Effective online therapeutic techniques, understanding the technology integral to successful virtual sessions, and navigating the unique legal and ethical considerations associated with telehealth are just a few topics that could be included in a training program.
Continuous learning in areas such as cultural competency can provide major benefits for therapists. Ongoing training in these areas ensures that therapists can provide inclusive and effective care. Offering financial support for certifications or higher education can also help your providers with continuous learning and growth. Practices that invest in the growth of their providers experience increased loyalty, improved service quality, and a positive impact on the overall practice reputation.
Recognition and Appreciation Programs
Boosting morale through acknowledgment and appreciation can go a long way to creating a positive work environment. Public acknowledgment of achievements, for example through peer recognition or an Employee of the Month program, helps providers celebrate each other’s accomplishments. Building camaraderie in this way helps practices ensure that providers feel supported in the three key areas the BHECN uncovered (support, involvement, and innovation). Giving therapists a sense of purpose and recognition for their contributions helps increase job satisfaction and retention.
And just like with benefits packages, practices can be creative in the area of recognition and appreciation. A rotating recognition could focus across the different departments and functions of your practice, ensuring that all areas receive regular acknowledgement. This can build a sense of unity across the entire staff. A reward system, where employees accumulate points for nominations and recognition, could allow people to choose personalized perks.
Creating a Supportive Work Culture
A supportive work culture recognizes the emotional toll of the work that behavioral health professionals do. Belonging and trust are crucial components for building an inclusive team. Prioritizing a healthy work-life balance is important for reducing the chances of burnout, which is a risk across healthcare. When providers are supported themselves, they are equipped to provide the best possible care.
Initiatives such as mentorship programs, team-building activities, and open communication channels contribute to a workplace where providers feel valued, heard, and assured that they are an integral part of the practice. Mentorship in particular can create a culture of collaboration and shared learning. A supportive and inclusive work culture is a cornerstone of provider retention.
Employee Wellness Programs
Often immersed in the challenges of others, providers may need robust support for their own well-being. Employee wellness programs, mental health days, or covering gym memberships as a benefit are all incentives that encourage providers to prioritize their health. Just like patients, different providers may be motivated by or interested in different things, so plan multiple ways to acknowledge the importance of physical and mental well-being. Practices that prioritize the health of their providers position themselves as leaders in fostering a holistic approach to employee wellness.
Realizing the Benefits for Therapist Retention
The retention of therapists in behavioral health practices goes beyond traditional wages. An approach that includes competitive and comprehensive benefits, flexible work arrangements, professional development opportunities, recognition programs, a supportive work culture, and employee wellness initiatives shows consideration for providers as people with lives outside the practice. By prioritizing the well-being and continuous growth of therapists, practices can attract top talent and cultivate a work environment that leads to quality care and a thriving practice.
References / Sources
https://www.naadac.org/assets/2416/samhsa-naadac_workforce_bhecn_retention_toolkit2.pdf
https://www.shrm.org/resourcesandtools/tools-and-samples/hr-qa/pages/benefits-to-improve-employee-retention.aspx
